If you know Adam Sandler, you know he’s never one to bend to fashion norms - especially not for a red carpet.
While the Oscars are known for extravagant gowns and sharp tuxedos, the Hollywood actor has made it his brand to show up looking like he just left the house to grab some snacks.
This year? No different.
The "Uncut Gems" star made a surprise appearance at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 2, casually strolling in wearing a baby blue zip-up Aviator Nation hoodie with basketball shorts. A bold choice? Not really, if you’ve been paying attention.
This is the same man who’s been spotted in baggy cargo shorts, oversized graphic tees and his signature chunky sneakers at major Hollywood events. Reports have often criticised his dressed-down style, with some fashion commentators questioning whether he even owns a proper suit. But honestly, Sandler does Sandler and it works for him.
Adam Sandler fits is really my mom style.. pic.twitter.com/jzTMGaZtdD
— 𝙳𝚊 𝙸𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚊 🧡 (@TrudiiBee) July 20, 2023
Conan O’Brien and Sandler staged a playful argument, with Sandler insisting no one cared about his outfit until O’Brien pointed it out. The bit ended with Sandler dramatically storming out, inviting everyone to join him for a midnight pickup basketball game.
His Oscars look was so noticeably relaxed that host O’Brien couldn’t help but comment: “For such a prestigious night, it’s important that everyone is properly dressed,” before joking that Sandler looked like “a guy playing video poker at 2 am.”
Not that anybody cares - O’Brien has been rocking the same hairstyle for decades and no one’s calling that a fashion statement.
But Sandler wasn’t having it. “Nobody even thought about what I was wearing till you brought it up!” he shouted as part of the bit. And honestly? Fair point. With the amount of fashion chaos the Oscars have seen over the years, Sandler’s gym-ready ensemble was refreshing.
Let’s not forget some of the wildest Oscar fashion moments - Lady Gaga’s actual meat dress moment (okay, that was the VMAs, but still, iconic), Björk’s swan dress and Billy Porter’s unforgettable tuxedo gown.
Then there are the chef’s kiss high-fashion moments - Lupita Nyong’o’s breathtaking Prada gown in 2014, Zendaya’s sleek cropped Valentino look in 2021 and Janelle Monáe’s dazzling hooded Ralph Lauren dress in 2020.
The Oscars are a playground for fashion statements but sometimes, it’s just nice to see someone who looks like they’re genuinely comfortable.
“I like the way I look because I’m a good person. I don’t care about what I wear or what I don’t wear,” Sandler said, clapping back at O’Brien. “Did my snazzy gym shorts and fluffy sweatshirt offend you so much that you had to mock me in front of my peers?”
Honestly? He’s got a point. Not every event needs to be an all-out couture showdown. As one TikTokker once wisely said: "Focus on yourself".
X users were here for the classic Sandler moment, including @Complex who wrote: "Adam Sandler never change. #Oscars."
I want to be a guy like Adam Sandler at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/855TO8ZWes
@DrJMMHall also wrote:"I want to be a guy like Adam Sandler at the #Oscars."
I want to be a guy like Adam Sandler at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/855TO8ZWes
— Jonathan Hall 🌌 (@DrJMMHall) March 3, 2025
"Adam Sandler is one of the realest celebs, no need for a suit #Oscars," @ghostaof wrote.
Adam Sandler is one of the realest celebs, no need for a suit 🐐 #Oscars pic.twitter.com/nklJvNNSlD
— GHOST (@ghostaof) March 3, 2025