Julia Roberts turned heads at the 35th Annual Gotham Film Awards in New York City on December 1, captivating the crowd with a vibrant purple ensemble reminiscent of Princess Diana’s iconic fashion. The Julia Roberts purple suit quickly became a talking point, channeling vintage elegance while celebrating the actress’s status as both a Hollywood and fashion standout.
Julia Roberts’ Fashion Statement Echoes a Royal Icon
Roberts made a memorable entrance wearing a bold purple silk suit adorned with a purple-on-purple polka dot pattern. The suit featured a double-breasted blazer with a plunging neckline and wide-leg trousers, prompting instant comparisons to Princess Diana’s signature 1980s looks. By showcasing strong shoulders and jewel tones coupled with classic polka dots, Roberts paid a clear sartorial homage to the late Princess of Wales.
Complementing the suit, Roberts wore her red hair in soft, center-parted waves, and layered multicolored beaded necklaces to inject playful color into her outfit. Arriving with director Luca Guadagnino, she exuded youthful charm as she greeted a lively crowd of fans and photographers. The ensemble highlighted her flair for balancing classic and contemporary style, reinforcing her influence among Hollywood’s fashion elite.
Recognition for ‘After the Hunt’ at the Gotham Awards
Roberts attended the evening as a nominee for her performance in Luca Guadagnino’s film After the Hunt, where she portrays a professor caught in a tense situation involving a student and colleague after grave allegations arise. Starring alongside Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri, Roberts has immersed herself in the project’s academic themes both on and off screen amid a stylish press tour that often features scholarly-inspired attire.
While reflecting on her collaboration with Garfield, Roberts shared her admiration:
First take, [Andrew] just blows in and has this great scene,
Julia Roberts, Actress.
And you know, it’s a long scene, and then it’s over. You know, ‘Cut.’ I was just like, ‘Whoa, I’m sweating,’
Julia Roberts, Actress. Her appreciation for Edebiri was equally heartfelt:
It’s been really such a beautiful thing to sit next to Ayo, who I really admire and adore, and to listen to the words she chooses, and the way that she sees the world and this movie.
Julia Roberts, Actress.
The Gotham Awards further spotlighted Roberts’ signature academic chic. Over the course of her press appearances, she has consistently blended feminine and tailored styles, turning collared dresses with ties, crisp blue button-downs, and fashion-forward suits into her red carpet staples.
An Evening of High Fashion and Star Power
Roberts was far from alone in showcasing bold fashion on this glamorous night in Hollywood. Rihanna’s arrival in a pastel pink outfit cleverly concealed her pregnancy, adding a fresh pop of color to the event. Kate Hudson kept it elegant in a figure-hugging black gown, while Jennifer Lawrence dazzled the crowd with her take on modern glamour. Among the men, Hugh Jackman opted for traditional sophistication with a tailored suit and tie, and Sutton Foster complemented him in a sparkling black gown paired with pointed heels.
The collective presence of such prominent stars, combined with trend-forward styling choices, made the 2025 Annual Gotham Film Awards a focal point for both film enthusiasts and fashion watchers. Julia Roberts purple suit, inspired by Princess Diana and full of bold individuality, set a memorable tone for the event and reinforced Roberts’ place as a trendsetter on and off the screen.
As awards season continues, Roberts’ fashion-forward choices and the acclaim for her role in After the Hunt are likely to keep her in the spotlight. Her blend of classic inspiration and contemporary flair points to an evolving red carpet landscape that celebrates both individuality and homage to the icons of years past.
