Meg Ryan, 63, Makes Red Carpet Appearance in Velvet Burgundy Dress at 2025 Oscars, Causing a Stir — Photos

The "Sleepless in Seattle" actress's appearance at the awards ceremony turned heads, but it wasn't just her fashion choice that had the internet talking.

Meg Ryan stepped onto the red carpet at the 97th Annual Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 2, 2025, exuding timeless elegance. Her appearance immediately caught the attention of curious social media users.

She stunned in a strapless red velvet gown by Ashi Studio, which featured a fitted silhouette that accentuated her figure. The floating bust detail created a striking 3D effect, while a subtle slit added modern sophistication to the refined design.

The "City of Angels" actress completed her look with a diamond-encrusted bangle and a red ring by Tiffany & Co., adding a touch of glamour.

She wore her voluminous curls down, framing her face effortlessly. Her makeup was kept soft and natural, with a pink gloss, a hint of blush, and mascara to highlight her features.

The clip showed Ryan walking with what appeared to be a slight limp, leading to speculation and concern among netizens. "Limping?" one user questioned.

Some users commented on her changed appearance. "Totally unrecognizable! 💉👨‍🔬😵‍💫," wrote one user. Another commented, "she ruined herself with fillers 😟." A third remarked, "Doesn't even look like the same person. I don't understand getting so much work done that you look like an entirely different person?"

Some comments specifically pointed to her supposed cosmetic enhancements. One critic suggested that Ryan should get rid of the Botox, while another lamented, "She use to be so cute and pretty until botox [sic]."

Meanwhile, others praised her elegant gown. One user described her look as "gorgeous," while another called her "very elegant and very beautiful" and ranked it as their third favorite dress of the night.

Ryan appeared to enjoy the event and engaged with fellow attendees, regardless of the online discussion that followed. Her Oscars appearances have been infrequent—she skipped the 2024 ceremony, even though her son, Jack Quaid, starred in "Oppenheimer," which won Best Picture.

However, she did attend Vanity Fair's Oscars After-Party last year, where she dazzled in a shimmering sleeveless dress. For the event, Ryan wore a semi-sheer gold and silver floral gown with intricate embroidery on the bodice and a matching skirt that flowed to the floor.

She accessorized with a Briony Raymond Triple Row Posey Cuff, a Regent Ring, and an Oval Cut Diamond Ring, adding extra sparkle. Her wavy blonde bob and soft makeup completed the elegant look.

Ryan's re-emergence in Hollywood comes after years of stepping away from the spotlight. In an October 2023 Variety interview, she reflected on her return to filmmaking with "What Happens Later," a romantic comedy she co-wrote, directed, produced, and starred in alongside David Duchovny.

After an eight-year break, she admitted feeling nervous about wearing so many hats at once. "I was trepidatious about the whole thing… 'Am I going to be free enough to be there with David?'" she recalled. "I didn't want to be distracted by [producing and directing], because if the two characters don't work, it just doesn’t work."

What ultimately reassured her was the story itself. "It's a story that I feel like should already be in the world. Did someone do this already?" she wondered, recognizing its natural and relatable themes.

Unlike most romantic comedies, "What Happens Later" explores love between ex-partners who reconnect later in life. "There's a perspective you have when you're older, about love. It's different than puppy love. You slowly learn that love is easy, while relationships are hard," Ryan explained.

While Ryan embraced the spotlight through her film and red carpet appearances, she was also seen in a not-so-glamorous setting last year, drawing a different kind of attention.

Ryan was seen out and about on the streets of New York, as an Instagram video shared on August 23, 2024, depicted the actress running errands in an all-black outfit. Social media users did not hold back their opinions about her appearance.

In the video, the "When Harry Met Sally…" talent walked with purpose and a slight limp as she made her way to a black building.

For her excursion, she donned a black t-shirt, skirt, and sneakers. Ryan paired her ensemble with chic black sunglasses and carried a black tote bag in her right hand.

The footage then cut to another moment that showed Ryan stepping out of a sleek black SUV in a different outfit than the one she wore before. This ensemble featured a beige top, covered by a long black cardigan.

Ryan, who kept her black sunglasses on, completed her new outfit with another long black skirt and stylish black boots. As she stepped out of the car, she was seen carrying a black bag in her right hand and a white shopping bag that she hauled over her back.

Critical opinions flooded the Instagram video's comment section, with many social media users expressing disdain for how Ryan looked. "Very Frumpy," remarked an Instagram user. Similarly, another echoed, "No style. No class. Looking disheveled."

Adding to the backlash, another observer asserted, "She looks homeless." "She looks a mess!" exclaimed another critic, while someone else pondered, "Wearing men's shoes?"

On the other hand, some people felt differently. This cohort of netizens praised Ryan's fashion choices and youthful glow. "I think she looks cool," swooned a fan. Another admirer marveled, "She never ages."

The aforementioned fan was not the only person who thought the Hollywood beauty had managed to maintain a youthful appearance, as past words from an interviewer echoed the sentiment. In an interview that the journalist conducted with Ryan last year (2023), she sang the actress' praises.

Of Ryan, Melena Ryzik (the interviewer), boasted, "Her gamine features — blond hair enviably waved, eyes a bright lagoon blue — are gently leavened by age and, in Hollywood fashion, cosseted by wealth. Lightly guarded, she was still charming, and playful."

Another part of Ryzik's description of Ryan explained why she was seen walking with a slight limp in the recent video of her day out in New York. "Because of a hip issue, she walked with a slight limp," stated Melena.

The profile goes on to divulge how, instead of Ryan allowing her hip issue to hinder her, she worked with it. In a past role of hers, Meg made a passing comment about how she wouldn't allow her limp or the fact that she is aging to hold her back from dancing.