Usually a ceremony where most celebrities play it safe, this year’s Oscars was interesting to say the least. Stars dished out a whole lot of surprises, with ensembles ranging vibrant to fun. As we wrap up the end of the major Hollywood awards season, we take a look at the best looks, above.
Lady Gaga brought old Hollywood glamour back to the Oscars red carpet. While her look was less sparkly than her Grammy showing, the singer-actress, nominated for her role in A Star Is Born, slayed the red carpet in a polished all-black strapless gown from Alexander McQueen with matching black opera gloves. The piece de resistance was of course the 128.5 carat diamond necklace from Tiffany and Co. — the same piece worn by Audrey Hepburn when she was promoting Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Image: Alexander McQueen
Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh channelled her Crazy Rich Asians character Eleanor Young in a dazzling sequin dress. In a silver floral off-shoulder Elie Saab haute couture gown that was finished with Chopard jewels and a Richard Mille timepiece, Yeoh looked without a doubt, regal and elegant.
Image: Instagram (@michelleyeoh_official)
Constance Wu of Crazy Rich Asians might have been snubbed by the Oscars for a nomination, but she certainly didn’t let that get her down. She was an absolute vision in a canary yellow tulle off-shoulder from Versace (anyone else got reminded of Beauty and the Beast?). Topped off with jewelry from Atelier Swarovski and gold heels from Neil J Rodgers, the bright tones added a breath of fresh air to the usual neutral hues favoured by most on the red carpet. Plus, the warm yellow hue complements Constance’s warm skin tone, making her look fresh and youthful.
Image: Instagram (@versace)
It was 50 shades of pink at the red carpet this year, but Best Original Song nominee Jennifer Hudson stepped out in a red hot scarlet number that accentuated her skin tone. The Elie Saab dress with a diagonal ruffle detailing showed off her curves. With a simple updo, silver earrings and heels, Jennifer displayed a quiet grace that spoke volumes.
Image: Instagram (@eliesaabworld)
Project Runway winner Christian Siriano is no stranger to Hollywood’s red carpets, having dressed numerous stars including Leslie Jones and Whoopi Goldberg. This time, he turned heads again with actor-singer Billy Porter in a gorgeous gender-bending ensemble of a tux jacket atop a fully-skirted velvet gown. Porter, who is also a host at this year’s Oscars red carpet, revealed that he had always wanted to wear a gown and challenge gender norms. Bravo.
Image: Instagram (@theebillyporter)
Jennifer Lopez definitely more than redeemed herself today after her lacklustre appearance at this year’s Grammys. She was a picture of radiance on the red carpet in a high-neck number from Tom Ford that featured a mosaic of hundreds of broken mirrors. Accompanying her outfit was a silver clutch from Tyler Ellis, accessories from Niwaka and Jimmy Choo heels. Stunning.
Image: Instagram (@tomford)
The adorable Marie Kondo showed up at her first Oscars in a pared down yet stylish ensemble. The petite organisational wizard wore a delicate soft pink gown from Jenny Packham that featured hand embroidered floral sequin details. Well, with her ethos of minimalism, it’s no surprise that she went will few accessories and finished with a studded Beth Miller piece. Did her outfit spark joy? It most definitely did.
Image: Instagram (@organizedforgoodatx)
Nominated for Best Actress for her role in biographical film Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Melissa McCarthy took the road less travelled by ditching the usual gown and going for a spiffy black and white jumpsuit and cape ensemble from Brandon Maxwell instead. The piece flattered her voluptuous figure while adding the drama needed for the occasion. Her look was matched with simple diamond accessories from Forevermark. Nailed it.
Image: Instagram (@pr_imprint)
After sweeping awards for her role in The Wife, Best Actress nominee Glenn Close looked all set to claim her golden statuette in a gloriously regal Carolina Herrera cape gown that made her look like a literal Oscar trophy. Reported to have been made by 40 craftsmen in Mumbai and New York with over three million glass beads, the shimmering gold number weighed a hefty 42 pounds (19 kilograms). She finished her outfit with a matching gold clutch from Tyler Ellis, heels from Giuseppe Zanotti and gold and diamond fringed earrings from Cartier.
Image: Instagram (@carolinaherrera)
Regina King looked stunning in an all-white monochromatic ensemble that showed off her beautiful complexion. The simple yet sophisticated Oscar de la Renta creation was matched with white heels from Christian Louboutin that sported the brand’s signature red soles and dazzling diamonds from Chopard. The asymmetrical ruched details around the waist accentuated her curves while the slit and train added stature to the Best Supporting Actress winner.
Image: Instagram (@oscardelarenta)