The Netflix original series Wednesday continues to be a cornerstone of the streaming giant’s awards season strategy, a fact underscored by the recent high-profile For Your Consideration (FYSEE) event held at the historic Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Lead actress Jenna Ortega, who also serves as an executive producer for the upcoming second season, was joined by Academy Award winner Catherine Zeta-Jones, who portrays the matriarch Morticia Addams. The choice of venue—a 125-year-old cemetery that serves as the final resting place for Hollywood legends such as Judy Garland and Cecil B. DeMille—provided a thematic backdrop that aligned seamlessly with the macabre and gothic sensibilities of the series.
The event served as a critical touchpoint for the show’s Emmy campaign, as Netflix seeks to maintain the momentum generated by the first season’s record-breaking viewership and critical acclaim. Since its debut in late 2022, Wednesday has become Netflix’s most-watched English-language series of all time, amassing over 252 million views within its first 91 days. This FYSEE event was designed not only to celebrate the achievements of the inaugural season but also to signal the creative direction of the highly anticipated second installment, which recently moved production from Romania to Ireland.
Evolution of Aesthetic: Jenna Ortega in McQueen
Jenna Ortega’s appearance at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery marked a notable shift in her public-facing fashion narrative. During the initial press tour for Season 1, Ortega frequently engaged in "method dressing," a styling strategy where an actor’s off-screen wardrobe mirrors the character they portray. For Wednesday, this meant an abundance of black lace, Peter Pan collars, and heavy gothic veils. However, at the FYSEE event, Ortega opted for a more nuanced interpretation of the show’s aesthetic, wearing a look from the McQueen Pre-Fall 2026 collection.
The ensemble featured a sharply tailored cropped jacket in a muted charcoal grey, characterized by intentionally frayed edges that provided a deconstructed, avant-garde feel. The centerpiece of the look was a high-neck laced harness, a signature element of the McQueen house that added a sense of structural tension and edge. By choosing a softer grey palette over the character’s signature stark black, Ortega demonstrated a transition toward a more mature, executive-focused image, reflecting her expanded role as a producer on the series.
Fashion analysts noted that the return of Ortega’s natural, defined eyebrows was a significant departure from the bleached or ultra-thin "editorial" brow trends she had previously experimented with on red carpets. This choice softened her overall appearance, moving away from the stark, unblinking intensity of Wednesday Addams and toward a more accessible, sophisticated Hollywood presence. The McQueen look, while still grounded in the rebellious spirit of the brand, emphasized precision tailoring and high-fashion craftsmanship over theatrical costume-adjacent styling.
The Scarlet Presence: Catherine Zeta-Jones and the Glamour of Morticia
Complementing Ortega’s modern tailoring, Catherine Zeta-Jones brought a sense of timeless cinematic glamour to the event. Zeta-Jones, whose portrayal of Morticia Addams has been praised for its fidelity to the original Charles Addams cartoons, wore a vibrant red ruched dress by designer Magda Butrym. The dress featured intricate floral accents at the neckline, a signature of Butrym’s romantic yet structural design philosophy.
To balance the boldness of the scarlet hue against the cemetery’s somber environment, Zeta-Jones styled the dress with a black blazer draped over her shoulders. This styling choice served as a subtle nod to the dark, monochromatic palette of the Addams family while allowing the actress to maintain her status as a high-impact "screen siren." The contrast between Ortega’s structured grey McQueen and Zeta-Jones’s fluid, colorful Magda Butrym highlighted the generational and stylistic dynamics between their characters—the rebellious, evolving daughter and the steadfast, elegant mother.
Zeta-Jones’s involvement in the FYSEE event underscores the importance of veteran star power in Netflix’s awards strategy. As a previous Oscar winner for Chicago, her presence lends a layer of prestige to the production, reinforcing Wednesday as not merely a teen-centric phenomenon but a high-caliber prestige drama with broad industry appeal.
Chronology of a Global Phenomenon
The Hollywood Forever Cemetery event comes at a pivotal moment in the Wednesday production timeline. The series, directed and executive produced by Tim Burton, premiered on November 23, 2022. It quickly eclipsed previous records, becoming the first English-language Netflix series to surpass 341 million hours watched in a single week.
- January 2023: Netflix officially renewed the series for a second season following its dominant performance in the global Top 10 charts.
- May 2023: Production was temporarily delayed due to the dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which halted script development and filming schedules across the industry.
- November 2023: It was announced that production would move from the Buftea Studios in Romania to a new home base in Ireland. The move was reportedly motivated by logistical advantages and the need for new atmospheric landscapes to expand the world of Nevermore Academy.
- May 2024: Principal photography officially commenced in County Wicklow, Ireland. The cast expansion for Season 2 was also confirmed, including the addition of Steve Buscemi, Billie Piper, and Christopher Lloyd, the latter of whom played Uncle Fester in the 1990s film adaptations.
The FYSEE event serves as the bridge between the success of the past and the expectations for the future. By hosting the event during the 2024/2025 awards cycle, Netflix is positioning Wednesday to remain at the forefront of voters’ minds, particularly in categories such as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Contemporary Costumes, and Outstanding Production Design.
Industry Impact and the FYC Strategy
The "For Your Consideration" circuit has evolved significantly in the era of peak TV. Streaming services now invest millions into immersive experiences designed to leave a lasting impression on Academy of Television Arts & Sciences members. Netflix’s decision to hold the Wednesday event at a cemetery is a prime example of experiential marketing. It transforms a standard Q&A panel into a thematic "event," generating social media buzz and reinforcing the show’s unique brand identity.
Data from industry analysts suggests that these immersive events correlate with higher nomination counts. In its first season, Wednesday received 12 Emmy nominations, including a nod for Best Comedy Series. By maintaining a visible presence through FYC events, Netflix aims to replicate or exceed this performance for subsequent seasons.
Furthermore, the involvement of Jenna Ortega as an executive producer is a trend-setting move for young actors in Hollywood. At 21, Ortega is one of the youngest individuals to hold such a title on a major global hit. This shift in power dynamics allows for more creative input from the lead actor, which Ortega has stated will result in a Season 2 that leans more heavily into horror elements rather than the supernatural romance subplots that characterized parts of Season 1.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Wednesday
As filming continues in Ireland, the details shared at the FYC event suggest a tonal shift for the series. Ortega has publicly advocated for a "darker" and "more action-oriented" second season. This evolution is reflected in the fashion choices seen at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery—moving away from the literal interpretation of a schoolgirl and toward a more sophisticated, formidable aesthetic.
The cultural footprint of Wednesday remains immense. The "Wednesday Core" fashion trend, which saw a 50% increase in searches for black clothing and gothic accessories following the show’s debut, continues to influence retail markets. By keeping the stars in the spotlight through high-fashion appearances and strategically curated events, Netflix ensures that the series remains a cultural touchstone during the long hiatus between seasons.
The FYSEE event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery was more than a mere promotional stop; it was a calculated display of brand strength. Between the precision of Ortega’s McQueen tailoring and the timeless allure of Zeta-Jones’s Magda Butrym, the message was clear: Wednesday is a franchise built on the intersection of style, substance, and a deep-seated appreciation for the macabre. As the production moves forward in the emerald landscapes of Ireland, the industry remains watchful of how this record-breaking series will continue to redefine the boundaries of the horror-comedy genre.
