Chase Stokes Looks Unrecognizable With Short Hair, Beard at Oscars

Chase Stokes was stoked to be at the 2026 Oscars.

The star of Outer Banks debuted a new look at the March 15th event hosted by Conan O’Brien. He arrived at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood with a very short haircut and a much fuller beard. (Check out photos of all the celebrities who attended!)

Chase embraced the formal dress code, opting for a striking burgundy velvet tuxedo jacket by Dunhill, paired with classic black dress pants and shiny patent leather shoes.

Oh my god, he said it! During his interview with Amelia Dimoldenberg, he actually explained his outfit choice! Everyone else was wearing black, predictably, but he just… decided to do something different! He literally said he wanted to ‘switch it up’! I’m obsessed with how intentional he is, even with something as simple as what he wears. It’s just… chef’s kiss.

Even so, the 33-year-old was clearly impressed by the excitement of the awards show, where Michael B. Jordan, Jessie Buckley, Sean Penn, and Amy Madigan all took home the leading acting prizes.

“I don’t know who I bribed,” he joked, “but here we are.”

The event was a relaxing break for Chase after finishing filming the last season of Outer Banks in December.

Ugh, he said it… he actually said it! It was so sad, but also… perfect. He told Amelia it’s just… when something amazing has run its course, you have to accept it. He said it was time to ‘land the plane,’ which, honestly, gave me chills. Like, you can’t overstay your welcome, you know? Don’t be there when everyone’s already leaving and they’re playing ‘Closing Time’! It just… it gets me, you guys. It really does. It’s like he was speaking directly to my soul!

Chase recently went through a breakup with Kelsea Ballerini, whom he’d been dating for over two years. They initially split last fall, but briefly got back together in December before separating again earlier this year.

Chase hasn’t commented publicly on his recent split with the country singer, but he did strongly criticize her ex-husband, Morgan Evans, after Evans discussed their 2022 divorce in an interview.

Chase criticized Morgan in a now-deleted Instagram comment, calling his behavior “the most pathetic excuse of masculinity” he’d ever witnessed and telling him to “get a life.”

Despite the controversy, Bobby supported Morgan’s decision to discuss his history with Kelsea, revealing that Kelsea was the one who filed for divorce.

Bobby felt the interview went very smoothly. He believed the interviewer was considerate in how they presented the situation, acknowledging that there are always multiple perspectives – his, hers, and the truth of what actually happened. Overall, he thought it was a good interview.

To see Chase and more stars on the Oscars red carpet, read on.

in Chanel and Tiffany and Co. jewelry.

in custom Louis Vuitton and De Beers jewelry.

in custom Chanel.

in custom Louis Vuitton.

in custom Givenchy by Sarah Burton.

in custom Louis Vuitton and Repossi jewelry.

in Loewe and Swarovski jewelry.

in custom Givenchy by Sarah Burton and Cartier jewelry.

in custom Dior.

in Dior.

in custom Armani Privé and Garatti jewelry.

in Celine.

in Giorgio Armani, Christian Louboutin shoes and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

in custom Zegna, Omega watch and Andre Lasmar jewelry.

in Giorgio Armani, Christian Louboutin shoes and Oliver Peoples glasses.

in custom Gucci.

in Yara Shoemaker and Pomellato jewelry.

in Saint Laurent and Cartier jewelry.

in Prada and Andy Wolf glasses.

in Chanel.

in Dunhill (Bateman).

in Versace, Christian Louboutin shoes and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

in Valentino and Pandora jewelry.

Zinzi and Ryan both accessorized with high-end, custom-made pieces, including Louis Vuitton and Cartier jewelry, and Christian Louboutin shoes for Ryan.