Jenna Ortega made a dramatic and stylish entrance at the InStyle Imagemaker Awards, where her striking purple dress with a thigh-high slit turned heads and sparked widespread admiration. The 23-year-old ‘Wednesday’ star, known for her iconic role in the Netflix series, dazzled in the sheer fabric that highlighted her curves with its revealing neckline and daring cut. Her ensemble, which included a large fuzzy burgundy jacket, silver high-heeled shoes, a drop necklace, and a ring on her right hand, created a striking visual that captivated the crowd and her fans online.
At the awards show, Ortega took the opportunity to honor her long-time stylist, Enrique Melendez, who was presented with the Future of Fashion Award. In her heartfelt speech, she expressed her deep appreciation for Melendez, who she described as one of the first people who had ever made her feel seen or heard. Ortega emphasized how Mel, as she affectionately called him, played a pivotal role in shaping her professional identity and helping her navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry.
While her appearance was the highlight of the night, Ortega also shared candid reflections on her early experiences in the industry, particularly her time as a child actor. She openly discussed the intense pressures she faced, including dealing with strange and intimidating personalities in casting offices and the emotional toll of balancing her career with her personal life. These remarks resonated with many fans, who often find themselves in similar situations when dealing with the media or the entertainment business.
Her insights were not without their own challenges. Ortega spoke about how the industry often made her feel like a puppet, forcing her to comply with demands she didn’t fully understand. However, she also expressed her gratitude for the support she received from those who treated her with respect, such as Melendez. This sentiment underscored her commitment to advocating for her own well-being and the importance of maintaining authenticity in her work.
Ortega’s career began with her role in the Disney Channel series ‘Stuck in the Middle,’ where she played the inventive middle child of a large family. The show marked her breakthrough into the entertainment world. Her subsequent role as Wednesday Addams in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’ propelled her to international fame and earned her numerous accolades, including nominations at prestigious award shows such as the Emmy, SAG, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice Awards.
Despite not being nominated at the 2025 Emmy Awards, Ortega continued to make waves in the industry by attending as a presenter, alongside co-star Catherine Zeta-Jones, in yet another stunning and memorable outfit. Her appearance, which included a daring dress adorned with strategically placed gemstones and pearls, paired with a black skirt with a thigh-high slit, showcased her fearless approach to fashion and her ability to maintain a strong public image.
Her presence at the awards show was further amplified by her Instagram posts, where she shared the photos of her look and received an outpouring of compliments from her fans. The positive response highlighted her continued influence in both fashion and entertainment, reaffirming her status as a leading figure in the industry. As she continues her journey, Ortega remains a symbol of both grace and power, embodying the spirit of an artist who is unafraid to be herself in a world that often demands more.