There was a lot going on at the 2025 MTV VMAs. From the extra-special music performances (hi, Sabrina Carpenter and Tate McRae) to the countless beauty moments on the red carpet (crimped waves, anyone?), it was hard to focus on any one thing. Still, we’d implore you to try — at least when it comes to each celebrity’s nails, because the manicures this year were very, very good.
The nail trend we predominantly saw on the red carpet was the French manicure. However, this isn’t just any old French tip — these sets packed a major twist. Some stars, like Carpenter, went for over-the-top designs that were accessories in their own right. Her manicure took inspiration from another nostalgic beauty trend: ’90s gem nails. Meanwhile, people like Ariana Grande and Latto went with classic takes to allow the rest of their beauty look to really shine.
All of the French manicures, no matter the style, are worth zooming in on. Keep reading to see the best celebrity nails at the 2025 MTV VMAs.