The ever-regal Helen Mirren has been called on many times to play the role of a royal. But after the 90th Annual Oscars this year, Mirren proved she’s a real-life queen in another way: she shared candid selfies of her before and after her Oscars night transformation into a red carpet glamazon, giving fans a peek into her natural state — and proving that self-confidence is the most important part of any look.
Fans are giving her props on social media, commenting with their love of her willingness to be open and honest about the process of aging and give a peek behind the curtain into what it’s really like to experience the magic of a professional makeup artist. (Actually, as she notes in the “after” photo, it really takes a whole team.)
This is not the first time Mirren, 72, has shared frank photos on her Instagram. And although she can clearly get dressed up with the best of them — she even was selected as the model who helped show off the jet ski that was up for grabs on Oscar night — she also keeps a healthy sense of humor about the whole thing.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Why Trump’s Message Worked on Latino Men
- What Trump’s Win Could Mean for Housing
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Sleep Doctors Share the 1 Tip That’s Changed Their Lives
- Column: Let’s Bring Back Romance
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Write to Raisa Bruner at raisa.bruner@time.com