Halle Berry graced the runway at Elie Saab’s fall 2025 presentation in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
The superstar took everyone by surprise as she donned the very same iconic gown she wore when she made history at the 2002 Academy Awards, where she won the Oscar for Best Actress. This marked a poignant 22-year anniversary of her encounter with the famed designer, who was undoubtedly thrilled to have his work showcased once more by the celebrated actress.
The show aptly titled “1001 Seasons of Elie Saab,” was set against the backdrop of a lavish event, where the attendees were graced with an astonishing showcase of 300 stunning looks. The excitement was amplified by captivating performances from international stars including Céline Dion, Jennifer Lopez, Camila Cabello, Nancy Ajram, and Amr Diab, making the night unforgettable.
Berry’s stunning gown is not only a masterpiece of couture; it represents a significant moment in her life and the history of Hollywood. When she wore it 22 years ago, she made headlines as the first Black woman to win the coveted Academy Award for Best Actress for her stirring performance in “Monster’s Ball.”
The gown itself has been immortalized in the annals of fashion, and it recently found its place at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. The journey of how it transitioned from a museum display back to Berry will remain a delightful mystery for fashion enthusiasts.
In true Berry fashion, anticipation built before the big reveal. Two hours prior to the runway show, she teased her fans with a cheeky selfie on Instagram, hinting at her spectacular appearance with the caption, “My son would say ‘tonight I was cooking’ stay tuned.” And indeed, she delivered—a cooking-worthy reveal that left both the audience and viewers in awe.
AN Photo/ Jafer Alsaleh 
AN Photo/ Jafer Alsaleh Speaking about the show, Elie Saab Jr., CEO of Elie Saab, said: “We have been thinking a lot about how to create an international event in high fashion in the heart of Riyadh. And I believe it is a one of a kind event, not just for Riyadh, but for the whole world and the whole fashion industry.”
