By Neia Balao
3:58am PDT, Sep 15, 2020
In celebration of the 2020 Emmy Awards — which will be held on Sept. 20 — Wonderwall.com is taking a look at how this year's nominees look like in costume vs. real life… starting with Cate Blanchett, who had a starring role on FX's historical drama series "Mrs. America," which debuted in April. On the show, Cate plays Phyllis Schlafly, a staunchly conservative activist and lawyer who opposes the movement to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. Often seen in polished skirts and button-up tops, Phyllis's wardrobe reflected the image she projected of "American female perfection." Cate picked up a nomination for best lead actress in a TV movie or limited series for her work in the project. Keep reading to see Zendaya's look IRL and the rest of the Emmy nominees in costume vs. real life…
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HBO's "Euphoria," which was created by Sam Levinson and is loosely based on the Israeli miniseries of the same name, chronicles the gritty, adolescent experiences of a group of teenagers. The drama is led by Zendaya, who plays recovering drug addict Rue Bennett, a teen who struggles to find her bearings after overdosing. Throughout the series, Rue is often seen in gender-neutral attire and without any makeup (except for moments in which the show's makeup artist, Doniella Davy, has created glittery eye looks on the characters, like the one seen here). For her performance, Zendaya earned an Emmy nod for best lead actress in a drama.
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Unsurprisingly, Zendaya is one of Hollywood's brightest and most stylish stars. She's seen here at the Bvlgari x B.Zero1 Rock Collection event at New York Fashion Week in February 2020 where she rocked a deep-V organza shirt dress from Rahul Mishra's Spring 2020 Couture collection. She paired the beautifully embellished frock with black pants and luxurious jewels by Bvlgari.
Kerry Washington lit up the screen with her portrayal of Mia Warren on Hulu's "Little Fires Everywhere." The actress, who earned an Emmy nod for best lead actress in a TV movie or limited series, transformed to bring the character from Celeste Ng's bestselling novel — an exceptional mixed-media artist who moves to the Cleveland suburb of Shaker Heights, Ohio, with her teenage daughter — to life. While Mia is often seen in her signature jean jacket, Kerry's wardrobe looks a bit different…
Prior to landing her role on Hulu's "Little Fires Everywhere," Kerry Washington was best known for her starring role on the long-running Shonda Rhimes series "Scandal." At the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in February, she stunned in this eclectic sequined two-piece look by Zuhair Murad.
Since 2018, Sandra Oh has been bringing Eve Polastri of BBC's "Killing Eve" to life. While the haute couture is often left to Villanelle (Jodie Comer), Eve isn't without her fashionable moments. Eve's style is characterized by darker tones and simpler pieces. For her portrayal of the intelligence agent, the Canadian actress earned an Emmy nomination for best lead actress in a drama. As for how Sandra's on-screen character's wardrobe compares to her personal style? Let's take a look…
Talk about a transformation! When attending parties, Sandra Oh is no stranger to wearing a show-stopping number. She's seen here at the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in February in a shimmering, dramatic V-cut gown by Cong Tri. From the silver sequins to the fur collar, the "Killing Eve" actress stunned in this look.
On NBC's "The Good Place," William Jackson Harper — who earned a best supporting actor in a comedy nomination — played Chidi Anagonye, an ethics professor with a crippling inability to make decisions. Chidi's wardrobe was reflective of his do-gooder ways — he often opted for put-together, simple pieces, like a button-up tucked into slacks.
Is that you, Chidi?! While there's no doubt that William Jackson Harper played the role impeccably, their personal styles couldn't be any more different. At the NBCUniversal Winter Press tour in January 2020, the "The Good Place" star wore a dark blue button-up, a pinstriped blazer and burnt orange pants. Take about chic!
Holland Taylor played big-time executive at Ace Studios, Ellen Kincaid, on "Hollywood." Given her character's powerful position in the entertainment industry, it only makes sense that she dresses the part. Ellen's outfits were inspired by looks worn by actress Hedy Lamarr and Holland's own mother, who lived through the '40s. Her performance earned her a nomination for best supporting actress in a TV movie or limited series.
If you ask us, we think Holland Taylor is just as chic as Ellen Kincaid! At the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Holland rocked this ultra-chic double-breasted suit with the perfect pop of pink!
Our favorite not-a-girl! For all four seasons of Michael Schur's critically acclaimed comedy series "The Good Place," D'Arcy Carden played Janet, a corporal AI assistant, to absolute perfection. As for her wardrobe? Janet was always seen in her signature purple vest-and-skirt combo. D'Arcy earned her first Emmy nod this year — best supporting actress in a comedy series — for her portrayal.
We've grown so accustomed to seeing D'Arcy Carden in her signature Janet attire, we forgot how fashionable she is off screen! At the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in January, the "The Good Place" actress wore this stunning champagne-colored chiffon gown by Romona Keveža, which she paired with a matching Jimmy Choo clutch.
Sterling K. Brown is no stranger to Emmy nominations. For his work as Randall Pearson on NBC's "This Is Us," he's earned four nods for best lead actor in a drama series with his latest coming in 2020. Randall, who's known for being meticulous, in control and organized, has a wardrobe that reflects these traits. Be it a suit and tie or a fitted polo and pair of jeans, this Pearson brother always looks polished. Next, let's see how Sterling compares off screen…
Like Randall Pearson, Sterling K. Brown also dresses sharp! He's seen here at the Annual NAACP Image Awards in February 2020 wearing a crisp midnight blue suit by Isaia.
On HBO's "Insecure," Yvonne Orji plays Issa's best friend, Molly Carter, a confident and hardworking lawyer. Molly's wardrobe is equal parts polished and fashionable and consists of a ton of power suits, like this stunning monochromatic look. Yvonne, who's starred on the series since its inception in 2016, earned a nod for best supporting actress in a comedy for her fiery portrayal.
An absolute vision! Like her on-screen alter ego, Yvonne Orji knows how to dress for an occasion. She's seen here at the HBO Emmy Awards afterparty in September 2019 wearing a gorgeous gown with a dramatic neckline and sparkly red-and-black embellishments.
Paul Mescal was undoubtedly one of the most buzzed about actors to show up on our radar this year. He starred as Connell Waldron, an academically inclined, athletic guy who suffers from anxiety, on Hulu's "Normal People." For his work on the series, which is based on Sally Rooney's novel of the same name, the Irish actor earned his first Emmy nod, for best lead actor in a TV movie or limited series. As for Connell's style? It was comprised primarily of school uniforms and simple pieces — like this gray T-shirt and shorts get-up — and, of course, his signature silver chain.
Paul Mescal sure knows how to dress up! At the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards in July 2020, the "Normal People" breakout star wore a sleek, charcoal gray suit with a white T-shirt and matching tennis shoes. Talk about coordination!
Olivia Colman earned a nod for best lead actress in a drama for her work as Queen Elizabeth II on season 3 of Netflix's historical drama "The Crown." Her wardrobe, of course, was as regal as her title: According to the show's costume designer, Michele Clapton, the character's clothes told a private story. The queen's dresses, for instance, were often bold and rich in color.
While she might not be a queen in real life, she sure dresses like one! At the 2020 BAFTA Awards, Olivia Colman stunned in this custom gown by Alexander McQueen. From the delicate floral embroidering on the bodice to the voluminous black chiffon sleeves, the star of "The Crown" looked so good it was as if she'd taken a page out of her character's sartorial handbook.
Tracee Ellis Ross has been starring on ABC's hit sitcom "Black-ish" since 2014. On the series, she plays Dr. Rainbow "Bow" Johnson, an anesthesiologist and doting mother. From flattering gowns to chic long coats, Bow's style is reflective of her lively personality. For her portrayal, Tracee earned a nod for best lead actress in a comedy. Let's take a look at how her personal style compares…
Like her on-screen character, Tracee Ellis Ross is certainly unafraid to sport bold, popping colors! At the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, she donned this gold sequined gown by Zuhair Murad Couture. Finishing with a pair of matching gold heels and a bright orange lip, the Emmy-nominated actress made an incredible statement.
For his dual starring role on HBO's "I Know This Much Is True," Mark Ruffalo underwent a major transformation as he brought twins Dominick and Thomas Birdsey to life, gaining 30 pounds to take on the second brother. The overall transformation from Dominick to Thomas took five weeks. This year, Mark earned an Emmy nomination for best lead actor in a TV movie or limited series.
Lookin' dapper! Off screen, Mark Ruffalo bares no resemblance to the twins he portrayed. He's seen here at the "Dark Waters" photocall back in February 2020 sporting a well-fitted black velvet suit.
We can't think of a better actress than Laura Dern to portray the fiery and fashionable Renata Klein on HBO's "Big Little Lies." For her work as the executive and member of the Monterey Five, Laura earned an Emmy nod for best supporting actress in a drama. Renata is known for her very luxe, put-together appearance — as made apparent by this show-stopping fuchsia number. Let's see how Laura looks off screen…
Laura Dern was a vision at the 2020 Academy Awards in a gorgeous pink-and-black custom gown by Giorgio Armani. From the delicate fringe to the bold color contrast, the "Big Little Lies" star stunned at the event.
On "The Good Place," Ted Danson — who's nominated for best actor in a comedy series — played Michael, the architect responsible for running the afterlife. He often sported one of his signature suits with either a matching bow tie or tie. Now let's take a look at how Ted compares off screen…
Suave! Even off screen, it seems Ted Danson and Michael dress similarly! At the 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 2019, the veteran actor sported a crisp black tuxedo and tie.
On Netflix's dark comedy "Dead to Me," Linda Cardellini stars as Judy Hale, a woman Jen Harding (Christina Applegate) befriends in a support group. Judy, who sports a fringe on the show, has a wardrobe that consists of an eclectic array of floral wrap dresses and chic moto jackets. For her work on the hit series, Linda earned her first Emmy nomination, for best lead actress in a comedy series. Next up, let's see how she looks off screen…
A beauty! Like her "Dead to Me" character, Linda Cardellini looked totally stylish at the Mercedes-Benz Academy Awards Viewing Party this year. Her cherry red lip paired perfectly with her intricate, bohemian-inspired gown. And, as always, we couldn't get enough of her fringe!
On Netflix's "The Kominsky Method," Michael Douglas — who earned a nod for best lead actor in a comedy — plays Sandy Kominsky, a washed-up actor who now makes a living teaching the craft. His looks on the show are fairly simple: He's often seen sporting his signature scarf and paperboy hat.
A polished look! While he looks artsy on "The Kominsky Method," Michael Douglas looks equally cool off screen. At 2019's Paleyfest, the veteran actor wore a dark blue blazer and black trousers.
