Pamela Anderson's Red Carpet Appearance at the 2024 Academy Museum Gala Sparks Discussion

Pamela Anderson's appearance at a recent industry event is not the first time she has sparked online reactions to the makeup-free look that she has become known for.

Radiating natural beauty, Hollywood "It" girl Pamela Anderson had all eyes on her as she walked the red carpet at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles, California on October 19 (2024). However, her simple and understated appearance was criticized by some who felt as though the actress could have put more effort into her look.

Anderson's natural features took center stage, as her face was seemingly free of makeup, except for what looked like a lightly tinted lip moisturizer that provided just a hint of color.

Her decision to forego heavy makeup allowed her naturally arched brows and luminous complexion to shine through.

Adding to her minimalistic look, her hair was styled into a casual, messy low bun. Complementing her hair and makeup-free face, Anderson donned a simple yet striking black dress.

The off-the-shoulder gown featured a textured fabric that gave it visual depth. Allowing the dress and her natural beauty to speak for themselves, Anderson opted to forgo any accessories. Her only addition to the outfit was a small, sleek black clutch bag.

Upon seeing photos and videos of the "Baywatch" star online, netizens expressed mixed reactions, with many scrutinizing Anderson's physical features.

"She looks absolutely beautiful but she looks awkward and uncomfortable, like she's been asked to do something she doesn't want to do. Looks uncomfortable in her own skin. I'm all for women showing off the natural look but I think her stylists have gone overboard with the less is more look. The dress is dowdy and her hair scraped back just ages her," opined an Instagrammer.

Echoing a similar sentiment about her demeanor, another noted, "Still pretty, but she looks so sad." "She looks like she is going to burst into tears!!" exclaimed someone else.

Seemingly coming to the star's defense, an observer penned, "Everyone saying she is not wearing makeup, [sic] when I can clearly tell she has a little blush and lipstick on, probably a tinted moisturizer as well. Maybe she is done with the glam look and we can't respect her for that now or what?! Let her be 🤷‍♀️."

Appreciating Anderson's beauty, an admirer swooned, "She's always been naturally beautiful. I'm glad she always kept it basic when it came to enhancing her looks. She's able to age gracefully and still maintain her natural beauty and appearance. She'll be recognizable for life. She's stunning and brilliant."

Still, more critiques ensued. "Nah! I'm not impressed with this look. Maybe at home with the family and friends, sure who needs makeup then. But, Not at awards show. She could've used some. Why look like you don't even care to make an effort anymore? Something must've gave her the I don't care anymore attitude. [sic] So 😞," remarked a user.

Meanwhile, a fan who sat on the fence admitted, "I gotta be honest I am not sure if I like her without makeup. That being said I love her as a person." "She looks tired and alot [sic] older than she could look with a little more makeup and some better eyebrows," added someone else.

Another user agreed, "I think it's time for some makeup Pamela it's nice to be bare natural but a little natural makeup doesn't hurt."

Despite the polarizing reactions to Anderson's makeup-free appearance at the Academy Museum Gala, her decision to forgo cosmetics was not made lightly. In fact, it has been part of a personal journey that she openly shared with the world in 2023.

Anderson has gradually shifted her beauty philosophy by embracing natural looks and redefining what it means to feel confident in one's own skin.

In an October 2023 interview on "Today" with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, Anderson revealed the reasoning behind her decision to step away from the heavily made-up looks that once defined her career.

"I am much more comfortable in my own skin, but I also am in an industry that really focuses on beauty," shared the actress. "And I thought, 'I'm going to challenge beauty.'"

Her journey toward self-acceptance began to take center stage when she stunned audiences at Paris Fashion Week in late 2023 by attending several runway shows without a trace of makeup.

Anderson also explained that the death of her longtime makeup artist, Alexis Vogel, had been a turning point for her.

"She was the best. And since then, I just felt, without Alexis, it's just better for me not to wear makeup," disclosed Pamela Anderson, who acknowledged that stepping away from her signature look had been both freeing and empowering.

"I do feel free, and it was a choice. I feel great. I feel good in my own skin," boasted the "Barb Wire" talent. Although her 2023 interview provided insight into the personal reasons behind her choice, it's clear that her fresh-faced appearances have continued to spark both admiration and criticism alike, regardless.

Her recent appearance at the Academy Museum Gala is just one of the latest in a series of public outings where her natural look has become a point of discussion. Just last year (2023), she garnered public praise for flaunting her bare-faced beauty at the Fashion Awards.

"I definitely admire her for letting herself age and not getting caught up with Hollywood!" exclaimed one fan while another gushed, "She is glowing and looks so at peace. That makes me so happy for her."

"She's always been beautiful and I love this peace era for her. Her happiness is radiating," said a fan. Echoing the sentiment, another admirer praised, "She is so naturally beautiful, inside and out. Makes me so happy to see her embrace her age."

Speaking about her embrace of rocking the makeup-free look, Anderson revealed, "These days, [I] don't do anything. Wake up. Whatever is happening is just happening. It's all about self-acceptance. This is the chapter in my life I'm trying to embrace now."

"I'm not trying to be the prettiest girl in the room. I feel like it's just freedom. It's a relief," added the star. While her Fashion Awards look received a warm reception online, Anderson sparked different reactions while she was in attendance for other shows during Paris Fashion Week last year (2023).

Aside from the eye-catching oversized coat and hoodie that she wore to attend the Vivienne Westwood Spring/Summer 2024 show, Anderson also sported a three-piece suit and a yellow dress, which were both outfits she wore without makeup, to attend other shows.

She also appeared barefaced in a stunning yellow and cream dress for Victoria Beckham's Womenswear fashion show.

Upon seeing an array of photos of Anderson without makeup, social media users were split between those who praised the supermodel for the significant change and those who bashed her for it.

A critic said they didn't think the celebrity looked good and speculated that she had work done on her face, while someone else added, "She aged so much." Another spectator thought the supermodel looked great but mentioned how Anderson's lack of makeup "washes her out," and suggested she add cat eyes to save her look.

Regardless of what naysayers have had to say, Anderson remains comfortable and happy with her no makeup looks, which continue to provoke online discussions.