Viola Davis, the acclaimed actress and EGOT winner, recently revisited her iconic appearance at the 2017 Oscars during a light-hearted exchange on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The evening was particularly memorable as she received the Best Supporting Actress award for her moving performance in “Fences”. However, nearly a decade later, Davis revealed an intriguing detail about her glamorous attire that had gone unnoticed by the public until now.
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Davis, who donned a stunning custom scarlet red gown designed by Armani, reminisced about the unforgettable night while seated across from Fallon. As the host inquired about her memories and reactions when viewing images from the ceremony, Davis candidly responded, “I won an Oscar. What do you think?” This statement, while straightforward, led to a surprising revelation about what lay beneath her magnificent gown.
During the discussion, Davis lifted the veil on her stylish secret, disclosing that she wore specially created platform sneakers under her elegant dress. She explained that these unique shoes, custom-designed to be approximately seven inches high, were her unexpected source of confidence on that prestigious stage. Fallon’s surprise echoed that of the audience as they absorbed the remarkable revelation.
The actress elaborated on the significance of this memorable detail, pointing out a photo from the ceremony in which she could be seen in her award-winning gown. With a playful gesture, she highlighted her footwear, stating emphatically, “I was wearing sneakers right there.” This unexpected twist has since added another layer to her celebrated appearance, showcasing her ability to blend glamour with comfort.
Reflecting further on her public persona, Davis brought up her likeness at Madame Tussauds. She acknowledged a striking resemblance to her wax figure, which features her in the same iconic red dress, unveiled in April 2025 at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. Davis expressed her astonishment at the life-like representation, stating that it “freaked me right the hell out” to see herself captured in such a manner.
In addition to her reminiscences from the Oscars, Davis provided insight into another recent fashion moment during her appearance on Fallon. She shared an amusing anecdote about an unfortunate incident at the 2026 Actor Awards, wherein her dress suffered a wardrobe malfunction. Despite the mishap, she approached it with humour, reassuring Fallon and viewers by saying, “But it’s all good!”
Davis wore a custom emerald green gown by Gucci at that event, which featured an elegant off-the-shoulder look with pleated silk Lurex fabric draping to the floor. Her style choice garnered attention not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for her emotional reaction to the night’s highlights. During the ceremony, she presented an award to fellow actor Michael B. Jordan, whose performance in “Sinners” elicited a heartfelt standing ovation from the audience.
Following the ceremony, Davis became the subject of viral attention when footage captured her emotional response to Jordan’s win. As he made his way to the stage, her audible excitement was picked up by the microphone, allowing viewers to witness a true moment of joy and pride. Reflecting on the experience, she noted that the clip had brought laughter to her and her husband, Julius Tennon, stating, “Me and my husband have been laughing for two days.”
In her recent interview, Davis has also been busy promoting her debut novel, “Judge Stone,” reflecting on the intersection of her career in acting and writing. Through her various projects, she continues to showcase her multifaceted talents, reinforcing her position as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.
The candid revelations from Viola Davis serve not only as a glimpse into the glitz and glamour of award shows but also highlight her authentic personality. Her ability to maintain a sense of humour in the face of wardrobe malfunctions and share her unique fashion choices endears her further to fans. Whether she’s accepting awards or sharing her experiences, Davis remains a figure of inspiration in both film and literature.