Top 10 Best Oscar Looks
#10: Angelina Jolie “84th Academy Awards” (2012)
If you love a va-va-voom red carpet look, then this was the dress you had been waiting for. This strapless black velvet gown made sure all eyes were on Angelina Jolie as she strutted her stuff. The cut of the dress was simple with just that one high slit to bring the drama. Angelina showed off the slit by striking a power pose with her right leg out every chance she got, which became a meme and a topic of conversation for days after the ceremony. Internet memes aside, she looked powerful, sexy, and in command in this dress, which truly makes it a standout Oscar look.
#9: Michelle Williams “78th Academy Awards” (2006)
Michelle is definitely one woman we can’t wait to see on the red carpet since she has a serious eye for unique designs. Her 2012 peplum Louis Vuitton gown would have been the crowning achievement for any other actress, but Michelle’s 2006 dress blew even that one out of the water. The yellow Vera Wang dress was a striking color against her pale skin, but her red lips and loose updo brought the look home. The ruffle detail of the bodice, the knotted effect on the skirt, and the tulle train is just the right amount of design for a dress in this color.
#8: Amy Adams “85th Academy Awards” (2013)
Top 5 Best Oscar Looks of 2017
Amy Adams knows how to look stunning on the red carpet and this look is the epitome of her powers. The gray strapless dress, designed by Oscar de la Renta, had a soft, romantic feel given the feathered detail on the skirt. Fully fanned out, the dress created a wonderful train behind her. Amy let the dress be the center of attention, only wearing a bracelet and diamond teardrop earrings to complement it. With her hair pulled up and away from her face, the choice elongated her exposed neck and chest area.
#7: Gwyneth Paltrow “84th Academy Awards” (2012)
Gwyneth has had a few major style moments at the Oscars to pick from, namely her 1999 pink taffeta Ralph Lauren dress, but it’s her 2012 look we can’t get out of our minds. With this minimalist white Tom Ford gown, Gwyneth proved that it’s the little details that make an outfit special. The cape feature showed off her statuesque physique and felt like an element we hadn’t seen before. Keeping it simple, she accessorized with a blinged out diamond bracelet and ring, but kept her hair and makeup to a minimum.
#6: Nicole Kidman “69th Academy Awards” (1997)
Yellow is always a bold choice for the carpet, but that proved to be no problem for Nicole. Wearing a chartreuse – which is considered between yellow and green - satin gown by John Galliano for Christian Dior, the dress served as a major moment for both her and the designer, since it was one of his earliest pieces for the fashion house. It was a unique dress both for its color and the colorful flower embroidery trailing down her chest and torso. The dress was clearly Asian-inspired, another element that made it unforgettable. The high slit gave the dress sex appeal, as did Nicole’s gorgeous red lips that night.
#5: Charlize Theron “76th Academy Awards” (2004)
Charlize always slays the red carpet, and this Gucci creation was no exception. This off-white gown was simplicity at its best with its body-skimming silhouette showing off her shape. The back of the gown dips down, showing off the curve of her backside, which gives the dress a sexy feel. The beading gives the gown some shimmer and brings a timeless element to her look, which she kept going with retro waves in her hair. She took home the Best Actress Oscar that night and she couldn’t have looked more deserving.
#4: Cate Blanchett “86th Academy Awards” (2014)
Though she’s known for being a risk taker, this Armani Privé gown was one of the more conventionally beautiful dresses we’ve seen Blanchett wear in a long time. But perhaps, that’s what worked about it. The nude and sheer gown seemed like a dress fit for a fairy princess given the sparkling crystal detailing all over. She matched the glam gown with dangling diamond earrings, a diamond bracelet, and softly curled Old Hollywood hair. It was the perfect outfit to wear as she picked up her award for Best Actress, making her a two-time Oscar winner.
#3: Julia Roberts “73rd Academy Awards” (2001)
If there’s one word to describe Julia in this vintage Valentino gown, it’s timeless. Originally designed in 1992, Julia wore this to the 2001 ceremony and stood out from the rest on the red carpet. The beautiful black dress highlights her statuesque frame with the white line serving as a through line. The panel of fabric on her chest matched the fabric of her train, giving the ensemble a polished look. She kept her accessories to a minimum and had her hair swept into a sleek updo. She took home the best accessory that night when she won the Best Actress award.
#2: Lupita Nyong’o “86th Academy Awards” (2014) During the 2014 awards season, Lupita proved that she was one to watch when it came to her personal style. She cemented her status as a fashion maven when she stepped out in this romantic powder blue gown by Prada. The gown is simple with the double-v cut of its bodice, cinched-in waist, and flowing train. It’s slightly pleated to add some depth, and the overall effect gives her major Cinderella vibes. It’s a fitting comparison, since Lupita was the belle of the ball that night and earned all the adulation in the world when she took home the gold for Best Supporting Actress. Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Penélope Cruz “79th Academy Awards” (2007) Jennifer Lawrence “86th Academy Awards” (2014) Hilary Swank “77th Academy Awards” (2005)
#1: Halle Berry “74th Academy Awards” (2002)
Perhaps one of the most famous award show gowns of all time, Halle Berry was all anyone could talk about after the 2002 telecast. Halle stunned in a sheer Elie Saab gown, unlike any other dress we’ve seen before or since. The embroidery of the flowers on the bodice kept her modest while the brown satin train gave her volume and drama. Knowing that the dress was a showstopper, Halle kept it simple with her signature pixie cut, minimal makeup, and a lone bracelet. She made history by becoming the first African American woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role and she looked radiant despite also seeming genuinely shocked while she gave one of the most endearing acceptance speeches in Oscar history. Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Oscar look? For more show stopping Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.
