Top 10 Best Looks at the 2020 Oscars
#10: Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman won her first Oscar almost a decade ago for “Black Swan.” So, it only made sense for her to wear a combination of black and gold to this year’s ceremony. She distinguished her look with a Dior cape worthy of a superhero - and we’re not just saying that due to her link to “Thor.” In a heroic move, Portman donned a cape embroidered with the names of several female filmmakers who weren’t nominated for Best Director this year. Portman paid tribute to Mati Diop, Greta Gerwig, Alma Har’el, Marielle Heller, Melina Matsoukas, Lorene Scafaria, Céline Sciamma, and Lulu Wang, all of whom were certainly worthy of a nomination. Portman not only sent a powerful fashion statement, but she did so with beauty and brilliance.
#9: Charlize Theron
With her Best Actress nominated performance as Megyn Kelly, Charlize Theron looked almost unrecognizable - but she was her signature stunning self at this year’s Oscars. Theron donned all black in a Dior Haute Couture dress with a high slit. She complemented the one-shoulder dress with a matching pair of high heels and nail polish. Theron did add a little sparkle into the mix, however, with some Tiffany & Co. jewelry, including a glistening diamond necklace. Topped off with a slick hairdo, this “atomic blonde” was truly a “bombshell” on the red carpet.
#8: Kaitlyn Dever
Considering that the Oscars were held within a week of Valentine’s Day, it’s only appropriate that Kaitlyn Dever got all dressed up in a lovely red number. The “Booksmart” actress’ Louis Vuitton gown almost looked like a Valentine’s card, making plenty of hearts beat the second she stepped onto the red carpet. Dever’s sweetheart neckline dress was decorated with 14,400 Swarovski crystals, which had us falling even deeper in love with this look. She rounded out the ensemble with a fiery shawl and vibrant diamonds. The gown was reportedly comprised of sustainable materials, meaning it was equal parts eco-friendly and enchanting.
#7: Sandra Oh
It was a groundbreaking night for artists of Asian descent, and Sandra Oh was in attendance for this historic moment in Oscar history. The Canadian-American actress went all out in this shimmering Elie Saab dress. The gown featured a sinking v-neck wrapped up with a gold bow around her waistline, while Oh’s shoulders and lower skirt were accentuated with tulle. The combination of volume and sparkle certainly made a statement on the red carpet. While the puffy sleeves admittedly may be an acquired taste, this extravagant look was ultimately fitting for such a monumental Academy Awards ceremony.
#6: Brie Larson
It seems Swarovski crystals were all the rage at this year’s ceremony, and Brie Larson’s dress was lined with 13,000 of them. The past Best Actress Oscar-winner blew us away in this Celine by Hedi Slimane gown. Brie Larson is an absolute knockout, and effortlessly pulled off a backless dress that featured a plunging neckline and high slit all in one. Larson’s jewelry and sandals fit in quite well with the rest of the ensemble. Natalie Portman wasn’t the only Marvel star with a super accessory either, as “Captain Marvel” cloaked herself with a glossy cape.
#5: Saoirse Ronan
It’s fitting that Jacqueline Durran won Best Costume Design for “Little Women” because Jo March herself, Saoirse Ronan, owned the red carpet on Oscar Night. The Best Actress nominee actually donned a dress that was very much in the spirit of Jo: eccentric, inventive, and beaming with life. In another environmentally-conscious move, Ronan’s black v-neck was recycled from the Gucci gown that she wore to the BAFTAs earlier this year. Ronan gave the dress a fresh flare, however, with a periwinkle skirt, as well as a black and white ruffle around her waist. With chandelier earrings and a hairpin, it was a very smart look indeed.
#4: Janelle Monáe
Between “Hidden Figures,” “Moonlight,” and “Harriet,” Janelle Monáe is no stranger to Oscar-caliber films. This made the singer/actress a natural choice to kick off this year’s ceremony with a lively musical performance. Instead of Mister Rogers’ cardigan, though, on the red carpet Monáe donned a hooded Ralph Lauren dress comprised of 168,000 Swarovski crystals. Monáe glittered all over, even wearing a matching collar necklace for the occasion. The silver ensemble reportedly took 600 hours to embroider, making her look like a walking diamond store. It was a bold move, but the dress only added to Monáe’s natural radiance.
#3: Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh was one of this awards season’s breakout stars thanks to her scene-stealing performance in “Little Women,” not to mention one unforgettable red carpet moment after another. The Best Supporting Actress nominee rounded out a phenomenal run in an aqua Louis Vuitton gown and color-coordinated heels. The tiered teal dress came complete with spaghetti straps, a fashionable belt, and a frilly layered skirt. She finished off the look with her hair a bun and an eye-catching necklace. Another incredibly Instagramable moment for Ms. Pugh.
#2: Regina King
Regina King took home last year’s Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “If Beale Street Could Talk.” She returned as a presenter this year, looking as radiant as ever in a sequined Atelier Versace gown. Though the powder pink ensemble had plenty of sparkle already, King upped the glam factor with Harry Winston jewelry. The lustrous asymmetrical dress came complete with an elegant train, bringing out King’s indisputable class and charm. If this look further solidifies anything, it’s that King is Hollywood royalty.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Laura Dern
Margot Robbie
Renée Zellweger
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Rebel Wilson
#1: Scarlett Johansson
The long-overdue Scarlett Johansson scored her first two Oscar nominations this year for “Marriage Story” and “Jojo Rabbit.” While she didn’t win in either category, Johansson is a strong contender for this year’s red carpet MVP. Johansson continually wowed us throughout this awards season and she saved the most jaw-dropping look for last. She arrived at the ceremony in an Oscar de la Renta dress, glowing in shiny silver. Johansson’s satin skirt went well with the strapless ensemble, which showed off her back tattoo and slender figure. Fashion, thy name is Scarlett.