Linda Mtoba, the award-winning South African actress, continues to make waves on the international stage, captivating audiences and fashion enthusiasts alike with her glamorous presence. Recently, she was a standout at one of Hollywood’s most prestigious events, the 97th Annual Academy Awards, or the Oscars, held on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
At the iconic event, Linda was spotted at the 33rd Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party, one of the most sought-after gatherings during Oscars weekend. The 33-year-old actress, known for her role in Queendom, stunned the guests in a striking red gown paired with a dramatic, puffy overcoat designed by the talented local South African designer Nolanga Made. The gown, with its bold and elegant style, perfectly captured Linda’s growing reputation as a global fashion icon.
Linda took to social media to share her incredible experience, posting images from the event that included shots of her mingling with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Among the celebrities she rubbed shoulders with were Disney Channel legends Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus. One of the most captivating moments captured was Linda posing on the grand staircase at the Dolby Theatre, the venue where the Oscars ceremony itself took place.
The star-studded viewing party was co-hosted by the legendary Elton John, and featured a variety of celebrity faces, including award-winning actors Sheryl Lee Ralph and Neil Patrick Harris. The evening also included an unforgettable performance by Grammy Award-winning singer Chappell Roan, alongside Elton John, all while raising more than $8.6 million (approximately R160 million) for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, whose mission is to end the AIDS epidemic worldwide.
Other notable celebrities who attended the viewing party included rapper Megan Thee Stallion, Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris Jackson, and actor Jennifer Tilly.
As part of her journey to the Oscars, Linda shared a captivating carousel of images on her social media, offering fans a glimpse into her preparations. These posts included sketches of her stunning red gown, glimpses of her travels from Atlanta to Los Angeles, and a behind-the-scenes look at her glam squad, transforming her hair into a soft, dark honey blonde wig.
This trip to Hollywood wasn’t Linda’s first appearance in the U.S. in recent months. Just a month prior, she attended the prestigious NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco. There, she had the opportunity to connect with stars like rapper Common, rapper 2Chainz, and the popular content creator Druski. She also made an appearance at the NBA Africa luncheon, where she posed for photos with basketball player Karl-Anthony Towns and actor Boris Kodjoe.
From her impressive red carpet appearances to her international connections, Linda Mtoba is steadily making her mark as one of South Africa’s most beloved international style stars.