Los Angeles, CA – Actor Tom Blyth, known for his role in the Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, has publicly defended his girlfriend Daniela Norman's choice of attire at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party, pushing back against online criticism of her sheer blue dress. The event, held on March 15 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, drew a star-studded crowd celebrating the 96th Academy Awards. Norman's gown, which featured a translucent design that sparked chatter for its sheerness, became a focal point when Blyth shared photos from the night on Instagram on March 20.
According to E! News, one commenter on Blyth's post praised the actor's look but described Norman's dress as “vulgar” and “completely inappropriately for the occasion.” Blyth responded swiftly, telling the user to “Stfu.” He elaborated, “She wore a dress that she was excited by and she looked EXQUISITE in it.” The 31-year-old actor, who also stars in the upcoming adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation, captioned his post “Vanity Fair Party + LA/NYC with lovers and friends,” later editing it to add, “Feeling blessed by the excellent dogs, dawgs and nipples in my life.” The playful remark appeared to reference the dress's revealing elements, turning criticism into a lighthearted affirmation of his partner's style.
Norman, a star of the Netflix series Tiny Pretty Things, shared her own excitement about the evening on Instagram, posting photos with the caption “Eeeekk what a night,” accompanied by blue and black heart emojis. Blyth commented on her post, “You’re out of this world,” offering further support amid the online discourse. The couple's appearance together at the party marked a rare public outing, as they have kept their relationship relatively private since it became known in recent years.
The Vanity Fair Oscars Party is an annual highlight of awards season, known for its glamorous red carpet and after-hours mingling among Hollywood's elite. This year's event, themed around bold fashion statements, saw attendees pushing boundaries with outfits from top designers. Norman's sheer dress, reportedly from an undisclosed designer, fit into a broader trend of liberated, body-positive looks that have defined recent red carpets. However, not all reactions were positive; the online backlash highlighted ongoing debates about appropriateness in high-profile settings.
Blyth's defense comes at a time when the actor is gaining prominence in Hollywood. His portrayal of young Coriolanus Snow in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, released in November 2023, earned critical acclaim and box office success, grossing over $337 million worldwide. Norman, meanwhile, has built a career in dance and acting, with her role in Tiny Pretty Things showcasing her as a ballet dancer navigating the cutthroat world of a prestigious academy. Their relationship, first reported in 2023, has been a source of interest for fans tracking the rising stars' personal lives.
This incident isn't isolated at the Vanity Fair party. The day after the event, on March 17, Nicholas Hoult's wife, Bryana Holly, addressed similar criticism about her outfit. The model and mother of two posted on her Instagram Story, writing, “I am seeing the comments around my chest and not that *anyone* is owed an explanation, but this is the product of a breast feeding mother who hasn’t fed her babies in hours ok! If you know then you know.” Holly, who attended with Hoult – star of The Menu and the upcoming Jurassic World Rebirth – wore a gown from fashion house Lurelly that also drew attention to her figure.
Holly doubled down on her appreciation for the look, thanking the “magicians” on her glam team and celebrating the “stunning gown.” In a separate grid post, she shared red carpet snaps with the caption about being “out on a school night,” adding, “Big thanks to my talented friends for making me feel beautiful.” The 32-year-old's response underscored a common theme among women at the event: reclaiming their fashion choices in the face of scrutiny. Hoult and Holly, married since 2022, have two children, and her post highlighted the realities of postpartum bodies in the spotlight.
The party's red carpet was a showcase of diverse styles, with couples and solo stars making statements through couture. Kylie Jenner arrived in a custom Alexander McQueen gown, paired with Timothée Chalamet, who wore custom Gucci featuring Ofira Jewels and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry. Jenner later changed into custom Chanel with Tiffany & Co. jewelry and Gianvito Rossi shoes, according to reports from the event. The duo, who have been dating since April 2023, turned heads with their coordinated elegance.
Musicians Russell Wilson and Ciara also made an appearance, with Ciara in a Viktor & Rolf dress accented by La Marquise jewelry. The NFL quarterback and singer, married since 2016 and parents to three children, embodied power couple vibes. Similarly, actors Paul Mescal and singer Gracie Abrams opted for sophisticated looks, with Abrams in a Tamra Ralph dress and Mescal in a Hublot watch-adorned ensemble with Kendra Scott Fine Jewelry.
Reality TV icon Kris Jenner attended with boyfriend Corey Gamble, wearing Valentino and Manolo Blahnik heels, while Gamble sported a Saint Laurent suit. The pair, together since 2014, mingled with other attendees like Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, who wore Saint Laurent and custom Balenciaga, respectively, accessorized with Chopard jewelry. Actress Gabrielle Union and husband Dwyane Wade, both in Tiffany & Co. pieces, added athletic glamour to the night; the couple, married since 2014, have been vocal advocates for family and fashion.
Pop star Dua Lipa turned up the drama in a Schiaparelli gown, joined by boyfriend Callum Turner in Louis Vuitton. Lipa later switched to a Tamra Ralph design with Chopard jewelry and an Ahikoza by Brham clutch, while Turner wore Dior with Nikos Koulis Desert jewelry and a NOOD bra – a bold choice for menswear. Another standout was an attendee in custom Oliver Tolentino, though specifics on the individual were not detailed in reports.
These fashion moments reflect a shifting landscape in celebrity style, where sheer fabrics and form-fitting designs have become staples, often sparking conversations about empowerment versus objectification. Organizers of the Vanity Fair party, produced by Graydon Carter and Radhika Jones, have long championed innovative looks, with past events featuring iconic outfits from the likes of Jennifer Lopez's plunging Versace dress in 2000. This year's gathering, held shortly after the Oscars on March 10, continued that tradition amid a post-pandemic return to opulent events.
While Blyth and Holly's responses were direct, they align with a pattern of celebrities using social media to counter trolls. In an era of instant online feedback, stars like Norman and Holly have leveraged platforms like Instagram – where Blyth has over 1.2 million followers – to control their narratives. No official statements from Vanity Fair or the designers involved have been issued, but the incident has amplified discussions on red carpet etiquette.
Looking ahead, Blyth is set to reprise his role in potential Hunger Games sequels, while Norman eyes more acting projects. The couple's united front at the party suggests their relationship remains strong, even under public scrutiny. As awards season winds down, the Vanity Fair Oscars Party's fashion legacy endures, reminding audiences that glamour often invites debate. For now, Blyth's words stand as a testament to supporting loved ones in the face of fashion's unforgiving gaze.
The event's broader impact includes boosting visibility for emerging designers and jewelers, with brands like Chopard and Tiffany & Co. gaining exposure through A-list endorsements. With over 300 guests reported in attendance, the night fostered connections that could influence future collaborations in film and fashion. As Hollywood recovers from strikes and navigates new streaming landscapes, personal stories like Blyth and Norman's add a human element to the industry's glamour.