SAG Awards Fashion: Selena Gomez Shines, and a Snow White Debate

The 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards aired live on Netflix on February 23, from the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, and I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. Hosted by Kristen Bell, the night celebrated standout performances in film and television, with winners like "Wicked" for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and "Shogun" for its ensemble work on the TV side. Jane Fonda’s SAG Life Achievement Award, presented by Michelle Pfeiffer, was a highlight that added depth to the evening. But for me, the real magic happened on the red carpet, where Selena Gomez absolutely stole the show. Her look blew me away, and it got me thinking about everything from fairy-tale casting to the power of fashion. Here’s my take on the night, starting with Gomez’s moment, plus my picks for the best-dressed stars and designers who made it unforgettable.

Selena Gomez: A Regal Masterpiece

When I saw Selena Gomez step onto the SAG Awards red carpet, I was floored. She wore a custom Celine gown by Hedi Slimane, a midnight blue stunner that screamed elegance. The off-the-shoulder design had a structured bodice, a wide V-shaped neckline, and a thigh-high slit showing off strappy black Jimmy Choo heels. A cutout at the upper back revealed some of her tattoos, which I thought added a cool personal touch. Her hair, styled by Renato Campora into a sleek, 1960s-inspired bob with soft curls tucked behind her ears, looked flawless. Makeup artist Hung Vanngo gave her a bold red lip and matching Rare Beauty manicure, paired with diamond Messika jewelry—flower earrings and stacked rings—that took the whole look to another level. I’d call it regal, perfect from head to toe.

Gomez wasn’t just there to dazzle, though. She was up for two awards: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series with "Only Murders in the Building" (which won) and Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for "Emilia Perez." She also presented an award alongside stars like Timothee Chalamet and Ariana Grande. Watching her walk the carpet—elegant, confident, and totally in control—I thought she absolutely killed it. Entertainment Tonight compared her to Snow White, and I couldn’t agree more. The classic Hollywood vibe, the dark gown against that red lip, and the short, polished bob all reminded me of the fairy-tale princess. Honestly, I think she’d be perfect for the role, and it got me wondering why Disney didn’t see it too.

My Snow White Take: Gomez vs. Zegler

That Snow White comparison hit me hard, especially with Disney’s live-action "Snow White" remake, starring Rachel Zegler, hitting theaters in March. I’ve been following the film’s rollout, and I’m not impressed. The trailer, dropped at D23 in August 2024, has over a million dislikes on YouTube against just 45,000 likes as of April 7, —one of the most disliked ever. I blame a lot of that on Zegler’s comments about the character. Back in a 2022 Variety interview, she called the 1937 animated classic “dated” and trashed its love story, saying the prince was basically a stalker. She talked up a modern take where the prince, played by Andrew Burnap, wouldn’t save her, even joking his scenes might get cut. “It’s Hollywood, baby,” she said, but I found that attitude off-putting.

Then I saw Gomez at the SAG Awards, and the difference hit me like a ton of bricks. Her look captured the femininity and grace I want in Snow White—qualities I don’t see in Zegler. I think Gomez has the charm and presence to pull it off, while Zegler’s interviews made her seem resentful of the role. When I look at the "Snow White" poster, Zegler’s expression feels more annoyed than princess-like, which doesn’t sit right with me. I remember her saying she hated the character and found it old-fashioned, wanting to ditch the prince and all that “wacko” stuff. I don’t think she has the personality or the vibe for Snow White. To me, the role needs someone regal and womanly, not someone who comes off like a kid complaining about a job.

I’d argue Gomez nails that regal vibe. Her makeup at the SAG Awards, with that red lip, and her short hair felt so Snow White-coded—it’s like she walked out of a storybook. Zegler, on the other hand, struck me as a disaster pick. I can’t get over how she bashed the character in public. Where was her media training? I’d have told her to keep it simple: smile, say you love Snow White, and leave the critiques at home. It’s basic etiquette. If I had a job I didn’t love, I wouldn’t go around telling everyone it sucks—I’d suck it up and say it’s great. Zegler could’ve done that, but instead, she tanked the movie’s goodwill. Gomez, with her sweetness and 400 million Instagram followers, feels like the obvious choice. I think she’d have done the role justice, and I’m baffled Disney didn’t see it.

"Snow White" Flops: My Reaction

The numbers back up my frustration. "Snow White" opened to just $87 million worldwide against a $270 million budget—a flop by Disney standards, as Variety reported on March 25. I wasn’t surprised. The studio cut back on promotion after Zegler’s political X posts in August 2024—like one ending “and always remember, free Palestine”—stirred controversy and threats toward Gal Gadot, hiking security costs. Reshoots and bad buzz didn’t help either. By April 7, I see it as a missed shot. Zegler’s team hired someone to vet her social media, but I think the damage was already done. I wanted a Snow White who embraced the role, not one who seemed to hate it.

I’m not saying Zegler can’t act—she won a Golden Globe for "West Side Story," so she’s got chops. But for me, Snow White isn’t just about talent. It’s about charm, reverence for a classic, and that fairy-tale aura. Gomez had all that at the SAG Awards. Her poised walk, her perfect look—I think she could’ve carried the film. Disney’s choice feels like a lesson in misreading an audience. I get wanting a modern twist, but when you’ve got a story loved since 1937, don’t trash what made it special. I’m still shaking my head at what could’ve been.

My Best-Dressed Picks: Designers Rule the Night

Gomez wasn’t the only one who caught my eye—the SAG Awards red carpet was packed with incredible looks. Here are my favorite best-dressed stars and the designers who made them shine.

• Cynthia Erivo in Archival Givenchy: Nominated for "Wicked," Erivo wore a metallic silver gown from Givenchy’s archives. I loved the dramatic sleeves, fringed collar, and draped skirt—stylist Jason Bolden called it a Tin Man nod, and I agree it was a standout.

• Millie Bobby Brown in Custom Louis Vuitton: The "Stranger Things" star glowed in a peach satin Louis Vuitton gown. I thought the simple cut let her blonde hair pop, and skipping heavy jewelry kept it elegant.

• Monica Barbaro in Custom Dior: From "A Complete Unknown," Barbaro rocked a plunging red Dior gown with Bulgari jewels. I liked how stylist Jeanann Williams kept it minimal but striking—perfect for her SAG debut.

• Ariana Grande in Custom Loewe: Playing Glinda in "Wicked," Grande wore a dusty pink off-the-shoulder Loewe dress with floral details. I found the white pointy-toed shoes and light makeup whimsical yet chic.

• Pamela Anderson in Dior: Nominated for "The Last Showgirl," Anderson looked majestic in a white one-shoulder Dior gown with a flowing cape sleeve. I thought it proved she’s still a red carpet queen.

• Sofia Carson in Elie Saab Haute Couture: As an ambassador, Carson wore a peony pink gown with an asymmetric neckline and silk train. I loved the 100 carats of Chopard jewelry—it screamed Old Hollywood.

• Elle Fanning in Custom Design: Fanning brought classic glamour in a strapless black column dress with a peplum waist and Cartier diamond-and-emerald jewels. I thought her red lip sealed the deal.

• Quinta Brunson in Dior: The "Abbott Elementary" star wore a bohemian lace Dior gown with diamond rings and earrings. I liked how it mixed casual vibes with high glamour.

• Kerry Washington in Custom Armani Prive: Washington stunned in a blush Armani Prive gown with Bucherer jewelry. I thought the soft hue and detailing made it quietly powerful.

These looks showed off the range of talent on display, from Celine to Givenchy, Louis Vuitton to Dior. I loved how the designers blended modern flair with classic elegance, and Gomez’s Celine gown fit right in as my top pick.

My Highlights of the Night

The awards themselves had plenty to cheer about. "Wicked" won the top film ensemble prize, and I enjoyed seeing Erivo and Grande accept it with their cast. "Shogun" swept the TV drama category, and I thought Anna Sawai’s custom Armani Prive gown looked amazing as she spoke. "Only Murders in the Building" took the comedy ensemble award, and I found Gomez’s flustered “I don’t know what to say, I’m just so grateful” speech totally endearing. Jane Fonda’s Life Achievement moment, reflecting on 60 years, got me emotional—it was a well-deserved standing ovation.

I had mixed feelings about some choices, though. Timothee Chalamet’s leather suit and lime green shirt for "A Complete Unknown" didn’t work for me—I agreed with NationalWorld calling it a worst-dressed pick, even if others saw it as bold. Still, Gomez’s moment kept pulling me back—she tied the night together for me.

Looking back on the SAG Awards, I can’t stop thinking about Selena Gomez. She didn’t just own the red carpet—she made me rethink what Snow White could’ve been. Her regal look and charm stood out against Rachel Zegler’s rocky run as Disney’s princess. I see "Snow White"’s flop—with its disliked trailer and weak box office—as a missed chance. I think Gomez could’ve brought the grace and love the role needed, and I’m still puzzled why Disney went another way.

The night also showed off fashion at its best, with my picks like Erivo, Brown, and Grande proving designers can elevate any event. Celine, Givenchy, Dior, and more made it a feast for the eyes, and I loved every minute. For me, the SAG Awards were a reminder of how presence and style matter—and how casting the right person can make or break a story. Disney, if you’re listening, I’ve got one word: Selena.