Oprah Winfrey Says 1986 Oscars Dress Left Her With Permanent Scar

Oprah Winfrey has revealed an unexpected detail about her first appearance at the Academy Awards in 1986—one that left her with a lasting physical reminder of the night.

Winfrey attended the Oscars as a nominee for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Color Purple. While the event marked a major step in her career, she recently shared that the dress she wore caused significant discomfort and even injury.

According to Winfrey, the gown featured a high, stiff collar that was heavily decorated. She said the collar was so tight that it felt like it was “choking” her during the ceremony. The material also rubbed harshly against her skin, leading to a painful abrasion on her neck. She noted that the irritation was severe enough to leave a permanent mark that remains visible today.

The physical discomfort was compounded by the pressure she felt at the time. Winfrey has said she was anxious about her appearance and weight leading up to the event. In preparation, she followed a liquid diet to fit into the dress, which added to the strain of the experience.

Despite these challenges, the 1986 Oscars were a turning point in Winfrey’s career. Although she did not win the award—losing to Anjelica Huston for Prizzi’s Honor—the nomination brought her international recognition and helped establish her as a major figure in entertainment.