We hit the archives of Shutterstock’s massive Editorial library to see how our favorite celebrities have changed since the early 2000s.
Celebrities . . . They’re just like us. In fact, they even age! Well, sort of. They definitely get older, and the receipts are in the photos.
Twenty years ago, some of your favorite actors and musicians were snapped walking the red carpet. Their 2002 hairstyles and outfits looked very on-trend for the beginning of the new millennium (and perhaps even for today’s Y2K aesthetic resurgence). But, how different do these celebrities really look, two decades later?
To find out, we took a deep dive into Shutterstock’s Editorial collection, which has a massive editorial photography selection. It includes everything from:
It’s chock-full of red carpet and street-style celebrity photos, not to mention historical and culturally-important media you can’t find anywhere else.
So, join us for a walk down Memory Lane as we look back at some incredible celebrity red carpet photos from 2002. How do they compare to photos taken 20 years later? Let’s take a look.
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt is a hunk no matter what, and it’s safe to say that the last two decades have been very, very kind to him. Most recently, he’s been photographed on the red carpet, promoting his new film Bullet Train, and the guy looks—unsurprisingly—good.
License these images via Charbonneau/BEI/Shutterstock and David Fisher/Shutterstock.
Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon has been in front of the camera her entire life, and for a glaringly obvious reason: She rarely (if ever) takes a bad photo.
License these images via Peter Brooker/Shutterstock and Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock.
Halle Berry
The impeccable Halle Berry has pulled off a pretty difficult feat over 20-ish years—remaining impossibly cool, a little mysterious, and absolutely stunning.
In 2002, she made history when she became the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress (for her role in Monster’s Ball). And, this year, at the Critics Choice Awards, the actor/director was given the SeeHer Award for advocating for and accurately representing women and girls in her projects.
License these images via Peter Brooker/Shutterstock and Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock.
Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling has had a long career, as well. First, he was on The Mickey Mouse Club. Now, he’s starring as Ken in the upcoming live-action Barbie movie slated for next summer. Oh, he was also in The Notebook. We cannot forget The Notebook.
License these images via Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock and David Fisher/Shutterstock.
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah is an absolute legend. The award-winning rapper, comedian, actress, and all-around icon has most certainly earned her royal title.
License these images via Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock and Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock.
J.Lo & Ben Affleck
It’s safe to say these on-again-off-again love birds have been through some ups and downs since they first started dating in 2002. But, just look at them now! They tied the knot in 2022 . . . and they looked gorgeous while doing it.
Congrats, you crazy kids!
License these images via Charles Sykes/Shutterstock and Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock.
Nicole Kidman
A year after Nicole Kidman divorced Tom Cruise, she stepped out on the red carpet looking unfazed and totally gorgeous. Not much has changed since.
License these images via M Baron/BEI/Shutterstock and Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock.
Tom Hanks
He’s America’s dad and he can basically do no wrong. Watching him get older feels a little bittersweet, but it’s touching to see Tom Hanks create great films like Elvis, all while helping younger actors step into the spotlight.
License these images via Peter Brooker/Shutterstock and Richard Milnes/Shutterstock.
Ryan Reynolds
2002 was the year Ryan Reynolds starred in National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, the wacky film that launched his entire career. He certainly looks younger in photos from that time, but not remarkably so.
In fact, there’s reason to believe he’s the real Age of Adaline time traveler, and not his wife, Blake Lively.
License these images via Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock and David Fisher/Shutterstock.
Penelope Cruz
Which photo of Penelope Cruz is from 2002? Despite the change in fashion between the years, it can be pretty tricky to tell.
License these images via Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock and Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock.
While the clothes, hair, and makeup trends have certainly evolved over twenty years, it turns out that some of the biggest celebrities haven’t really changed that much. Even so, the ones who have changed look better today. It’s further proof that aging can be beautiful, and we don’t have to be afraid of it.
Want to do a celebrity-focused deep dive yourself? Head over to Shutterstock’s Editorial Collection and start digging. You never know what red carpet gems you might find.
License these cover images via Peter Brooker/Shutterstock and Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock.
