Oscars 2021: Most memorable red carpet looks from the Academy Awards over the years
For 93 years the Academy Awards has been a spectacle of old Hollywood glamour. These are the stand-out red carpet moments.
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For those who marvel over a celebrity spectacle, we're only two sleeps away from the divine affair that is the Academy Awards.
And while the pandemic hasn't allowed red carpets in a traditional sense, it is understood there will be multiple red carpets for the Oscars as stars gather at various hubs around the world for the live televised ceremony.
Meaning we will be able to pore over every fine jewel-encrusted detail.
The Oscars have played host to a bevy of breathtaking gowns across its 93 years, and while many boundaries have been pushed, the general theme has not strayed too far from old Hollywood glamour.
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Ahead of the 93rd Academy Awards on Sunday (Monday morning in Australia, red carpet streams live on Foxtel’s E! from 7am), we’ve pulled together the most jaw-dropping looks of all time.
But first, a quick recap of last year's highlights.
OSCARS RED CARPET, 2020
MICHELLE WILLIAMS, 2006
At the time, Williams was critiqued for wearing a colour that didn’t compliment her fair skin tone, but she was ahead of the curve and, years later, this look is still topping Oscars best dressed lists.
GWYNETH PALTROW, 2002
This dress was as divisive as it was risque, but trust Paltrow to push fashion boundaries before anyone else dared.
JENNIFER LAWRENCE, 2013
Then 22, JLaw won the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Silver Linings Playbook wearing a billowing blush pink Dior gown that was made for a winner. And to cushion a potential fall up the stairs.
LUPITA NYONG’O, 2014
From the baby blue hue, to the plunging neckline and floaty fit, Oscar winner Nyong’o’s gown was Cinderella dreamy.
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NICOLE KIDMAN, 2007
We don’t throw this phrase around lightly, but Kidman is a true red carpet icon. This scarlet Balenciaga ensemble is elegance personified.
KEIRA KNIGHTLEY, 2015
A pregnant and glowy Knightley went for graceful chic with this delicate soft floral frock.
RENEE ZELLWEGER, 2001
We just love how effortless Zellweger looks in this lemon yellow strapless dress, perfected with a pop of red on her pout.
MILA KUNIS, 2011
Lavender and lace … Kunis was a graceful goddess in this flowing number.
LADY GAGA, 2019
2019's surprise awards season darling, Gaga was every bit the glamour queen in a mermaid-style strapless black gown by Alexander McQueen, long satin gloves and – naturally – diamonds to die for.
JENNIFER LOPEZ, 2003
At the height of their couple fame, JLo accompanied Ben Affleck wearing a relaxed demure mint-coloured Valentino gown.
CHARLIZE THERON, 2004
Theron commands red carpet attention in every outfit, but her highlight was this divine Gucci gown. She also took home the Best Actress award that year for her starring role in Monster.
ROSAMUND PIKE, 2015
Pike was striking in a figure-hugging red Givenchy gown.
ANGELINA JOLIE, 2004
Ange really can do no wrong, but the actress channelling Marilyn Monroe in white satin is particularly memorable.
SCARLETT JOHANSSON, 2004
The ultimate Hollywood glamour woman, then and now, this aquamarine satin gown by Alberta Ferretti is easily one of ScarJo’s most iconic looks.
BEYONCE, 2005
Queen B running the world at her first Oscars, wearing these unbelievable chandelier diamond earrings.
KATE WINSLET, 2005
Winslet in periwinkle blue is straight out of a dream. The good kind, where Leo DiCaprio fits on the door with her.
CAMERON DIAZ, 2002
Every man’s celebrity crush, Diaz was pretty in pink at the 2002 Oscars and has us longing for more of her red carpet moments.
REESE WITHERSPOON, 2002
It’s hard to believe this was nearly 20 years ago. Witherspoon is ageless, in part thanks to her timeless style choices.
KATE HUDSON, 2003
Sophisticated glamour at its finest, Hudson is ravishing in this classic understated gold gown by Versace.
HALLE BERRY, 2002
Berry became the first African-American actress to win the top gong for Monsters Ball. Nothing she wore could have possibly taken the shine from that feat, except perhaps this Elie Saab showstopper – one of the most notable gowns ever.
ZOE SALDANA, 2010
Never one to play it safe, Saldana broke all the rules in this very confused dress. But this is why she’s a fashion pioneer.
ANGELINA JOLIE, 2012
The leg that broke the internet. Ange’s super-high rise slit caused a stir online – and spawned thousands of memes.
GEMMA CHAN, 2019
Some critics said it resembled a pink parachute, but Chan’s boundary-pushing dress is magnificent and exudes her flawless Crazy Rich Asians character.
JULIA ROBERTS, 2001
Roberts shunned the custom-made trend for a vintage Valentino gown, making old new again and pioneering a fashionable new movement.
CATE BLANCHETT, 2016
This isn’t a dress, it’s a masterpiece. Blanchett glided into the event in a soft green embellished work of art, as only Cate Blanchett does.
SALMA HAYEK, 2006
Aside from her acting talent and wicked wit, Hayek put her other notable assets on display in tight teal.
RACHEL WEISZ, 2007
From the extra daring strapless neckline to the plush champagne silk, the Vera Wang creation is pure heaven.
EMMA STONE, 2017
Stone was the queen of the night winning Best Actress for La La Land, and she outshone her golden statue in this regal gown.
MARGOT ROBBIE, 2015, 2016 and 2018
We saved the best for last.
Our Aussie golden girl has made us very proud for her achievements onscreen, and for what a humble legend she is off-screen. Plus, she just so happens to be a red carpet highlight every time.
Originally published as Oscars 2021: Most memorable red carpet looks from the Academy Awards over the years
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