Jenna Ortega made a memorable appearance at the 32nd Actor Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, dazzling in a plunging ivory Christian Cowan silk and lace slip dress, grey stockings, and towering black peep-toe heels, selected by stylist Enrique Melendez.
The 23 year old actress and producer, best known for her role as Wednesday Addams on Netflix, paired the distressed 1950s inspired look with layered necklaces and a voluminous raven hairpiece, while makeup artist Melanie Inglessis accentuated her dark doe eyes and pink pout.
Ortega’s evening was emotionally charged as she lost the outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series award to the late Catherine O’Hara, who posthumously won for her portrayal of Patty Leigh in Apple TV’s The Studio.
The California born, Mexican-Puerto Rican star was seen wiping away tears as Seth Rogen honored O’Hara’s generosity, kindness, and unparalleled talent.
Having previously bonded with O’Hara while portraying her onscreen step granddaughter Astrid Deetz in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Ortega later shared on Instagram, “Catherine is one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever had the honor of getting to work with and know. I’ll forever cherish the time we shared together, and everything she taught me.”
Ortega also presented the outstanding performance by a male actor in a comedy series award to Seth Rogen, who praised O’Hara for her brilliance and generosity, noting that she would completely rewrite her scenes to make them perfect.
Looking ahead, Ortega is set to star in J.J. Abrams’ The Great Beyond (US/UK release November 13), Taika Waititi’s dystopian sci-fi Klara and the Sun, and Cathy Yan’s Miami Art Basel inspired thriller The Gallerist.
She will also reprise her role as Wednesday in season three of the Tim Burton-directed Addams Family spin-off, joining a returning cast including Winona Ryder, Eva Green, Chris Sarandon, and Joanna Lumley.