'Looks Like a Different Person': Pamela Anderson's Look Sparks Buzz at the 2025 SAG Awards

"Baywatch" actress Pamela Anderson stole the spotlight at a Los Angeles awards ceremony on February 23, but not for the reasons social media users expected.

Continuing her embrace of authenticity, Pamela Anderson swapped her signature glam for a fresh-faced, natural look during the 31st Annual SAG Awards, held at the Shrine Auditorium. Her bold choice quickly sparked widespread reactions online.

Anderson, 57, arrived in an elegant off-white, one-shoulder gown that flowed effortlessly, exuding timeless simplicity. Posing with a relaxed smile in front of the official SAG Awards backdrop, she showcased the floor-length gown, complete with a delicate train that added a hint of drama.

The "Barb Wire" star's blonde hair, styled in soft, vintage-inspired waves, framed her face delicately, while teardrop-shaped jewelry and minimal accessories, including a delicate necklace and bracelet, added a subtle touch of glamour.

More than just a guest, Anderson also took the stage as a presenter at the event, confidently addressing the audience. Standing behind the microphone, she held a black awards envelope, with the stage lights accentuating her softer, natural look, a noticeable shift from her usual high-glam red carpet appearances.

Social media users quickly shared their thoughts, with many comments leaning toward criticism. "God she looks rough 😳," one user remarked, while another wrote, "Sorry....I know the photo is without make up BUT to me it looks like a different person [sic]."

Someone else stated, "She needs some makeup. Looks sickly." Another expressed disbelief, questioning whether it was really Anderson in the photos, suggesting her look was almost unrecognizable.

Some focused on specific details of her appearance. One user criticized her hairstyle, saying it didn't complement her overall look, despite their admiration for her.

Another found her makeup-free choice puzzling, noting that while she is beautiful, it was unexpected given her usual polished style. They compared her appearance to someone who had just stepped out of the house without preparation.

Not all feedback was negative. One commenter appreciated Anderson's natural look but wasn't fond of her hairstyle, while still admiring her boldness in embracing authenticity.

Another praised her hairstyle, noting its resemblance to the glamorous styles of the 1940s or 1950s. Meanwhile, one user highlighted her beautiful skin and applauded her confidence in embracing her natural age without relying on makeup.

Anderson's fresh-faced appearance at the SAG Awards was no surprise to longtime supporters—she’s been consistently embracing her natural beauty on red carpets, including the 2024 Gotham Awards, where she proved once again that confidence needs no filter.

At the event, held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City on December 2, 2024, she went makeup-free once more. While many admired her authenticity, some users pointed out a noticeable detail on her face.

She stunned in a strapless, butter-yellow gown that featured a dramatic bow at the back and a flowing train. The figure-hugging dress, paired with her diamond stud earrings, created a simple yet elegant look. Her long blonde hair was worn loose, staying true to her minimalistic aesthetic.

However, many users expressed criticism, particularly targeted at her hair. Some felt her hair appeared damaged, while others described her overall look as unflattering, suggesting that the natural style didn't work well on the red carpet.

Her eyebrows became a focal point for many detractors. One user praised Anderson's beauty but suggested that her thin eyebrows, likely a result of over-plucking in the 1980s, detracted from her natural look. Another commenter, while expressing admiration, also advised her to consider getting her eyebrows done.

While Anderson's striking appearance at the Gotham Awards drew mixed reactions from fans and critics alike, the evening wasn't just about her bold, makeup-free look. The Canadian-American actress was nominated for Best Lead Performance for her role in "The Last Showgirl," marking a significant milestone in her career.

The "Baywatch" icon opened up about her thoughts on wearing makeup for the film, contrasting it with her current preference for a natural, makeup-free lifestyle. "I mean — I wear — I love to wear makeup too sometimes," she shared while walking the red carpet. "It has a time and a place. I just feel in my personal life, it just didn't really make sense."

The "Naked Souls" star also emphasized that, for her, true beauty comes from within. "Being brave and living your dreams. It's never too late," she said, which reflected her inspiring perspective on what beauty meant to her at this stage in her life.

Interestingly, Anderson's appearance at the awards event wasn't the first time she sparked online reactions with the makeup-free look she has become known for. On October 19, 2024, she walked the red carpet at the Academy Museum Gala.

The star's simple look drew criticism from some who felt she could have put more effort into her appearance. Her face appeared mostly makeup-free, except for a lightly tinted lip moisturizer that added a hint of color. Arched brows and a glowing complexion completed the look.

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

The off-the-shoulder gown featured a textured fabric that added visual depth. Allowing the dress and her natural beauty to speak for themselves, Anderson chose to forgo accessories, carrying only a small, sleek black clutch.

Upon seeing photos and videos of the "Some Kind of Wonderful" star online, netizens shared mixed reactions, with many focusing on Anderson’s physical features.

One Instagram user acknowledged her beauty but felt she appeared awkward and uncomfortable, as if she were doing something against her will. They supported the natural look but argued that her stylists may have taken the "less is more" approach too far, calling the dress dowdy and suggesting that her slicked-back hair made her look older.

Wchoing a similar sentiment about her demeanor, one commenter observed that Anderson still looked pretty but appeared sad. Another added that she looked as though she was about to burst into tears.

Seemingly coming to Anderson's defense, one observer pointed out that while many claimed she wasn't wearing makeup, there appeared to be a touch of blush, lipstick, and possibly tinted moisturizer. They questioned the criticism, suggesting that if she's moved on from the glam look, it should still be respected.

An admirer praised Anderson's timeless beauty, noting their appreciation for her minimal approach to enhancing her looks. They highlighted how this simplicity has allowed her to age gracefully while maintaining her natural appearance, adding that she'll remain recognizable for life.

More criticism followed, with one user saying they weren't impressed by Anderson's look. They felt a makeup-free style was fine for casual settings but not for an awards show, suggesting she seemed like she didn't care to make an effort anymore.

Despite the polarizing reactions to Anderson's makeup-free appearance at the Gotham Awards and 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 two years ago.

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," said Anderson. 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.

By choosing a makeup-free, unfiltered look, Pamela Anderson continues to challenge traditional expectations, proving that confidence and authenticity remain timeless. Whether celebrated or critiqued, her decision to embrace her natural self has undoubtedly left an impression on fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.