LaKeith Stanfield is back in the spotlight as his new Boot Riley film “I Love Boosters” hits theatres nationwide. The “Get Out” star also landed the digital cover of “Esquire UK’s” May 2026 launch of its new “Esquire Edge” franchise.
One particular shirtless photo from the editorial has been circulating on X, drawing mixed reactions from fans, many of whom said they haven’t gotten past an old photoshoot where his nails appeared dirty.
LaKeith Stanfield Stuns For Esquire UK
In this standout look from the spread, LaKeith Stanfield appears shirtless, captured outdoors against a lush, sunlit backdrop of green foliage and modern glass architecture. Sporting a freshly shaved head, the actor gazes directly into the camera with a brooding expression.
Wearing only a pair of light-colored, floral-print trousers, Stanfield put his tattooed torso and arms on full display while resting one hand across his hairy chest.
Another shot captures him standing on a manicured lawn in a soft light-blue knit sweater with a loosely draped striped tie, paired with dark denim jeans and brown leather shoes. With one hand casually behind his head and the other holding a large vintage pocket watch, the actor delivered the same brooding, intense energy.
Fans Are Not Impressed
As photos from the feature spread across social media, one viral X account reposted the shirtless pic, sparking discussion about Stanfield’s appearance and reigniting conversation about his fingernails.
“He ain’t looked cute to me since them dirty as- nails he had. I just can’t let that go, how didn’t anybody in editing catch that?” one user wrote. Another added, “Did he take a shower before this photoshoot? He needs to clean those fingernails.”
Some commenters focused on different aspects of his appearance, with one saying they liked him better with hair, while another referred to his chest hair as “taco meat chest hair.”
The Shoot With The ‘Dirty Nails’
The criticism traces back to a 2020 “Bustle” magazine photoshoot that continues to haunt Stanfield’s online reputation. In the editorial, the actor posed in a dark jacket layered over a burgundy turtleneck, showcasing his then-curly hair, beard, and multiple tattoos.
Several close-up shots prominently featured his hands, including one image where he was holding a large crystal near his face, another with both hands covering his eyes, and a third showing his fingers clasped beside his chin.
Many viewers became distracted by what they believed were visibly dirty fingernails, prompting a wave of criticism that spread across social media at the time. About six years later, some fans continue referencing the moment.
That Time Stanfield Rocked Stockings And Heels
In another memorable editorial from 2022, LaKeith Stanfield fearlessly embraced a boundary-pushing look that turned heads and fueled major buzz about masculinity.
One striking image shared on Instagram showed the actor seated on a wooden stool in a dimly lit corner. He wore a blazer over what appeared to be a fitted dress, paired with black lace stockings and heeled boots.
A black durag completed the unconventional ensemble, while his confident crossed leg pose exuded effortless swagger and intensity. In the comments, someone wrote, “This might be the most beautiful pic I’ve ever seen.”
LaKeith Stanfield Wins Star Of The Year At CinemaCon 2026
More recently, LaKeith Stanfield stunned at the CinemaCon 2026 Big Screen Achievement Awards, where he accepted the Star of the Year honor.
The actor arrived in an eclectic ensemble consisting of a beige turtleneck layered beneath a dark plaid button-up vest, paired with coordinating beige trousers. A baseball cap and tinted sunglasses added a casual edge to the “grandad core” styling.
With “I Love Boosters” now playing in theatres, there might be a lot more of Stanfield on the internet in the coming days as fans share their thoughts on the film and its characters.