Crestone, Colorado – March 24, 2025: The 97th Academy Awards dazzled as always, with its parade of couture, emotional speeches, and the usual display of effortless composure from Hollywood’s elite. But beneath the glamour and perfectly timed one-liners, there was something else at play, something far less visible but just as vital to a performance.

While many viewers focused on designer gowns and surprise wins, a handful of keen observers took note of something more subtle: an apparent shift in breath awareness among certain celebrities. It wasn’t a dramatic, headline-grabbing moment, but a quiet indication that actors may be dipping their toes into a trend that has long been embraced by elite public speakers, vocal performers, and those trained in high-level stress management.
The practice in question? Nasal breathing, an approach that, while simple, carries profound implications for health, performance, and composure under pressure.

While there is no concrete evidence that Hollywood stars have fully incorporated nasal inhalation while speaking (something seasoned politicians and corporate speakers have already mastered), there were a few moments that suggested a growing awareness of breath control. Selena Gomez, for example, was seen consistently breathing through her nose throughout the evening, though she did not speak publicly. Cynthia Erivo and Emma Stone both appeared to maintain what experts call “invisible breathing” when not talking, meaning their inhalations were subtle, controlled, and showed no excessive movement in the shoulders or chest.

Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison, while speaking, displayed a degree of breath regulation that suggested a measured approach to air intake, though whether this was intentional or simply a result of natural pacing remains unclear. These moments, though not definitive proof of a widespread Hollywood adoption of nasal breathing, hint at something significant: a shift, however small, in awareness.

For decades, the Buteyko Breathing Center has championed nasal breathing as a critical component of overall well-being, stress reduction, and peak performance. Unlike mouth breathing, which leads to hyperventilation, disrupts oxygen-carbon dioxide balance, and can trigger physiological stress responses, nasal breathing promotes optimal oxygen absorption, mental clarity, and endurance. It is an essential tool for those whose careers demand precision, composure, and the ability to navigate high-pressure situations without losing control.

Many elite public speakers, including politicians and TED Talk presenters, have already recognized the power of breath control. By training themselves to inhale nasally even while speaking, they ensure their voices remain steady, their nervous systems stay regulated, and their overall presence commands attention.

In Hollywood, however, the trend has yet to take full hold. For an industry obsessed with self-optimization (where actors spend years perfecting vocal delivery, commanding presence, and managing performance anxiety), it is surprising that intentional breath retraining has not been more widely embraced. But if the subtle signs seen at the Oscars indicate anything, it’s that actors are finally catching on.

What makes nasal breathing particularly relevant for Hollywood’s elite is its ability to combat the very real physical and mental toll of awards season. While audiences see the polished version of events, performers actually endure weeks of exhaustion, press junkets, international travel, and the crushing weight of constant public scrutiny. Anxiety runs high, adrenaline surges unpredictably, and for many, the default response is rapid, shallow mouth breathing, which only worsens stress and fatigue.

Those who understand breath control, however, can override this instinctive reaction. With nasal breathing, they stabilize their nervous system, slow their heart rate, and ensure that their voices remain strong and steady rather than shaky and breathless.

"Hollywood is on the verge of a transformation when it comes to breath awareness," says Sasha Yakovleva, co-founder of the Buteyko Breathing Center. "While actors at this year’s Oscars did not yet demonstrate full nasal inhalation while speaking, the presence of controlled, measured, and invisible breathing suggests a turning point. If breath retraining follows the trajectory of other wellness trends that have taken hold in Hollywood, it is only a matter of time before actors begin incorporating these techniques with greater intention, not just for performance but for overall well-being."

For those outside of Hollywood, the implications of this shift are just as relevant. The ability to regulate one’s breath, especially in high-stress environments, is not exclusive to celebrities. Whether delivering a business presentation, preparing for a major life event, or simply aiming for better overall health, the benefits of nasal breathing extend to anyone willing to retrain their habits.

The Buteyko Breathing Center has long provided resources for individuals seeking to make this transition, offering private coaching, guided training, and educational materials to help people breathe optimally. As Hollywood inches toward greater breath awareness, the rest of the world has the opportunity to get ahead of the curve. Unlike fashion trends and fleeting diet fads, this is one shift worth paying attention to because learning to breathe correctly isn’t just about looking composed. It’s about being composed.

About The Breathing Center
The Buteyko Breathing Center is a globally recognized leader in breath retraining and respiratory wellness. Co-founded by Sasha Yakovleva and Thomas Fredricksen, the center specializes in teaching the Buteyko Method, a scientifically backed approach that optimizes breathing patterns for improved health, better sleep, and enhanced performance. With online courses, workshops, and private coaching, the center has helped thousands of individuals, from athletes to executives, breathe better and live healthier lives.

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