Cameron Diaz made a rare public appearance at ELLE’s 2024 Women in Hollywood celebration, drawing both praise and critique from social media users.
The event, held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on November 19, 2024, honored actresses Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón, among many others.
The 52-year-old actress wore an all-black ensemble by Ralph Lauren, exuding understated elegance. Her outfit featured a sequined long-sleeve top paired with a flowy high-waisted skirt, cinched at the waist with a subtle belt.
She completed the look with sheer black stockings and pointed-toe heels, adding a classic touch. Diaz’s signature blonde locks were styled into loose waves, while her makeup featured a soft palette with pink lipstick and lightly defined eyes, perfectly complementing her attire.
Cameron was photographed alongside fellow Hollywood icons, including Demi Moore, Rita Wilson, and the honorees Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón.
While the actress appeared radiant in her Ralph Lauren ensemble, her appearance sparked an array of online reactions. “Something wrong with her [sic],” wondered one netizen, while a second user wrote, “Isn’t Cameron ten years younger than Demi… what happened to her?” One more person drew parallels between the two Hollywood ladies, noting, “Demi is 10 years older and looks way better.”
A commenter expressed concern, “WHY THESE BEAUTIFUL WOMEN KEEP RUINING THEIR FACES.” Meanwhile, another disappointed commenter added, “Cameron please leave your face alone. Thank you.”
Critiques about her look continued, with comments like, “She looks terrible. Hair make and fit [sic],” and “Cameron looks 80,” while another user mentioned, “She can’t quite smile from all of the plastic in her face.”
Other comments touched on perceived changes in her appearance, with one stating, “It’s a shame she’s gone down the filler route, I wouldn’t have guessed it was her!” Another echoed the sentiment, saying, “I didn’t recognise her at all.”
Despite the critical remarks, there was no shortage of admiration from fans who praised her timeless beauty. One wrote, “She’s so beautiful,” while another added, “cameron diaz looking flawless [sic].” Yet another admirer gushed, “She’s gorgeous.”
The star-studded evening marked a rare public outing for Diaz, who has largely stepped back from the spotlight in recent years. She also took the stage during the event to introduce the cast of “Emilia Pérez.” The “Knight and Day” star praised the film and its actors while highlighting the pivotal role women play in shaping the world.
This appearance followed a candid conversation Diaz had in October 2024 at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, where she opened up about her decision to step away from acting nearly a decade ago.
Reflecting on her retirement, Diaz shared, “For me, it was just something I had to do. It felt like something I had to do to reclaim my own life. And I just really didn’t care about anything else. I didn’t.”
She further mentioned, “Nobody’s opinion, nobody’s success, no one’s offer, no one’s anything could change my mind about my decision of taking care of myself and building the life that I really wanted to have. So, I think it really comes to: What are you passionate about? For me, it was to build my family.”
Before this, Diaz publicly discussed her retirement in a 2018 Entertainment Weekly interview with her “The Sweetest Thing” co-stars Christina Applegate and Selma Blair.
When the conversation tilted toward a possible reunion of the cast, Diaz responded, “That’s so awesome. I’m totally down… I am actually retired, so I would love to see you ladies.” Her remarks reflected her focus on family life and taking a step back from the demands of Hollywood.
However, at the Fortune Summit in October 2024, Diaz also spoke about her eventual return to acting, explaining how the COVID-19 lockdown period was pivotal for her.
“It was just the right time for my family. After the COVID, we were in the house for a long time, which was amazing,” Diaz said. She credited her husband, Benji Madden, for encouraging her to make a comeback. “He was just like, ‘You’ve been supporting us and building the family… It’s time for us to support you and let mommy ascend and do her thing.’”
This encouragement led Diaz to sign on for “Back in Action,” her first major film since her hiatus. Slated for release in early January 2025 on Netflix, the spy-action comedy pairs Diaz with Jamie Foxx in their third collaboration.
The film follows former CIA spies Emily (Diaz) and Matt (Foxx), who are pulled back into espionage after their secret identities are exposed. Discussing her return to the silver screen, Diaz expressed, “I’m really excited… I couldn’t say no to Jamie. He said, ‘Come with me,’ and I was like, ‘Okay, let’s do it.’”
Cameron Diaz’s recent public appearances and return to the silver screen showcase her resilience and enduring relevance in Hollywood, even in the face of mixed public opinion. Unfazed by criticism, she remains focused on what truly matters to her — her family and personal fulfillment.
Her decision to reenter acting, coupled with her ability to balance a quieter personal life with her professional commitments, highlights her determination to shape her narrative.
