Meg Ryan is back. Or maybe she never really left, and we just stopped looking the right way.
The internet has a weird obsession with "then and now" photos. You’ve seen them. The side-by-side comparisons that try to trap a 64-year-old woman in a 1989 time capsule. Honestly, it’s a bit much. When current images of Meg Ryan hit the wires today, the reaction is usually a mix of nostalgia and, unfortunately, a lot of unsolicited medical opinions from people who haven't seen a red carpet in person since the Clinton administration.
But if you actually look at the recent shots from late 2025 and early 2026, there is a much more interesting story than just "celebrity ages." She's leaning into a very specific, polished version of her 90s self that feels weirdly modern.
The 2025-2026 Red Carpet Pivot
The most recent major sighting that set the tabloids on fire was the 2025 Oscars after-party. Meg showed up in this semi-sheer, nude-toned dress covered in thousands of sequins and pearls. It was a total 180 from the burgundy velvet Ashi Studio gown she wore to the actual ceremony earlier that night.
Seeing her on stage with Billy Crystal to present Best Picture was a moment. People froze. Some focused on the "new face" narrative, but others noticed the chemistry was still there. That’s the thing about Meg Ryan; she’s always carried herself with a specific kind of kinetic energy that a camera lens can’t quite quantify.
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Recent High-Profile Appearances
- January 2026: New segments for her "Empowered" series began filming, where she's seen in more business-casual, "director-chic" looks—think structured blazers and those signature round glasses.
- November 2025: She celebrated her 64th birthday looking remarkably vibrant at a Michael J. Fox Foundation event. She was photographed with Justin Long and Kate Bosworth, wearing her hair in that classic, messy-chic blonde bob.
- March 2025: The 97th Academy Awards. She wore a red-wine velvet gown with a thigh-high slit. It was bold. It was "Meg Ryan Fall" but for the spring.
- May 2024: The Met Gala. Her first in over two decades. She wore Michael Kors, and the sheer bodice was a massive talking point.
Why "Meg Ryan Fall" Changed the Narrative
You can't talk about her current look without talking about the "Meg Ryan Fall" trend that exploded on TikTok. It’s basically a Gen Z love letter to her When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail wardrobe. Chunky knits. Oversized blazers. Loafers with socks.
Meg’s reaction to it was actually pretty adorable. She told People she saw girls trying on hats and thought it was "the cutest thing ever." But here's the kicker: her current street style isn't that different from the movie costumes. She’s often spotted in London or NYC wearing baggy trousers, "orthopedic-looking" flat shoes (her words!), and puffer jackets. She’s choosing comfort over the "tight and bright" aesthetic most Hollywood veterans feel forced into.
The Elephant in the Room: The Plastic Surgery Discourse
Look, we have to talk about it because everyone else is. For years, the narrative around Meg Ryan has been dominated by "unrecognizable" headlines.
Surgeons like Dr. Zoran Potparic and others on YouTube have spent hours analyzing her jawline and lip volume. The consensus among the "experts" is usually that she had a bit too much filler in the early 2010s, which led to a "pulled" or "frozen" look.
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But if you look at the current images of Meg Ryan from 2026, something has shifted. She looks more like herself again. There’s a softness that wasn’t there five years ago. Maybe she’s dissolved some of the work, or maybe she’s just found a surgeon who understands that "less is more" as you hit your mid-60s. Or maybe—and this is a wild thought—she’s just happy. She took an eight-year hiatus from acting to "develop other parts of her human experience." That kind of peace shows up on a face more than any syringe can.
What’s Next for the Rom-Com Queen?
Meg isn't just posing for paps anymore. She’s back to work.
She has a new project titled Good Sex slated for 2027, co-starring Mark Ruffalo and Natalie Portman. This follows her 2023 return in What Happens Later, which she also directed. Seeing her in "director mode" in recent behind-the-scenes photos offers a glimpse into a woman who is totally in control of her image. She’s not trying to be the "ingenue" anymore. She’s the boss.
If you’re trying to replicate her current "quiet luxury" vibe, the formula is actually pretty simple.
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How to get the 2026 Meg Ryan look:
- The Hair: It’s still the "Meg." Messy, layered, and blonde. Don't over-style it.
- The Silhouette: Wide-leg trousers and sleeveless vests.
- The Shades: Small, round, wire-rimmed sunglasses. They’re a 90s throwback that works perfectly for a 60-something face.
- The Glow: Dewy makeup. She’s moved away from the heavy mattes that settle into lines.
Ultimately, the obsession with her face says more about us than it does about her. She’s a woman who defined a decade of film, took a massive break to raise her kids (Daisy and Jack), and came back on her own terms. The images we see today are of a woman who has survived the Hollywood meat grinder and still knows how to wear the hell out of a Saint Laurent gown.
To stay updated on her latest appearances, follow the official press releases for the "Empowered" series or keep an eye on the Michael J. Fox Foundation's annual gala photos, as that's one of the few events she consistently attends. Focus on the style and the projects—that’s where the real Meg Ryan is hiding.