Renée Zellweger Shows Off Stunning Figure During Rare Red Carpet Appearance at Oscars After-Party

Tons of Hollywood’s hottest and most distinguished stars stepped out for the 2019 Oscars on Sunday, February 24, but we were most blown away by Renée Zellweger‘s rare red carpet appearance at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party. The Academy Award-winning actress came dressed to impress as she showed off her stunning figure in a black, form-fitting, midi-dress.

The simple yet sexy ensemble featured a square neckline, puffy sleeves and a thigh-high slit that showed off the 49-year-old’s enviable legs. Matching the simplicity of her dress, Renée opted for a fresh-faced look as she wore natural, dewy makeup along with her hair pulled back in a flirty updo. Tying the look together, Renée wore a huge emerald and diamond ring and crystal-embellished ankle-strap pumps.

We haven’t seen much of the blonde beauty after she famously took a six-year hiatus from Hollywood in 2010 after overworking herself for more than a decade. The Bridget Jones’s Diary star made her comeback in 2016 when she starred in Bridget Jones’s Baby — a spinoff of the movie that previously made her an A-list celeb.

Since then, Renée has remained mostly out of the public eye but makes red carpet appearances every now and again. She was most recently spotted walking the red carpet for the premiere of her new movie Same Kind of Different as Me in October 2018. Wearing a bright yellow Carolina Herrera dress, the Texas native revealed why she decided to take a long break from acting. “I can’t remember if there was one defining moment. I don’t think so. I think I was just taking inventory of my life,” she told People at the time. “Everything was about going from one professional obligation to the next. And that’s what I call them now, when they should have been exciting opportunities, creative opportunities or life adventures. Like laughing.”

Renée’s Hollywood hiatus is most certainly a thing of the past considering she’s already filmed five movies since her epic 2016 return, including a Judy Garland biopic that leaves her unrecognizable as she plays the role of the iconic singer and actress. Ahead of filming for the movie that is expected to premiere this fall, Renée’s friend revealed to Closer Weekly that the actress has been extremely dedicated to getting into character as Judy.

“She’s studying all of it,” the pal shared in May 2018. “She feels like she’s transformed into Judy, body and soul.” Portraying an idol like Judy may come with nerves and anxiety, but it’s only because Renée wants to do her justice. “Her biggest challenge has been that she honors Judy’s memory in the most respectful way,” the friend added. “She’s fully aware that this is a role of a lifetime.” We can’t wait to see her nail it!