These Are the Oscar Dresses Worthy of Their Own Golden Statue
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Originally appeared on E! Online
When it comes to the Oscars, fashion plays a starring role.
There's no denying that Hollywood's biggest and brightest stars transform the red carpet into a runway, wearing glamorous designs worthy of their own golden statue. And it's only a matter of time before nominees, presenters and other attendees shine bright at this year's ceremony at Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre.
But before celebrities step out in style on March 10, we're giving a round of applause to the best Oscars looks over the years.
Case in point? In 2002, Halle Berry wowed in a sheer red gown by Elie Saab that featured cleverly placed floral embroidery on top of her chest. She not only wore a memorable dress, but made history as the first Black woman to win the Best Actress Award.
A decade later, Gwyneth Paltrow proved less was more after donning a white Tom Ford gown that included a striking asymmetrical neckline and commanding floor-length cape.
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And while simple looks can make a statement, there's nothing wrong with opting for a maximalist approach. Just ask Billy Porter, Jennifer Lopez and Gemma Chan, who have all turned heads in bright and bold ballgowns.
In fact, the Pose star's tuxedo dress in 2019 has become one of the most celebrated designs.
"That's the most significant one because of the impact it's had on the entire world," Billy told Page Six in 2023 about the Christian Siriano look. "Fashion has changed since then. Men feel freer since then and I love being a part of that."
Keep reading to see all of the fabulous, fierce and fun fashion moments to hit the Oscars red carpet.
Halle Berry
The actress' Oscar win was unforgettable for many reasons. She was the first Black woman to win the Best Actress Award, which she won in 2002 for Monster's Ball. In addition to her historical win, her dress became iconic and put designer Elie Saab on the map.
Lupita Nyong'o
Lupita always turns heads on the red carpet, but this custom baby blue Prada gown took the grand prize. This marked the first time she won the Best Supporting Actress award for her debut film 12 Years a Slave.
Gwyneth Paltrow
The Goop founder shut down the red carpet in 2012, wearing a swoon-worthy cape dress. And it's safe to say Tom Ford outdid himself with this look.
Ava Gardner
The silver screen siren of the Golden Age of Hollywood dazzled in an ostentatious sequins gown. As if that weren't glamorous enough, she accessorized with a large and lustrous tiara, white fur and gloves.
<p>Timothée Chalamet</p>
The Dune star skipped the basic black-and-white tuxedo for this glitzy Louis Vuitton two-piece. He added extra sex appeal by accessorizing his bare chest with a silver pendant.
<p>Glenn Close</p>
Glimmering in gold. The legendary actress rivaled the golden statue with this gilded caped dress.
<p>Angela Bassett</p>
Angela Bassett did the thing when she stepped out in this royal purple confection at the 2023 ceremony.
Gemma Chan
Perfectly pink! The Crazy Rich Asians star made a grand entrance with her bright and bold Valentino design.
Zendaya
The Euphoria star always turns heads on the red carpet but she pulled out all of the stops for the 2022 ceremony.
Hilary Swank
The actress, who took home the Best Actress award for Million Dollar Baby, stunned in a simple, yet striking Guy Laroche design that featured a plunging open-back.
Elizabeth Taylor
One word: Glamourous. The legendary actress always knew how to drop jaws, and this design was no different.
<p>Regina King</p>
The Watchmen actress knows how to make a statement with a simple but sophisticated look. Her 2019 gown is all the proof you need.
Janelle Monáe
Never one to stick to the basics, the Moonlight actress dropped jaws in an Elie Saab Haute Couture gown, which was adorned with intricate beading, lace set with feathers and an over-the-top tulle train.
<p>Cara Delevingne</p>
Lady in red. The supermodel made sure all eyes were on her, as she stunned in a one-shouldered ballgown by Elie Saab.
Kate Hudson
Of her many appearances at the Oscars, Kate Hudson's 2014 look stands out from the rest, thanks in part to this caped and beaded Atelier Versace gown.
Diana Ross
Diana Ross sizzled at the 54th Annual Academy Awards in a glittering red gown and lush white fur shawl.
Kacey Musgraves
The country singer turned heads in her bubblegum pink Giambattista Valli number at the 2019 event.
<p>Becky G</p>
The "Mamiii" singer brought old-Hollywood glamour to the 2022 event with a shimmery rose gold gown.
Billy Porter
The Pose alum proved why he reigns supreme on the red carpet, wearing a larger-than-life Christian Siriano design.
Viola Davis
The Oscar-winning actress stunned in this electrifying hot pink gown by Michael Kors. In addition to her bright dress, she accessorized with a matching flamingo pink clutch and statement jewelry pieces.
Nicole Kidman
The actress always shuts down the red carpet, and this powerful red gown by Balenciaga was no different. The high-neck and sleeveless design made it an instant classic, but the dramatic bow and striking color took it to the next level.
Yalitza Aparicio
The Roma actress brought a fashion fantasy to the red carpet with her dreamy and whimsical Rodarte design.
<p>Eva Longoria</p>
The Flamin' Hot director proved all that glitters is gold, erm, silver. She dazzled in a sparly Zuhair Murad couture gown at the 2023 ceremony.
Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy Teigen channeled old-Hollywood glamour in this periwinkle Zuhair Murad gown.
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