Viola Davis Reveals Oscars Sneaker Secret

The acclaimed actress opened up about her hidden footwear choice for her 2017 Academy Award win.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:02pm

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In a recent interview, acclaimed actress Viola Davis revealed that she wore platform sneakers under her custom Armani gown when she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for "Fences" in 2017. Davis shared the unconventional footwear detail during an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon", emphasizing the seven-inch high sneakers she had specially made for the occasion.

Why it matters

Davis' revelation about her Oscars footwear choice provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the lengths some celebrities go to in order to achieve a polished red carpet appearance. It also highlights how even the most glamorous award show moments can involve practical considerations and compromises.

The details

During her interview, Davis showed Fallon a photo of herself accepting the Oscar and pointed out the platform sneakers she was wearing underneath her scarlet red gown. She described the sneakers as being "probably seven inches high" and "specially made" for her. Davis also reflected on seeing her Madame Tussauds wax figure, which replicated the Oscars gown, calling the experience "freaked me right the hell out."

  • Viola Davis won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for "Fences" in 2017.
  • Davis revealed the sneaker detail during a March 2026 appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon".
  • The Madame Tussauds wax figure of Davis in her Oscars gown was unveiled in Los Angeles on April 9, 2025.

The players

Viola Davis

An acclaimed actress who has won an Emmy, Oscar, and Tony Award, making her an EGOT winner.

Jimmy Fallon

The host of "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon", where Davis revealed the Oscars sneaker detail.

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What they’re saying

“I won an Oscar. What do you think? But underneath that dress... I have on platform sneakers that were specially made for me that were probably seven inches high.”

— Viola Davis (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon)

“Really!”

— Jimmy Fallon, Host (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon)

“Yeah! That's what I remember about that moment. I was wearing sneakers right there.”

— Viola Davis (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon)

The takeaway

Viola Davis' revelation about her unconventional Oscars footwear choice serves as a reminder that even the most glamorous red carpet moments often involve practical considerations and compromises behind the scenes. Her story provides a rare glimpse into the lengths some celebrities go to in order to achieve a polished public appearance.