Renée Zellweger made a rare public appearance Monday night at the ELLE Women in Hollywood Awards, and the Bridget Jones actress made headlines with her new look.

Renée Zellweger Steps Out With New Look

Zellweger, 45, stunned in a black dress from designer Carolina Herrera as she walked the red carpet with boyfriend, Doyle Bramhall, but it wasn’t her smart fashion choice that had everyone talking on Tuesday. Instead, fans were much more preoccupied by the fact that they found Zellweger almost unrecognizable.

Still can't get over how different Renee Zellweger looks! pic.twitter.com/ubHcyILhpT

— 98FM (@98FM) October 21, 2014

Renée Zellweger isn't recognizable. Plastic surgery is crazy. pic.twitter.com/5wq9FZ6S4Q

— SM (@WorkOfMiro) October 21, 2014

Zellweger, on hand to present an award to her The Whole Truth co-star Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle), has successfully stayed away from the red carpet since around 2010, and there’s no doubt the Oscar-winning actress has changed quite a bit over these past four years.

"I think Renee Zellweger looks awesome!"- Meg Ryan

— Rory Albanese (@RoryAlbanese) October 21, 2014

I'd like to CONGRATULATE Renee Zellweger on her successful head transplant. *Sips wine.*

— Drunk Ina Garten (@DrunkInaGarten) October 21, 2014

I also don’t look like Renee Zellweger any more.

— Scarynameshua Malina (@JoshMalina) October 21, 2014

Defending Renée Zellweger

However, the host of critics slamming Zellweger’s alleged plastic surgery has caused it’s own backlash among media critics and celebrities who are standing up for Zellwegger. Many feel that the backlash against Zellweger’s change is just another example of a corrupt, celebrity-obsessed culture.

Anyone who bashes Renee Zellweger should have to post a picture of themselves and see what everyone's opinion of their face is.

— Leslie Grossman (@MissLeslieG) October 21, 2014

It's up to Renee Zellweger what Renee Zellweger wants to look like.

— Josh Wolf (@joshwolfcomedy) October 21, 2014

Showing a 21 year old Renee Zellweger next to a 45 year old Renee?- everyone should post this side by side comparison of themselves.

— Chris Franjola (@ChrisFranjola) October 21, 2014