Tems Isn’t The Only Person Whose Look ‘Stole The Show’ At The Oscars — Here’s Who Slayed The Red Carpet

Source: Emma McIntyre / Getty

The 95th Oscars red carpet saw the entertainment industry’s biggest names step out in style for one of Hollywood’s biggest nights.

One of the most eye-catching looks of the evening came from 27-year-old Nigerian singer Tems. The artist and songwriter, best known for her vocals on “Essence” and “Wait For You,” wore an all-white Lever Couture SS23 ensemble by Ukrainian designer Lessja Verlingieri. The gown included a lengthy train and an ethereal arching headpiece surrounding the singer’s head.

Styled by Dunsin Wright, Tems’ look included silver-toned jewelry and matching open-toed heels.

Tems attends the 95th #Oscars pic.twitter.com/fmJ06GeI0n

— @21metgala (@21metgala) March 12, 2023

the photographer who got this shot of tems ate 😭#oscars pic.twitter.com/f5utEAjENL

— 2023 ♡ (@dojabins) March 12, 2023

Tems’ ensemble spurred conversation online after users noticed how her dress “stole the show” for those sitting behind her at the award show’s ceremony. Footage taken inside the Oscars’ venue captured a woman peeping out from behind the singer while trying to see the stage.

One Twitter user argued that the singer’s dress was “inconsiderate,” while another jokingly said, “LMAO I know whoever behind Tems is heated.”

Another defended the singer and said, “You know Tems didn’t mean to block anybody and I’m sure she’ll apologize.”

“Imagine waiting your whole life to be at the Oscars and you end up sitting behind a stratus cloud,” one person mused in a now-viral tweet.

Tems stole the show at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/GkwHZmxscx

— 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) March 13, 2023

I’m cryinnnnnnn

tems got that lady fighting for her life pic.twitter.com/Js06VdbyyU

— alex medina (@mrmedina) March 13, 2023

LMFAO I know whoever behind Tems is heated. https://t.co/jmU2Kz6mN9

— ……. (@PrinceHAK33M) March 13, 2023

You’re seeing Tems and you still want to see someone else at the front, you think she was kidding when she said “you don’t need no other bodyyy” 🤣

— 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐊 🌴 (@TheMahleek) March 13, 2023

Tems dress was beautiful.
Tems is drop dead gorgeous.
Tems is my star girl and all that.
Tems blocking people’s views with her dress was inconsiderate.
People pointing that out is not racism as long as they aren’t using derogatory language.
Humans need to be more honest.

— Bibi, Bolouere (@boluxxxx) March 13, 2023

Please, I support women's rights but most especially I support BLACK women's wrongs too. You Nigerians are even very stupid. You know Tems did not mean to block anybody and I'm sure she'll apologise but you'll follow colonisers to insult her. Can't stand you.

— Chi 💕 (@ch_deerah) March 13, 2023

Interviewer: “what’s your highlight of tonight’s oscar awards”

The man behind Tems: “I couldn’t see anything, Tems stole the show” pic.twitter.com/79EdZBNmMG

— 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐊 🌴 (@TheMahleek) March 13, 2023

Actually it is an ironic symbol, she is taking up space as a Black woman, whilst the white not only represents a femininity BW have traditionally not had access to but also how whiteness has obscured and obstructed paths of progress, in this essay, https://t.co/18bLPkOfBR

— Bolu Babalola 🍯&🌶 (@BeeBabs) March 13, 2023

Tems is credited as a songwriter on Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up.” The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever anthem, a tribute to late actor and star Chadwick Boseman, was nominated in the Best Original Song category at Sunday night’s Academy Awards. The track ultimately lost to “Naatu Naatu” from the film RRR.