Legendary Red Carpet Looks
Any time a red carpet is rolled out for the stars, be it a movie premiere, a gala, or an award ceremony, heads are guaranteed to turn. The Oscars red carpet is no exception, and in this article, we’ll be going through some of the most iconic dresses that have ever graced the velvet runway.
Grace Kelly In Edith Head, 1955
Grace Kelly glowed in a satin minty green gown as she collected her Academy Award for her role in The Country Girl. Pairing the piece with matching gloves, Edith Head left no stone unturned with this ensemble. The timelessness of this gorgeous gown continues to baffle designers and fashion lovers alike.
Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Diahann Carrol, 1969
In 1969, Diahann Carrol turned heads in her one-of-a-kind glittering look. The stunning dress was a blush pink with stylish décolletage, and without jewellery, the details of the dress made Carrol glow. The most spectacular element of the dress was the full-body organza cape adorned with dozens of jewels, making Carrol look like a real-life princess.
Diahann Carrol, 1969
Though this dress is memorable for its overall elegance and glamor, it is also memorable for its mystery. To this day, it is unknown who the designer of this gown is.
Cher In Bob Mackie, 1974
Cher never has and, likely, never will leave her audience anything less than astonished. Pairing with the singer time and time again, Bob Mackie designed a stunningly flattering flowy two-piece dress with a watercolor floral pattern which Cher paired with a matching headpiece and choker. The accessories featured massive bejeweled flowers and drew attention to her complimentary makeup look.
Audrey Hepburn In Givenchy, 1975
This stunning gown was a white pencil dress, adorned with gold detailing on the bodice. The most precious details were the dozen white and gold flowers and the simplistic yet elegant bow to truly embellish the top of this dress.
Audrey Hepburn In Givenchy, 1975
Audrey Hepburn was known to dress rather modestly, especially in the 1950s, however, by the 1970s, she had taken on a more whimsical play on sophistication in her fashion choices, even showing off some of her midriff in this elegant outfit.
Uma Thurman In Prada Designed By Barbar Tfank, 1995
Working with Prada and Barbar Tfank to have Uma Thurman showcase this dress at the Oscars was an iconic moment. The look featured the sophisticated and graceful baby blue dress, accented by light-toned crystals detailing the hem of the bottom of the skirt. The dress was paired with a silky white shawl and made Thurman look like she had walked straight out of a winter wonderland… minus the cold.
Winona Ryder In Vintage Badgley Mischka, 1996
At this point, it may be redundant to say that Marilyn Monroe’s classic style inspired many iconic dresses to grace the red carpet, but here we have another one. To the 28th Academy Awards, Winona Ryder wore a stunning ivory glitzy evening gown with a sheer shawl. Styled with her iconic pixie cut, she looked like a princess who had just walked right out of the 1920s.
Nicole Kidman In Christian Dior Couture, 1997
A color rarely seen on the red carpet as it is so difficult to pull off was what Nicole Kidman chose to wear to the Oscars in 1997. Showing up hand-in-hand with her husband at the time, Tom Cruise, the silhouette of Kidman’s earthy yellow gown made her stand out in a crowd as the most stunning individual in a 100-mile radius.
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Nicole Kidman In Christian Dior Couture, 1997
The dress was detailed with a fuzzy trim on the hem, a straight shoulder-to-shoulder neckline, and colorful floral embroidery across her shoulders. The dress’ most unique features were the tassels on the back of the shoulders and the netting covering the open back. Designed by John Galliano, the dress was worth $2 million.
Salma Hayek In Armani, 1997
Nodding to Marilyn Monroe’s JFK dress, Salma Hayek was the epitome of beauty on the red carpet in 1997. Wearing a floor-length white gold Armani gown, complete with a tiara and a cyan eyeshadow look to provide contrast, crowds ogled at such a work of art. That same night at the Vanity Fair after party, it is said that Hayek admitted to having been discouraged from wearing the tiara as it was “ridiculous”—thank goodness she didn’t let hate comments sway her decision.
Madonna In Olivier Theyskens, 1998
To present the award for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards in 1998, Madonna dawned a gorgeous punk-esque princess dress. The gown was made of a black and grey satin fabric that complimented the idol's fair skin tone perfectly.
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Madonna In Olivier Theyskens, 1998
Though the dress and glamorous accessories of this look were a stunning statement, what speaks the most volumes (no pun intended) was how she wore her hair. Madonna strutted the carpet dawning her naturally voluptuous curls, the true embodiment of raw beauty.
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Celine Dion In Christian Dior, 1999
A fashion discussion piece for the ages. This look consisted of a white button-down suit jacket with pleated dress pants—doesn’t sound all too impressive in the description, right? What made this piece so unique was arguably who was wearing it and how.
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Celine Dion In Christian Dior, 1999
At this time, it still wasn’t very common for ladies at the Academy Awards to be wearing anything aside from dresses, but Christian Dior decided to go against societal norms, styling Celine in this luxurious two-piece, putting an elegant and feminine twist on it by designing the jacket backwards!
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Julia Roberts In Valentino, 2001
Simplistic, mature, and classy are three attributes Julia Roberts exhibited in the gorgeous Valentino gown she wore at the 2001 Academy Awards. The black gown was accented up the centre by a white line, splitting at the chest into two straps and over the shoulder, all the way down the organza train of the dress. It has never been questioned whether or not Valentino can take classic elegance and make it new, but this piece was uniquely breathtaking.
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Halle Berry In Elie Saab, 2002
Leave it to Halle Berry to make an incredibly powerful statement in fashion and culture all in one fell swoop. In 2002, Berry accepted her award for Best Actress for her role in Monster’s Ball, making her the first Black woman in history to receive the award. That year, Berry strutted the carpet in a coveted Elie Saab gown.
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Halle Berry In Elie Saab, 2002
The dress’ bodice was a sheer maroon with garden embroidery in a form-flattering design while the low-waisted asymmetrical skirt was silky and luscious, trailing behind the iconic actress. Earlier this year, Berry and Saab collaborated to bring the dress back to the public eye, as Berry walked the runway at a fashion show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia called the 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab, a celebration of the Lebanese designer’s 45 years of work.
Cameron Diaz In Emanuel Ungaro Couture, 2002
The pleating of the skirt plate, the belt, the bracelet, the pattern and more—this dress had everything! Unlike most looks that are seen on the red carpet at the Academy Awards that aim to emanate elegance and classic Hollywood glamor, the look worn by Diaz in 2002 leaned into a uniquely boho take on a classic satin gown.
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Cameron Diaz In Emanuel Ungaro Couture, 2002
The gown worn by Diaz was a pale pink and floral ¾ sleeve satin gown by Emanuel Ungaro Couture. What made this look so unique was how it was styled with a turquoise statement-piece bracelet, a Fred Leighton belt, and a sash of sorts around her waist.
Angelina Jolie In Marc Bouwer, 2004
Angelina Jolie’s look in 2004 served to prove that no one can do it quite like she can. The star looked angelic as she walked the carpet in a white satin masterpiece by Marc Bouwer that paid homage to Marilyn Monroe’s 7-Year Itch dress, the dress that is always associated with the idyllic Hollywood legend.
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Angelina Jolie In Marc Bouwer, 2004
This gown delicately revealed a tasteful amount of décolletage, lending itself to further exemplifying Angelina Jolie’s natural beauty. 20 years later, Sydney Sweeney dawned the same dress at the 2024 Oscars ceremony, enthusiastically reviving the iconic look.
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Charlize Theron In Gucci, 2004
In 2004, when Charlize Theron accepted her Oscar for Best Actress thanks to her impeccable performance in Monster that year, she gleamed Hollywood glamor in this notorious Gucci gown. The gown has elements that resemble Marilyn Monroe’s iconic ‘JFK dress’ for its sparkle, with Gucci’s twist of incorporating a peekaboo slit up the front of the dress and a simple train on the back. All in all, 2004 was a big year for designers paying homage to the style of Marilyn Monroe.
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Hilary Swank In Guy Laroche, 2005
At the 2005 Oscars, Hilary Swank wore a stunning navy blue long-sleeve gown. The dress featured a high neckline that led into a completely open back. The look was somehow modest and yet tastefully sexy, an impeccable exhibit of Hilary Swank’s ability to pull off anything. It was at this very award ceremony that Swank won her Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Million Dollar Baby, and it’s safe to say she looked like a million dollars accepting her award.
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Jessica Alba In Versace, 2006
Kudos to Versace, they outdid themselves here, everything about this dress compliments Jessica Alba. From the complementary color of the dress that makes Alba's skin glow, to the form-fitted bodice that accentuates her figure, to the indulgent lace details at the bottom of the dress, it’s impossible to look away.
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Michelle Williams In Vera Wang, 2006
Bright, bold, and an absolutely brilliant creation from Vera Wang was worn by Michelle Williams at the 2006 Academy Awards. This dress was a bright tangerine color gown with a sheer V-neck that led into winged sleeves. The gown was attention-catching and playful, bringing joy to whoever takes the time to really evaluate it.
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Reese Witherspoon In Vintage Christian Dior, 2006
The look that Reese Witherspoon wore to the Oscars the year she won her Academy Award for Best Actress was not only stunning but an incredibly intelligent nod to the role that she played to win her award. The movie that was responsible for Witherspoon’s outstanding achievement was her role as June Carter in Walk The Line, a raw depiction of the life of Johnny Cash and Ms Carter.
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Reese Witherspoon In Vintage Christian Dior, 2006
The dress Reese wore at the Oscars almost portrayed the character of June Carter from the movie. The gown was an elegant yet innocent princess dress in a pale cream color with lines of blush pink circled by greenery tracing the entire dress, artistically it can be interpreted that these details are an expression of the elegance and innocence that Reese provided to the role.
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Marion Cotillard In Jean Paul Gaultier, 2008
Of all the white dresses in Oscar history, this one may be the most unique. Cotillard partnered with Jean Paul Gaultier to debut at the Academy Awards, dressing in a white mermaid dress… literally. The hourglass dress was adjourned with glimmering scales from straps to train—absolutely incredible and so creative. That year the actress won her first Academy Award for her role in La Vie En Rose.
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Cate Blanchett In Givenchy Couture, 2011
In 2011, Cate Blanchett stunned the crowd as she walked out in one of the featured dresses from Givenchy’s Spring 2011 Haute Couture collection. The gown featured the juxtaposition of pastel lilac falling fabrics on the skirt with accents of green pearls in the crossing armor-like straps on the back of the dress. This piece is certainly one to be remembered.
Mila Kunis In Elie Saab, 2011
This gown was an absolute show-stopper! Elie Saab truly outdid herself and Mila Kunis was the perfect star to showcase this elegant lavender gown. From the layered lace accents to the way the chiffon-like material of the dress flowed so naturally, this look was that of one-of-a-kind elegance.
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Jennifer Lawrence In Calvin Klein, 2011
In the early days of Jennifer Lawrence’s career, her role in an indie film called Winter’s Bone was what got her her first Academy Award nomination. Most debut stars aim to make noise with their first Oscar looks, but Lawrence did quite the opposite. Wearing a simple fitted red slip dress by Calvin Klein, her long blonde hair draped over her shoulders, and holding a small bejeweled clutch, Lawrence left the audience speechless with this understated look.
Natalie Portman In Vintage Christian Dior, 2012
Natalie Portman is no stranger to partnering with Christian Dior, especially to make heads turn on the red carpet. In 2012, Portman was at the Academy Awards as a presenter as opposed to being a nominee, however, this did not stop her from dressing to the nines. She stepped out in a luscious red polka-dotted ball gown with a layered ruffled strapless neckline. It’s not often that polka-dots are seen at awards ceremonies, but this look was such a perfect vintage look for Natalie Portman.
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Jennifer Lawrence In Christian Dior Couture, 2013
This look must be included in the conversation if we’re talking about any kind of awards dress. Though many people recall this ceremony as the Academy Awards where Jennifer Lawrence fell on her way up the steps to receive her award for Best Actress in Silver Linings Playbook, fashion fanatics will know this year for her dress above all else.
Jennifer Lawrence In Christian Dior Couture, 2013
Lawrence has worked closely with Christian Dior for years and in 2013, Dior put her in a pale pink and white quilted mermaid ball gown, which is known to be the most expensive Oscar dress in history, being worth approximately $5.3 million today.
Lupita Nyong’o In Prada, 2014
Though it might be cliché, it must be said that Lupita Nyong’o looked like a princess on the red carpet at the 2014 Academy Awards. Wearing a deep V-neck flowing Prada gown, Nyong’o accepted her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 12 Years a Slave. The look was complete with a thin banded tiara and gold bangles, further supporting the magic encapsulated by this look.
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Viola Davis In Armani Privé, 2017
A woman of incredible strength, talent, and beauty, Viola Davis accepted her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Fences in 2017 in a statement piece by Armani Privé. The gown worn by the icon was a red form-fitted dress with a subtle, but elegant train at the back. The dress (and surely the award) drew all eyes to the stunning actress on the night of recognition for one of her biggest achievements.
Zendaya In Giambattista Valli Haute Couture, 2018
There is something so innately natural about Zendaya’s elegance that continues to baffle the minds of her fans. In 2018, Giambattista Valli Haute Couture put her in a stunning coffee-colored asymmetrical chiffon-draped dress. The dress seemed to take on a shape of its own, however, it still managed to flatter every glowing aspect of Zendaya’s feminine figure.
Gemma Chan In Valentino, 2019
It was nearly impossible for anyone at the Academy Awards in 2019 to miss Gemma Chan. Every detail of this dress screamed a loud statement. Chan strutted the carpet in a puffed pink quilt-like dress with a frilled mock neckline. What’s more? The dress had pockets!
Billy Porter In Christian Siriano, 2019
In 2019, Billy Porter worked with Christian Siriano to make a powerful social commentary without the need for a single word. The outfit sported by Porter expressed a kind of gender-nonconforming statement that has left an unending ripple effect making its way through Western society. This iconic outfit was neither a dress, nor a tux, but a combination of both, the perfect expression of the gender fluidity that the American actor and singer aims to normalize in this ever-growing world.
Elsie Fisher In Thom Browne, 2019
With a barrette, a cat-eye makeup look, and a bolo tie, Elsie Fisher shocked the paparazzi in her suit in 2019. Keeping in mind that Fisher was only 15 when she walked the red carpet in 2019, Thom Browne adorned her in a comfortable, but classy and sophisticated suit. That year, the star of Eighth Grade presented an award but was not nominated to receive one herself.
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Janelle Monáe In Ralph Lauren, 2020
Glamorous does not begin to describe Janelle Monáe’s look on the red carpet in 2020. Designed by Ralph Lauren, Monáe wore a hooded, futuristic, completely jewelled silver ball gown. Styled with equally stunning jewellery pieces and a matte red lip, Monáe left the crowd in awe. The dress featured over 168,000 Swarovski crystals and was so heavy it required four people to carry it to Monáe’s dressing room.
Natalie Portman In Dior, 2020
Portman, working again with none other than Dior, had paparazzi gawking at her black and gold powerful look. The dress was a black flowing evening gown with gold accents all over every detail of the dress.
Natalie Portman In Dior, 2020
What’s more, the statement piece of the outfit was a sleeveless suit-jacket-like shawl with a large collar and gold embroidery down the left side. Though it can be hard to make out in some photos, the embroidery of the jacket is inscribed with the names of female directors who have been snubbed throughout history.
Lupita Nyong’o In Prada, 2020
The Oscars dress to embody the Oscars, I mean the physical award. Nyong’o wore a remarkable gold piece by Prada, sequined head to toe and accented by gold fringes on the skirt. Lupita was glowing in this outfit and even though she did not receive an award this year, the best accessory of her look was her beaming smile.
Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Regina King In Louis Vuitton, 2021
When the Oscars said “head-to-toe luxury” Louis Vuitton did not disappoint. In 2021, Regina King was seen strutting the carpet in a captivating pale blue satin gown with raised flutter sleeves. As it is, that would have been stunning, but Louis Vuitton had to take it one step further, adorning the gown with over 62,000 sequins and 3,900 crystals. The dress took about 140 hours to create and is estimated to be worth upwards of $10,000.
Zendaya In Valentino Couture, 2022
Though Zendaya shockingly has yet to receive an Oscar nomination of any kind, she also has yet to disappoint on the Oscars red carpet. When attending the Academy Awards in 2022, she debuted what I imagine to be Valentino's take on ‘business casual’. With a cropped white satin button-up and a silver sequined maxi skirt, this look is the epitome of business on top, party on the bottom.
Rihanna In Alaïa, 2023
Flaunting her beautiful baby bump, Rihanna stunned last year in a black floor-length mermaid-style gown by Alaïa. The gown featured a mesh chest section and midriff, accentuating the unique beauty of her pregnancy glow. The haler-like top and skirt of the dress were made of overlapping leather material, putting a modern twist on a classic mermaid-style dress.
Barbra Streisand In Arnold Scaasi, 1969
To say the very least, Barara Streisand always stood out. In 1969, when most other stars were studded in ball gowns and flowing dresses, Streisand was wearing a sheer suit-like dress with sparkles all over the place—and it caused quite the scandal.
Barbra Streisand In Arnold Scaasi, 1969
The dress, designed by Arnold Scaasi, had a rounded collared neck like a classic tuxedo, but instead of a bow tie, the dress was done up with a black satin bow. The material of the rest of the dress was sheer and sparkled, leading into a tulle-layered mermaid bottom of the gown.
That year, Streisand won Best Actress for her notoriously iconic performance in Funny Girl—but her appearance that night was notorious for another reason. Beneath the bright stage lights, her dress was almost completely see-through.
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History In The Making
From one-of-a-kind bright and colorful looks to the classic glitzy Hollywood glamor, Oscar fashion will always be a uniquely indulgent topic of conversation. As the 97th Academy Awards make a quick approach, tensions are high for many to see which films and which stars will receive nominations. For fashion fanatics, the excitement is all about the new looks and controversial statements that have yet to be seen on the Oscars red carpet.
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