South African actress Linda Mtoba had a night to remember at the 2025 Oscars, where she not only stunned in a breathtaking red gown but also found herself at the center of a viral moment with Hollywood stars Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez.
Dressed in a scarlet-red halter gown by local designer Nolanga Made, Mtoba channeled old Hollywood glamour. The mermaid-style dress, which hugged her curves before flaring out, was completed with a dramatic floor-length cape that swept across the carpet, making her one of the standout stars of the night.
SMag caught up with the Queendom actress to talk about her unforgettable Oscars experience.
For Mtoba, attending the prestigious event was more than just a night of glitz and glamour—it was a defining moment in her career.
“Attending the Oscars was nothing short of life-changing. As an actor, it’s one of those career-defining moments that so many dream of and work tirelessly to achieve. For a girl from Umlazi, it was a dream turned reality. And who knows? God willing, the next time I attend, it’ll be to accept an award,” she shared.
One of the most special moments for her was walking the red carpet, knowing she was following in the footsteps of acting greats.
“I got to share this moment with my manager and best friend [Ntando Zikalala], someone who has worked on my brand with me for close to 10 years. It was such a pinnacle moment in my career,” she said.
Mtoba rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez. She also had conversations with The Brutalist producers, met Oscar-nominated South African producer Anele Mdoda at the Elton John Aids Foundation party, and shared moments with Neil Patrick Harris, Chappell Roan, Christian Siriano, Megan Thee Stallion, and reality TV icon Nene Leakes.
The highlight of the night for many fans was a rare photo of Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez together—something that hadn’t happened in nearly 15 years.
“The viral picture with Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus was such a huge deal, especially because they hadn’t taken a photo together in almost 15 years. I had no idea just how much impact it would have at the time,” Mtoba recalled.
“We met while they were waiting for their car to take them to the Vanity Fair event, and both were incredibly friendly. It was such a special moment, and I’m grateful to have witnessed it.”
Despite being used to seeing the Oscars on TV, being there in person was a completely different experience for the actress.
“Getting immersed in the world of people we usually see on our TV screens was incredibly different and surreal. It was such a humbling experience, and it fuelled my desire to work even harder,” she shared.
“For me, coming from Umlazi, and my manager, coming from Soweto, it was especially surreal. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and the journey we’re still on.”
From making fashion statements to mingling with A-listers, Linda Mtoba’s first Oscars experience was nothing short of magical. And if her dreams come true, this won’t be the last time she graces Hollywood’s biggest stage.
