Scarlett Johansson in Oscar de la Renta
One of the best dressed of the night, Scarlett came to slay. She was nominated in two categories for two different films, so it was a great night for her. I recently heard someone's opinion that the Oscar winner always looks the worst. Or at least looks very forgettable (examples: Reese Witherspoon, Sandra Bullock, Julianne Moore and Julia Roberts), and that the nominees or presenters always look the most stunning, with the best gowns. I totally agree! Perhaps Scarlett knew she wouldn't win, so she dressed instead to be "so honoured just to be nominated." All that aside, this dress is incredible. The draped chain detail on the bodice is beautiful, and somehow she kept the shimmering satin wrinkle-free! It is somehow timeless and modern at the same time.
Renee Zellweger in Armani Prive
So now I might contradict myself somewhat, because here is an Oscar winner looking pretty amazing, if not a bit safe. It's hard to tell in a photo, but the dress was covered entirely in white sequins. I definitely preferred her blue Golden Globes dress, but the last time she won an Oscar she wore white as well, so maybe it's her lucky colour!
Margot Robbie in vintage Chanel
I really like this look. The sleeve/arm bands give this look a big of something extra, and I really like the brooch detail. While not the best I've ever seen her look, it certainly trumps her hideous plaid situation from the SAG awards.
Florence Pugh in Louis Vuitton
This is one of my favorite looks of the night. This colour can be tricky to pull off without looking like an unfortunate bridesmaid, but I love the whole look on her. The length and all the ruffles can also end up a disaster, but this all works. I love the coordinated shoes and belt, and the jewelry is perfect. This is her first Oscars and she killed it. Bravo to her and her stylist.
Kristen Wiig in Valentino
It's time for a break from the gorgeous gowns, so I give you this lasagna/sea creature/car wash (as so named by the internet at large) confection. I can get on board with some weird fashion, but this one is a no from me. I do kind of wonder though, if she was wearing it as a joke, hoping to inspire memes. If this is the case, I can't really fault her because she certainly got that job done.
Brie Larson in Celine
I can never resist a cape moment, and especially not a glittering cape moment. This is definitely a top look of the night for me. So glamorous with a bit of a seventies vibe. I hate to be too much of a meanie, but I cannot help but fixate on her very long fourth toe! Now, I know that nobody can help what kind of toes they are born with. They can, however BUY A BIGGER SIZE SHOE. I mean, come on. As a shoe person, this is particularly icky to me. I won't go so far as to say that this errant toe ruins the whole look for me, but it is a major distraction from an otherwise flawless look.
Saoirse Ronan in Gucci
This is the worst. Her dress was so ugly that she is probably relieved that she didn't win. Another dent in my theory about the winners vs nominees looks. The contraption protruding out of her waist appears to be an attempt at an homage to the surrealist visionary Elsa Schiaparelli. If so, the poor woman is probably rolling around in her grave. Especially considering the fact that the house of Schiaparelli has been resurrected in recent years and they have turned out some far superior looks to this this (see Beyonce at the Golden Globes).
Regina King in Versace
This woman is always a queen of the red carpet. I love that this gown has the classic Versace snatched waist and curve-hugging contours, but also the ballgown skirt. In my opinion Versace is almost always a no-fail red carpet win, and this is certainly no exception. When she walked out to present Brad Pitt with his Oscar, I was wowed even on my tiny, grainy airplane TV.
Charlize Theron in Dior
Classic and timeless. I like the asymmetrical shoulder straps, and the jewelry. Nothing groundbreaking here, but beautiful nonetheless.
Laura Dern in Armani
When I saw this look live on the red carpet I absolutely love it. Now though, looking at the photos I am not so sure. I do love the unique take on tassels with them adorning the bodice instead of on the hemline, but the skirt looks very stiff. My overall verdict is that I like it from the waist up, but not from the waist down.
Penelope Cruz in Chanel
This is terrible! Penelope Cruz usually looks so amazing on the red carpet, but this dress is just a mess. It has every signature from the house of Chanel all combined in one dress. In care you weren't sure this is Chanel there's black and white, there's a bow, there's pearls, and there's an enormous camellia. Way too much happening here, all she is is missing are a pair of giant double C earrings and a quilted bag.
Janelle Monae in Ralph Lauren
This is such a high fashion glamour moment. The full on sequined gown is amazing, but the hood everything! I am getting fierce Grace Jones vibes and I love it.
Geena Davis in Romona Keveza
An icon walking the red carpet looking like the true legend that she is. Classic, effortless and glamorous.
Salma Hayek in Gucci
Ugh, a stunning woman looking like a mess is such a disappointment. This literally looks almost identical to the Halloween costume I wore when I went as Cleopatra. This could also work for a Greek goddess costume, or perhaps a toga party. The dress on it's own is bad enough, but the leafy headpiece really puts this in the cheap costume realm.
Molly Sims in Zuhair Murad
I love this gown. The peachy pink shade looks so good on her, and I love the contrast between the skirt and the bodice, it almost gives a bodysuit vibe. The draping of the skirt is so gorgeous, it manages to have both weight but not look stiff (see Saoirse Ronan above for an example of the stiffest skirt you've ever seen).
Brad Pitt
You are welcome.
