**Shailene Woodley Stuns at 2026 Emmy Awards with Daring Fashion Choice and First Win**
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Shailene Woodley, the acclaimed actress known for her role in “Big Little Lies,” made a significant impression at the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards, where she showcased a striking and unique outfit. This marked her return to the Emmys red carpet nearly a decade after her last appearance, and she certainly did not shy away from making a bold fashion statement.
At the event, held at the Peacock Theater in California on September 14, Woodley wore a halter top in a beautiful periwinkle hue, featuring a daring plunging neckline that highlighted her confident style. Accompanying this was a pair of glittering trousers from Balenciaga’s haute couture collection, adorned with sequins that shimmered under the lights. To further elevate her ensemble, the star accessorised with eye-catching opera gloves in a rich eggplant shade.
In addition to her striking outfit, Woodley drew attention with her choice of jewellery. Around her neck hung an exquisite necklace by Handle Only with Love, valued at an astounding £98,000 (approximately $120,000). This one-of-a-kind piece, known as the “Frida” collar, featured 13 hand-carved Venetian glass sections in a vibrant array of colours and designs, all framed in 18-karat yellow gold and interspersed with old European-cut diamonds weighing a total of 3.08 carats.
The actress’s fashion choices were not just visually impressive; they also underscored a monumental moment in her career. Woodley won her first Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Annie Clay in Hulu’s “Paradise.” This was the series’ only award of the night, despite garnering seven nominations overall.
The last time Woodley graced the Emmys was back in 2017 when she was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her role in “Big Little Lies.” Her absence from the red carpet was notable, but upon her return, she certainly made an impact both in performance and presentation.
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Woodley reflected on her gratitude for the award, stating, “Mom, this is so cool. I just feel so lucky to do what we do and to be a part of the circus with all of you amazing travelling storytelling clowns.” Her emotional tribute resonated with her peers, as she acknowledged both the joy and privilege of being part of the entertainment industry.
“Paradise” has carved a niche for itself as a compelling addition to post-apocalyptic narratives, with Woodley’s character becoming a central figure in the latest season. Annie Clay, a former Graceland tour guide and one of the survivors, provided an emotional anchor for the series, a role that Woodley meticulously crafted.
In a previous interview, Woodley discussed the differences between her character and herself, noting, “Annie and I are actually very different, which was fun to play somebody that was very different than who I am. I think the one point of relation is we’re both quite resilient, but the way that we practice that resiliency is different.”
Following the ceremony, Woodley made a further change to her outfit at Disney’s afterparty at Vibiana in Los Angeles. She swapped her halter top for a casual T-shirt that celebrated the 1986 film “Home of the Brave,” showcasing her versatility and playful side, even at such a prestigious event.
Shailene Woodley’s return to the Emmy Awards has been marked by both fashion-forward choices and a triumphant moment in her career, reminding audiences of her talent and individuality. As she steps back into the limelight, fans and critics alike will undoubtedly be eager to see what this dynamic actress has in store for the future. Her blend of creativity and authenticity continues to resonate, establishing her as a significant figure in contemporary television and cinema.