The “Moonfall” actress recreated her Oscars look of years ago when she became the first black woman to bag the award for Best Actress.
Fan reactions to Halle Berry’s recent appearance in her iconic flower-beaded gown from the 2002 Oscars have been filled with a mix of admiration and curiosity about her changing appearance.
A fan comments on Halle Berry’s appearance at the 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from a post dated November 14, 2024 | Source: Facebook/peoplemag
Berry recreated the memorable and iconic evening on November 13, 2024, when she arrived at the 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab event. The ceremony, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, celebrated the brand’s 45th anniversary, making it the perfect occasion to showcase its lasting legacy.
Halle Berry at the 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from a post dated November 15, 2024 | Source: Instagram/eliesaabworld
The actress first wore the dress when she won the Oscars for Best Actress for her role in 2001’s “Monster’s Ball.” This time, Halle Berry, in her stunning flower-beaded gown embodied the timelessness of both the dress and the brand.
The gown features a mesh bodice decorated with floral appliqués and a silky asymmetrical skirt. On this occasion, the actress added a pair of oversized gemstone earrings and styled her hair in a lustrous top knot.
She highlighted her ageless beauty and the enduring elegance of the gown, amazing her loyal fans. However, some admirers, focusing on her facial appearance, wondered if she had altered it through cosmetic surgery, pointing out changes they felt were visible.
One fan noted, “Halle is forever gorgeous, but age does not add this kinda volume to your face. That being said this is extremely good cosmetic work.” Another fan concurred, “Wow, she’s had work done. Her face is no longer the same shape. ☹️.”
Halle Berry in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Source: Instagram/eliesaabworld
A supporter took a more reflective stance, saying, “I wouldn’t recognize her it’s so sad. She was so beautiful in her own beauty now she’s unrecognizable. I’m not hating on her I always thought that she was amazing and still is. Plus I look different with no work done. Wish my body held up like hers.”
Halle Berry in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Source: Instagram/eliesaabworld
One fan noticed a change in her facial structure and outfit, pointing out, “Doesn’t look like the same person, jawline completely different, also the outfit has a red background versus the original.” Another simply remarked, “Those chins are different.” “Different face,” another fan observed.
Halle Berry in a dress by Elie Saab arrives at the 74th annual Academy Awards on March 24, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
One curious commenter asked, “How do ears get bigger?” A more cynical fan mused, “Timeless? Yeah, with botox etc [sic].” Another fan admitted, “I wouldn’t have guessed that was Halle. I would’ve assumed that was someone else wearing Halle’s dress. 😮🫢” A fan noted, “Its wild she’s gorgeous but then when u see a side by side u can see all the filler, botox, face lift etc [sic] lol.”
Halle Berry | Source: Instagram/eliesaabworld
Other fans questioned, “She is very pretty, but her ears and eyes are different. I don’t think the one on the right is her.” An individual also offered a more skeptical take, “I do not think the one on the right is Halle the eyes and eyebrows and ears are different. Smile is close.”
On a different note, one fan humorously pointed out, “She walks like a truck driver,” while another added, “She can’t walk? Yay 😮.” One fan joked, “She ain’t no Naomi though when it comes to walking 😂😂😂,” in reference to the supermodel, Naomi Campbell.
Halle Berry in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from a post dated November 14, 2024 | Source: Instagram/eliesaabworld
On a more positive note, some fans praised her timeless beauty, “Defining aging like fine wine.” Another agreed, “Wow she looks even younger than she did in 2002!” A long-time admirer said, “She looks adorable at 35…now she looks beautiful & absolutely stunning!!”
Halle Berry at the 74th annual Academy Awards on March 24, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
Others also commented on her beauty but still felt something had changed, “Beautiful girl and dress but her face seems different, I mean not the ageing, just as if she had work done, and hopefully not because that face is perfect and doesn’t need anything!!!”
Halle Berry at the 74th annual Academy Awards on March 24, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the comments, Berry was elated to be in this gown over twenty years after she was last publicly seen in it. She posted a video of her runway moment on Instagram and captioned it, “There are some moments in life that just happen and they change our lives forever! Winning an Academy Award in my @eliesaabworld gown was one of those moments for me!”
Berry expressed gratitude, “Thank you Mr. Saab for being a part of the tapestry of my life as we have been inextricably connected for 22 years now! It was my honor to celebrate you and your 1001 Seasons. Here’s wishing you many more glorious years of joy, creativity and glamour!”
Halle Berry at the 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab event | Source: Instagram/eliesaabworld
The official page of Elie Saab also couldn’t help but celebrate Berry, “A trip down memory lane as @halleberry walks ‘The 1001 Seasons of ELIE SAAB’ show in her iconic 2002 Oscars look.”
The dress is not just an attire for Berry; it’s a symbol of breaking barriers. She wore it when she became the first Black woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress, a groundbreaking moment in Hollywood history. The gown, along with her incredible achievement, remains a powerful reminder of her trailblazing success.
