The pre-Oscars calendar is packed with glamorous gatherings, but few are as prestigious as the annual dinner hosted by Chanel and Charles Finch. Held at the iconic Beverly Hills Polo Lounge, the event draws some of Hollywood’s biggest stars ahead of the Academy Awards. With cameras capturing every arrival, it often becomes a stage for standout fashion moments, and this year was no exception.

Jessie Buckley turned heads as she arrived at the Chanel and Charles Finch pre-Oscars dinner, making a striking appearance that blended high-fashion elegance with confident red-carpet presence.

Jessie Buckley wore a custom Chanel gown inspired by the brand’s Fall 2026 runway collection. The soft mint-blue satin design featured intricate floral embroidery, pearl and crystal embellishments, and a dramatic deep V-neckline.

The gown’s sculpted peplum waist and shimmering metallic netted underlayer at the hem added texture and movement, creating a look that felt both classic and runway-fresh.

Her appearance also comes at a pivotal moment in her career as the actress heads into one of the biggest nights of the awards season.

Jessie Buckley emerges as Best Actress frontrunner at the 2026 Oscars

As Hollywood prepares for the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, Jessie Buckley has emerged as the overwhelming frontrunner for Best Actress. Her performance as Agnes Hathaway in Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao and adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, has dominated this year’s awards circuit.

Jessie Buckley has already swept the major precursor honors, winning at the Golden Globe Awards, Critics' Choice Awards, BAFTA Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Taking home all four major prizes has placed her firmly ahead of the competition, with many industry watchers describing her Oscar chances as nearly certain.

Still, the category includes strong contenders such as Rose Byrne, Emma Stone, Kate Hudson, and Renate Reinsve. Despite the competition, Jessie Buckley’s dominant awards-season run has positioned her as the clear favorite.

As anticipation builds for the 98th Academy Awards, Jessie Buckley’s standout appearance at the Chanel and Charles Finch pre-Oscars dinner added another memorable moment to an already extraordinary awards season.

Do you think Jessie Buckley will take home the Best Actress Oscar? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Karishma Dasgupta

Edited by

Adiba Nizami