‘Very Thin’ Eyebrows & ‘Fried’ Hair: Pamela Anderson’s Appearance at the 2024 Gotham Awards Ignites Buzz

Pamela Anderson made waves at the 2024 Gotham Awards, held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City on Monday, December 2, 2024. The 57-year-old actress showcased her natural beauty with a makeup-free appearance that highlighted her flawless features, sparking widespread discussion online.

Known for embracing a fresh-faced look in recent appearances, the “Blonde and Blonder” star continued to redefine beauty norms with her understated style.

Anderson stunned in a strapless, butter-yellow gown featuring a dramatic bow at the back and a flowing train. The figure-hugging dress, coupled with her diamond stud earrings, created a simple yet elegant look. Her long blonde hair was loose, staying true to her minimalistic aesthetic.

While many praised her confidence and bare-faced beauty, others were quick to critique her appearance. Fans and social media users weighed in with mixed reactions.

One admirer wrote, “I love this. She looks better than those women with botched faces or a woman you know is 75 and she’s trying to look 35. No big deal Pam. You do you.” Another added, “She looks beautiful!!!”

However, many users expressed criticism, focusing on her hair and eyebrows. One commenter said, “Not wearing make up is okay. Good for her but what’s up with the unhealthy hair? It’s so fried.” Another remarked, “I’m sorry This is just scary I don’t wear make up everyday but this is not a good look [sic].”

Her eyebrows became a focal point for many detractors. One user commented, “She’s beautiful! But… she’s gotta define those eyebrows a little. Very thin from [over-plucking] in the 80s like the rest of us… they look [non-existent] and take away from her natural beauty.” Another added, “Have always been a fan but seriously get your eyebrows done.”

Many others echoed these sentiments. While referring to Anderson’s views on makeup, one user remarked, “Do eyebrows not make sense either?” Meanwhile, another bluntly stated, “Her eyebrows wayyy too thin [sic].” Another commenter opined, “I think Pamela could use a little [makeup],” while one critique read, “It looks just unkempt.”

While Anderson’s striking appearance at the Gotham Awards drew mixed reactions from fans and critics alike, the evening wasn’t just about her bold, makeup-free look. The Canadian-American actress was nominated for Best Lead Performance for her role in “The Last Showgirl,” marking a significant milestone in her career.

The “Baywatch” icon opened up about her thoughts on wearing makeup for the film, contrasting it with her current preference for a natural, makeup-free lifestyle. “I mean — I wear — I love to wear makeup too sometimes,” she shared while walking the red carpet. “It has a time and a place. I just feel in my personal life, it just didn’t really make sense.”

The “Naked Souls” star also emphasized that, for her, true beauty comes from within. “Being brave and living your dreams. It’s never too late,” she said, offering an inspiring perspective on what beauty means to her at this stage in her life.

For Anderson, the evening also marked an opportunity to reflect on her nomination for her performance in “The Last Showgirl.” Speaking about her role, the actress expressed pride and gratitude for the recognition she received. “I think I’m a wild card. Always have been,” she said, acknowledging her unconventional career journey.

Anderson continued, “I’ve been an actress for a long time but this is the first time I’ve been able to sink my teeth into something and I’m really proud of this film.” The nomination symbolizes not only her growth as an actress but also a turning point in her career, as she steps into more meaningful and layered roles.

Interestingly, Anderson’s appearance at the awards event is not the first time she has sparked online reactions to the makeup-free look that she has become known for.

Radiating natural beauty, the Hollywood “It” girl had all eyes on her as she walked the red carpet at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles, California, on October 19, 2024. However, her simple and understated appearance was criticized by some who felt as though the actress could have put more effort into her look.

Anderson’s natural features took center stage, as her face was seemingly free of makeup, except for what looked like a lightly tinted lip moisturizer that provided just a hint of color.

Her decision to forego heavy makeup allowed her naturally arched brows and luminous complexion to shine through.

Adding to her minimalistic look, her hair was styled into a casual, messy low bun. Complementing her hair and makeup-free face, Anderson donned a simple yet striking black dress.

The off-the-shoulder gown featured a textured fabric that gave it visual depth. Allowing the dress and her natural beauty to speak for themselves, Anderson opted to forgo any accessories. Her only addition to the outfit was a small, sleek black clutch bag.

Upon seeing photos and videos of the “Some Kind of Wonderful” star online, netizens expressed mixed reactions, with many scrutinizing Anderson’s physical features.

“She looks absolutely beautiful but she looks awkward and uncomfortable, like she’s been asked to do something she doesn’t want to do. Looks uncomfortable in her own skin. I’m all for women showing off the natural look but I think her stylists have gone overboard with the less is more look. The dress is dowdy and her hair scraped back just ages her,” opined an Instagrammer.

Echoing a similar sentiment about her demeanor, another noted, “Still pretty, but she looks so sad.” “She looks like she is going to burst into tears!!” exclaimed someone else.

Seemingly coming to the star’s defense, an observer penned, “Everyone saying she is not wearing makeup, [sic] when I can clearly tell she has a little blush and lipstick on, probably a tinted moisturizer as well. Maybe she is done with the glam look and we can’t respect her for that now or what?! Let her be 🤷‍♀️.”

Appreciating Anderson’s beauty, an admirer swooned, “She’s always been naturally beautiful. I’m glad she always kept it basic when it came to enhancing her looks. She’s able to age gracefully and still maintain her natural beauty and appearance. She’ll be recognizable for life. She’s stunning and brilliant.”

Still, more critiques ensued. “Nah! I’m not impressed with this look. Maybe at home with the family and friends, sure who needs makeup then. But, Not at awards show. She could’ve used some. Why look like you don’t even care to make an effort anymore? Something must’ve gave her the I don’t care anymore attitude. [sic] So 😞,” remarked a user.

Meanwhile, a fan who sat on the fence admitted, “I gotta be honest I am not sure if I like her without makeup. That being said I love her as a person.” “She looks tired and alot [sic] older than she could look with a little more makeup and some better eyebrows,” added someone else.

Another user agreed, “I think it’s time for some makeup Pamela it’s nice to be bare natural but a little natural makeup doesn’t hurt.”

Despite the polarizing reactions to Anderson’s makeup-free appearance at the Gotham Awards and Academy Museum Gala, her decision to forgo cosmetics was not made lightly. In fact, it has been part of a personal journey that she openly shared with the world in 2023.

Anderson has gradually shifted her beauty philosophy by embracing natural looks and redefining what it means to feel confident in one’s own skin.

In an October 2023 interview on “Today” with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, Anderson revealed the reasoning behind her decision to step away from the heavily made-up looks that once defined her career.

“I am much more comfortable in my own skin, but I also am in an industry that really focuses on beauty,” shared the actress. “And I thought, ‘I’m going to challenge beauty.'”

Her journey toward self-acceptance began to take center stage when she stunned audiences at Paris Fashion Week in late 2023 by attending several runway shows without a trace of makeup.

Anderson also explained that the death of her longtime makeup artist, Alexis Vogel, had been a turning point for her.

“She was the best. And since then, I just felt, without Alexis, it’s just better for me not to wear makeup,” disclosed Pamela Anderson, who acknowledged that stepping away from her signature look had been both freeing and empowering.

“I do feel free, and it was a choice. I feel great. I feel good in my own skin,” boasted the “Barb Wire” talent. Although her 2023 interview provided insight into the personal reasons behind her choice, it’s clear that her fresh-faced appearances have continued to spark both admiration and criticism alike, regardless.

By choosing a makeup-free, unfiltered look, Pamela Anderson continues to challenge traditional expectations, proving that confidence and authenticity remain timeless. Whether celebrated or critiqued, her decision to embrace her natural self has undoubtedly left an impression on fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.