Meg Ryan shocked fans and lit up the 2025 Academy Awards when she stepped onto the red carpet for the first time in nearly three decades. If you grew up watching You’ve Got Mail or When Harry Met Sally, seeing her back in the Hollywood spotlight was like a jolt of warm, nostalgic energy.

Clad in a deep-red velvet gown, Meg wasn’t just making an appearance—she was making a statement. The dress featured a high slit, a touch of vintage glamour, and a rich wine hue that highlighted her timeless elegance. Paired with glossy berry lips and her signature tousled waves, it was a reminder that style never truly fades—it evolves.

Fans immediately noticed the contrast between her current look and her last Oscars moment nearly 30 years ago. Back then, Meg kept it sleek and minimal in all black. This time, she leaned into boldness. The velvet fabric shimmered under the lights, her confidence matched it stride for stride.

Video:

Oscars 2025: Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal recreate cute moment from ‘When Harry Met Sally’

It wasn’t just a dress—it was a declaration: she’s still got it.

As if the red carpet moment wasn’t enough, Meg took the stage to present the Best Picture award, and in doing so, reunited with her longtime co-star, Billy Crystal. The two shared a quiet, meaningful exchange that felt like a love letter to rom-com fans everywhere.

It was the kind of Hollywood moment that makes you pause. For a second, it felt like the ‘90s again—only better.

Naturally, social media erupted with reactions. Some viewers were thrilled. “She looks amazing—so elegant and real,” one fan wrote. Others commented on how fresh and relaxed she appeared. One user said, “This is the best she’s looked in years. She let go of the pressure, and it shows.”

Not everyone agreed. Some critics questioned her appearance, claiming she looked different or unrecognizable. Comments ranged from, “That’s not the Meg I remember,” to “What happened to her face?”

But even amid the criticism, the dominant feeling was admiration. Meg walked back into the spotlight on her own terms—and fans respected that.

Sharp-eyed viewers also noticed something else: a slight hesitation in her walk as she crossed the stage. This sparked concern, with some wondering if Meg was facing a health challenge.

What many may have forgotten is her past admission about having a hip issue—something she mentioned years ago that affects her stride. The slight limp wasn’t a mystery for longtime fans, just a reality of getting older.

Still, she moved with grace, handling the moment with strength and poise.

Video:

Meg Ryan Returns to Oscars for First Time in 27 Years With Must-See Red Carpet Moment

Meg Ryan’s return wasn’t random. She’s known for guarding her privacy, rarely appearing in public without purpose. That makes her Oscars comeback even more impactful. She doesn’t show up just to be seen. She shows up when it matters.

That level of restraint is rare in an industry that thrives on constant exposure. It makes her presence all the more powerful when she does decide to step into the light.

At 62, Meg Ryan showed us all that true star power doesn’t age—it deepens. Whether fans were praising her gown or debating her transformation, one thing’s for sure: her return reminded everyone of the magic she brought to the screen.

She may have stayed away for a while, but when she came back, she owned the room. That’s what legends do.