Da’Vine Joy Randolph's Red Carpet Mastery: Unveiling the Art of Style (Exclusive)

Da’Vine Joy Randolph embodies innate red carpet flair.

 

“I’m a fashion enthusiast,” the Golden Globe nominee shares with PEOPLE. “I adore the intricacies. For every red carpet appearance, I craft mood boards, gather hair, nail, and makeup references, along with swatches for wardrobe options.”

 

The 37-year-old Pennsylvania native, celebrated for her standout supporting role in The Holdovers, has graced numerous awards shortlists and adorned carpets at various industry events. At the Nov. 27 Gotham Awards, where Randolph commenced her accolade streak with the first Supporting Actress honor, she dazzled in a deep blue, dramatic velvet gown.

 

Randolph's career has seen acclaim from her Tony-nominated Broadway debut in 2012's Ghost adaptation and her breakout in 2019's Dolemite Is My Name alongside Eddie Murphy. However, the recognition for her portrayal of school cook Mary Lamb in The Holdovers is “overwhelming” and uniquely cherished.

 

Reflecting on the limelight, Randolph expresses gratitude, saying, “I’m thankful for the opportunity and the potential love. And I’m super excited that, if it happens, I get to don beautiful gowns,” she adds with a laugh.

 

This philosophy resonated at the Dec. 4 Critics Choice Association’s Celebration Of Cinema & Television Honoring Black, Latino, and AAPI Achievements, where Randolph extended her awards collection in a long-sleeved, ruffled yellow dress. The award was presented by the renowned Hollywood costume designer Ruth E. Carter, a collaborator from Dolemite Is My Name.

 

“I love that lady so much — she’s the one,” Randolph says of Carter. “I love that no matter the project, every costume designer knows we've got to talk to Ruth too.”

 

Carter's influence extends to production teams seeking her insight before working with Randolph. For The Holdovers, Randolph aimed for Mary's outfits to feel curated and lived-in, a tribute to the character's pride in appearance.

 

“I wanted people to think of their auntie, their grandmother, their mother,” she notes regarding the character’s 1970s-era velvets and pastels. “Snatching me into the period helped me really lock in with her.”

 

Off-screen, Randolph showcases her fashion sense on Instagram. At the Dec. 3 Academy Museum Gala, she made a bold statement in a black evening gown with a long train, silver embellishments, accessories, and a feathery metallic shawl.

 

Directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson, The Holdovers is set in a fictional 1970s New England boarding school during the holiday break, following a professor played by Paul Giamatti. Randolph expresses gratitude for her career moment and embraces the unpredictable trajectory.

 

“Every time I think I’m in control and trying to do something, it doesn’t work,” she admits. “There’s nothing on my résumé that I went after.”

 

Going forward, she adopts a hands-off approach, stating, “I’m just hands off. I’m now like, ‘Okay, let’s go. Wherever you see me next.’”

 

Catch The Holdovers in theaters now and streaming on Peacock.