Jenna Ortega made a striking comeback at the Golden Globe Awards on January 11, capturing attention with her return after a three-year hiatus and earning a Best Actress in a TV Series—Musical or Comedy nomination. Her resurgence at the ceremony, styled in a signature gothic-inspired look, further cemented the Jenna Ortega Golden Globes return as a major fashion and celebrity moment for 2026.
Jenna Ortega’s Anticipated Return to the Golden Globes
Following her memorable Gucci ensemble in 2023, Ortega’s absence from the previous ceremonies left fans eager for her reappearance. This year, she graced the red carpet at The Beverly Hill Hotel, accompanied by her longtime stylist, Enrique Melendez. The selection process for her attire was notably effortless; Melendez shared with Marie Claire that the first dress they tried—a Dilara Findikoglu Spring 2026 gown—was the immediate choice:
Best Actress in a TV Series—Musical or Comedy
.
The black gown paid subtle homage to her iconic Wednesday Addams character from the Netflix series Wednesday, a role that has brought her international acclaim. Melendez and Ortega both have an affinity for darker palettes, and this choice was an organic extension of that preference. The dress combined distressed satin, a high turtleneck, and rhinestone fringes, with dramatic side cut-outs and a velvet skirt requiring no alterations due to the
structure of the [dress’s] front panels,
as revealed by Melendez. The fit was perfect for the nominee, accentuating her poise as she posed for photographers.
Honoring Wednesday Addams and Bold Fashion Choices
This Golden Globes appearance marked Ortega’s first in several years, and her fashion clearly referenced her beloved Wednesday Addams persona. Ortega instructed Melendez from the start to
let the dress be the moment,
allowing its intricate features to take center stage. These included ruffled detailing on the bodice, embroidered collar, and a scarf-inspired accent down the center. Makeup artist Mélanie Inglessis complemented the ensemble with a minimal, fresh-faced look, and hair stylist Cesar DeLeon Ramirez initially envisioned mini braids as a subtle nod to designer Findikoglu, though a last-minute shift led to a different styling choice.
The look was a highlight on the Dilara Findikoglu Spring 2026 runway, reinforcing Ortega’s fashion-forward reputation and underscoring her unique style on the red carpet. Her return reminded audiences of her celebrated 2023 Golden Globes debut, when the young actor was just 21 and earned her first nomination for Wednesday’s breakout season. That year, she opted for a Gucci Spring 2023 gown with cutout details, offering a modern twist on the gothic flair her character is known for, and accessorized with Tiffany & Co. jewelry and Jimmy Choo heels.
Consistent Red Carpet Excellence Across Awards Seasons
Though not a frequent attendee at the Golden Globes, Ortega has developed a distinguished presence during the awards season circuit. She has appeared on multiple best-dressed lists, including at the Emmy Awards, where her Givenchy ensemble at the 2025 ceremony drew notable attention. This look, created in collaboration with Sarah Burton, featured a bejeweled illusion bodice and arrived with very specific styling requirements. In discussing the sleek effect, Melendez shared that the Emmy swap from runway trousers to a low-rise slip skirt was inspired by Ortega’s suggestion to make the outfit
a little more elegant for the Emmys,
further demonstrating her active role in shaping her public image.
The consistent collaboration between Ortega and Melendez has produced numerous red carpet successes. Melendez prefers to select standout pieces for Ortega spontaneously, rather than planning months in advance. As he expressed regarding this year’s dress,
If people love it, great. If they don’t love it, that’s OK, too,
highlighting their commitment to authenticity and individual style.
Fashion Evolution and Cultural Impact
Ortega’s stylistic choices resonate far beyond the red carpet, influencing trends and inspiring both viewers and fashion critics. Whether she is wearing Gucci, Givenchy, or Dilara Findikoglu, her wardrobe shifts celebrate her character’s gothic glamour while evolving with each major appearance. Ortega’s ability to blend personal expression with on-screen homage has established her as a style leader in Hollywood and among her fans.
With her Jenna Ortega Golden Globes return, she has not only achieved another fashion triumph but also reaffirmed her connection to Wednesday Addams, strengthened her ongoing collaborations with figures like Enrique Melendez, Mélanie Inglessis, and Cesar DeLeon Ramirez, and increased anticipation for her future awards season appearances. As Ortega continues to evolve both as an actor and fashion icon, her influence on pop culture and on the red carpet remains undeniable.
