Celebrating her nomination (and win!) for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for The Pitt, Amielynn Abellera stepped into the spotlight at Sunday’s Actor Awards. Widely praised for her portrayal of nurse Perlah Alawi, the hit series continues to build momentum this season. As she prepared to walk the red carpet, Abellera collaborated with her glam team to create a look that honored both the moment and her Filipino heritage—and invited us behind the scenes.
The Energy Behind the Glam
Abellera describes the vibe of the room as “relaxed, comfy, open door energy with a table of snacks, sparkly beverages and Bad Bunny playing in the background.” Reflecting on the experience, she adds, “I am so lucky to have a glam team that knows my energy, vibe, aura and what’s important to me.”
Stylist Sky Naval brought his signature creativity to the process. “Sky has such a unique, daring and joyful sense of creativity,” Abellera says. “He brings in options that not only accentuate and expand my specific energy and vibe but also highlight his own artistry. Our enthusiasm combined always results in a unique collaboration of both our creative passions.”
The look they ultimately crafted, lovingly dubbed the “Angry Flower,” embodies the star’s multifaceted personality. “It is strong, bold, feminine, edgy, dark and playful. I have a deep love for florals, as my daughter’s name is Sampaguita—the national flower of the Philippines. The look is also a nod to the handwoven malong, traditionally worn by men and women in Mindanao.”
Her hair and makeup artist, Ashley Cornett, ensured every detail was intentional. “Ashley considers all elements—the event, vibe, environment, color and fabric—to accentuate specificity within the look and knock it out of the park. She prioritizes a clean, fresh, cool, effortless look, which I love. I trust all her instincts!”
Inspiration and Vision
Abellera’s look drew inspiration from a lineage of bold, influential women and modern icons, as Cornett details: “Old Hollywood Glamour through a genuinely inclusive lens—honoring the women who built that era’s aesthetic but were rarely centered in it. Josephine Baker’s luminous presence, Anna May Wong’s architectural precision. Then forward to Cher’s fearlessness, Tessa Thompson’s power-meets-softness and Zendaya’s gift for making a reference feel entirely her own. The mood: deep, warm, cinematic radiance. Skin lit from within, eyes that tell a story, drama that feels lived-in rather than performed.”
She emphasizes that preparation is always key, though flexibility is essential. “Always have a plan—and knowing when to hold it versus release it is the real craft. I love doing my research and crafting mood boards—archival film stills, fashion photography, cultural touchstones—and rely on collaboration to shape the overall look and impact we want. The day of: skin tells you what it needs. The dress arrives and changes the light. You come with a strong vision, a fully stocked kit and the presence to follow where the moment leads.”
Beauty by the Numbers
The final look was a curated mix of products from three brands. Prada Beauty’s complexion collection was the hero—the skin-but-better finish that reads as couture rather than coverage,” Cornett says. “Tilt Beauty brought bold color on the lip with The Easy Way Satin Lipstick in I’m So Bordeaux ($28) and Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Lid Lustre ($40) and Satin Kajal Liner ($35) completed the look—products that photograph like a dream and feel soulful in person. Nothing was chosen by accident.” The finishing touch included gold hair clips by KS&Co.
Styling With Purpose
Naval shares how the award show look came together: “Finding the perfect look and dress for a show like the Actor Awards starts with embracing what makes the client feel confident and authentic. Amielynn has youthful energy that’s grounded, with an excitement to honor her Filipino culture. After pulling a variety of designers and doing fittings, we landed on Vaishali Couture, an Indian design house based in Paris.
Indian textiles are deeply embedded in Filipino culture through ancient maritime trade routes. The gown showcases shared techniques and fabrics used in Mindanao, the southernmost island of the Philippines. It ties seamlessly to Amielynn’s character Perlah, who is a Muslim Filipino American. When the dress tells a story naturally, it makes for the perfect look.”
The Night in Reflection
Thinking back on the evening, Abellera beams: “I woke up with butterflies, nervous anticipation, excitement and so much love for where I am. The entire day did not disappoint—starting with my glam, PR and photography team, who are the most generous, creative artists and joyful cheerleaders. Arriving at the Shrine in a look tailored to me, I felt confident and proud to be a nominee. I can’t believe we won! It is truly a dream come true. I will remember this night forever.”
