FASHION

At 78, Helen Mirren Proves That Age Is Just a Number

by Nada Abouarrage

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 16: Helen Mirren attends the "Jeanne du Barry" Screening & opening ceremony red...
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As one of the most celebrated actresses in Hollywood, Dame Helen Mirren has served as an icon of grace and elegance on the red carpet since the 1970s. Mirren got her start in London’s youth theaters which ultimately led her to award-winning roles in The Queen, Catherine The Great, and 1923 (the Paramount+ spinoff to Yellowstone). She also narrated Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster film, Barbie.

Known for her elegant and flashy style, the English actress has perfected her signatures of romantic evening gowns, tulle skirts, and lots of sequins. And although the Oscar and Emmy winning actress has kept her look timeless on the red carpet, she has showed off her adventurous side with eclectic colors and voluminous silhouettes. From matching her dye job to her gown to dramatic premiere capes, take a look back at Helen Mirren’s best red carpet moments, below.

2023: Ora! Film Festival

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The actress never backs down from a bold color. Here, she wore a bright pink gown studded with beads and sequins for the Ora! Film Festival.

2023: Cannes Film Festival

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Mirren looked straight out of The Little Mermaid for the 2023 Cannes Film Festival in a custom Del Core gown and a freshly dyed turquoise updo.

2023: Fast X Premiere

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The actress dazzled in sequins for the Fast X premiere in Rome, Italy.

2023: Shazam! Fury of the Gods Premiere

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Mirren got in on the Barbie pink train for the Shazam! Fury of the Gods premiere with this bold cape that she layered over a form-fitting bodysuit.

2022: Cannes Film Festival

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Mirren debuted this sequined gown and a dramatic, extension-filled hairstyle at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022.

2022: SAG Awards

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A pink Dolce & Gabbana ensemble was the outfit of choice for Mirren when attending the 2022 SAG Awards.

2021: Venice Film Festival

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Mirren continued her love of sequins at the 2021 Venice Film Festival with a sparkly Dolce & Gabbana number.

2020: Golden Globe Awards

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The actress looked as elegant as ever wearing a Dior couture gown for the 2020 Golden Awards.

2019: Academy Awards

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For the Academy Awards in 2019, Mirren brought the color with a pastel pink Schiaparelli couture gown.

2015: Met Gala

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Mirren wowed in a sheer and lace Dolce & Gabbana dress for the 2015 Met Gala.

2014: Golden Globe Awards

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The actress went with a glittery Jenny Packham for the 2014 Golden Globe Awards.

2014: SAG Awards

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Mirren glistened in gold for the 2014 SAG Awards with a statement Escada gown that she paired with Dolce & Gabbana shoes.

2013: Golden Globe Awards

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The actress cut a glamorous figure in this curve-hugging Badgley Mischka dress complete with gold accents.

2012: Golden Globe Awards

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Sporting a navy Badgley Mischka dress complete with a belted waist and ruffled skirt, Mirren attended the Golden Globe Awards in 2012.

2007: Academy Awards

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Mirren celebrated her Oscar win for her role in The Queen at the 2007 Academy Awards in a romantic Christian Lacroix gown.

2005: BAFTA Awards

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Mirren dazzled in this sheer ensemble, complete with white design details and black undergarments, for the 2005 BAFTA Awards.

2004: Emmy Awards

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The Brit mixed things up in a sari-inspired ensemble for the 2004 Emmy Awards.

2003: Emmy Awards

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Mirren went bold for the 2003 Emmy Awards in a gold and black printed gown that she paired with a semi-sheer shawl.

2003: Golden Globe Awards

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Mirren arrived at the Golden Globe Awards in 2003 wearing a berry pink lip that she paired with an off-the-shoulder floral gown.

2002: Academy Awards

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Mirren looked angelic at the 2002 Academy Awards where she donned an ivory gown complete with a silk bodice and sparkling tulle skirt.

2000: SAG Awards

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Mirren looked oh-so elegant in a dramatic silk skirt and white cardigan at the 2000 SAG Awards.

1999: Emmy Awards

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The actress took home Best Actress, Miniseries or a Movie for her role in The Passion of Ayn Rand at the 1999 Emmy Awards. For the ocassion, she dazzled in a semi-sheer, light blue gown with crystal embroidery.

1997: Golden Globe Awards

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Mirren went with a skirt suit set and black velvet boots for the 1997 Golden Globe Awards.

1997: Drama Desk Awards

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Mirren attended the 1995 Drama Desk Awards in a printed bustier top, white silk skirt, and printed shawl.

1996: Emmy Awards

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Mirren took home an Emmy Award in 1996 wearing a bold red dress and a gold, printed shawl.

1993: BAFTA Awards

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The actress went with an all white look—a dreamy lace dress and cropped blazer—for the 1993 BAFTA Awards.

1989: When The Whales Came Premiere

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Mirren dazzled for the When The Wales Came premiere in this orange column dress.

1985: White Nights Premiere

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Pairing her elegant updo with a belted lace dress, Mirren attended the White Nights premiere in 1985.

1976: Variety Club Awards

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The British actress mixed florals and eyelets to accept an award in 1976.

1970: Southend Fun Fair

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Mirren went casual in a fur-trimmed coat for a trip to the Southend Fair in 1970.