Danielle Deadwyler Leaned Into Ethereal Style at the SAG Awards

In Chinonye Chukwu’s Till, leading star Danielle Deadwyler took on an extremely challenging role with grace and power. In the project, the actor portrays the real-life story of Mamie Till-Mobley—an American educator who, following the lynching of her 14-year-old son Emmett Till, vowed to advocate against racism and bring those accountable to justice. “The love and beauty magnified in Mamie Till attracted me [to this role],” Deadwyler tells Vogue. “The love she enacted for her dear Emmett was globally felt; It is beyond special to be a contribution to the everlasting lesson of love, community, and joy as justice.” 

At last night’s 2023 SAG Awards, Deadwyler earned a best actress nomination for her performance in the poignant film (she was also nominated for a BAFTA and Critics Choice Award). While it’s certainly an honor to receive these acknowledgments, Deadwyler says the spirit of her screen character will continue to stick with her well after the Hollywood ceremonies are wrapped. “Mamie’s legacy lives with me, with us all, daily,” says Deadwyler. “Dedication and discipline defined her life. Beauty is her interior and exterior, and spiritual practice. These elements of her train me up in all of my interactions with people, and how I envision my future.”

Photo: Getty Images

Given it was such a special role for Deadwyler, she naturally wanted a strong red-carpet look for last night’s SAG Awards. Styled by Wayman + Micah, she landed on a custom white-and-pink Louis Vuitton gown, which had an ombré and sequin petal finish along the bottom. “I was in love with the plunge of the neck, inciting a deep dive into the coral tones and the wave-like train of the gown,” says Deadwyler. For the star, this design also spoke to her on a deeper level. “The look is a poetic crystallization of what happens when you emerge from the dark,” Deadwyler says. “It amplifies what beauty emerges from hard earth and dark waters. It is an invitation to float into the ethereal.”

It’s not the first glamorous style moment Deadwyler has delivered during her press tour for Till. The star has been leaning into refined Old Hollywood style in general, having worn a pink Carolina Herrera ball gown to the Palm Springs International Film Festival and a color-blocked Armani Privé to the BAFTAs. “Wayman, Micah, and I have just simply enjoyed the nostalgia of Old Hollywood and the beauty of tension,” says Deadwyler. As for what’s next for Deadwyler once awards season is done? She says she’s in a brief “incubation” period, and plans on “rebirthing again and again.” Meaning you can expect a totally different role from her in the future—though we hope her refined red-carpet style remains.

Below, a closer look at Deadwyler’s SAG Awards night.