Awards season concluded March 10 with the 96th Academy Awards, and the event left viewers with enough to talk about until next season. With Ryan Gosling’s theatrical performance of “I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie” and Vanessa Hudgens’ pregnancy announcement, the best-dressed stars contributed a taste of modern elegance to Hollywood’s biggest night.
Jennifer Lawrence in Dior
As a long-time ambassador of the house, it was no surprise Jennifer Lawrence hit the carpet in Dior. A pattern on the carpet, however, is a head-turner. Lawrence, a presenter for the evening, wore a black and white polka-dot gown that featured a corset bodice and a matching shawl, which took over 1,500 hours to complete. Her hair, an ode to old Hollywood, was styled down in a sleek side part. Swarovski diamond accessories completed the ensemble.
Emily Blunt in Schiaparelli
One of the most talked about looks of the night was Emily Blunt’s dress straps levitating above her shoulders. Blunt’s stylist, Jessica Paster, said the dress was a last-minute choice out of three contenders on the morning of the awards. Paster said she knew the look would be talked about, but that was the point. Paster and Blunt have worked together for years and decided it was time to take a risk on the carpet. Funnily enough, Blunt’s “Oppenheimer” co-star, Florence Pugh, also sported a floating shoulder look.
America Ferrera in Versace
The Best Supporting Actress nominee channeled “Barbie” in a pink chainmail gown. America Ferrera’s stylist, Karla Welch, said the gown was the perfect “bye to Barbie.” Donatella Versace said the pink and chainmail combination was an intentional mix of force and femininity. While Ferrera may not have won the trophy, she won the hearts of Versace lovers with this look.
Margot Robbie in Versace
Margot Robbie, also dressed in Versace, wore a similar chainmail dress in a darker hue, ending her months of “Barbie”-inspired attire. The belief she was snubbed of a nomination for Best Actress may have driven her anti-“Barbie” choice, or perhaps the actress is marking the start of a new era. Nonetheless, Robbie shined in the strapless gown, which featured draping at the waist.
Colman Domingo in Louis Vuitton
Colman Domingo continues to be one of the best-dressed men this awards season. Domingo, nominated for Best Actor for his role in “Rustin,” put a spin on a classic suit by adding gold-toe cowboy boots. Not many people could pull off a Western twist on the carpet, but Domingo’s execution was beautifully done, raising standards for men’s award show attire.
Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton
Bella Baxter, Emma Stone’s quirky character in the Oscar-winning film “Poor Things,” would certainly adorn a similar look to Stone’s playful carpet dress. The actress’ strapless mint gown stood out with its dramatic peplum waist and mermaid-esque train. However, it did not withstand the evening. As Stone walked on stage to accept her Academy Award for Best Actress, the crowd became acutely aware of the broken zipper at the back of her dress. As she recited her acceptance speech, Stone said that her dress had ripped during Gosling’s performance of “I’m Just Ken” — which would later result in backlash for Louis Vuitton.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph in Louis Vuitton
It appears that Louis Vuitton dresses winners, as Da’Vine Joy Randolph won both her Best Supporting Actress award for “The Holdovers” and the admiration of onlookers on the carpet. Randolph showed up and showed out in a beautiful blue sequin dress, completed with drastic feather sleeves and a flowing train.
Anya Taylor-Joy in Dior
Similar to Natalie Portman at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, the infamous 1949 Christian Dior gowns inspired Anya Taylor-Joy’s red carpet dress. The silver, multi-tiered dress was breathtaking, coated in scallop cuts and crystals. Despite its undeniable craftsmanship, the house ambassador’s gown did not receive the same rave reviews as Portman’s did last year. Perhaps it is time Dior found inspiration from another gown in its archives.
Zendaya in Armani Privé
After a notable absence at last year’s awards, Zendaya returned to the Oscars this year as a presenter. Styled by the notorious Law Roach, she stepped away from the futuristic looks she’s been sporting on the “Dune: Part Two” press tour and into old Hollywood glamor. Rose-colored silk outlining emphasized the embroidered palm trees adorning her couture gown. Contrasting pink and black tones seemed an intentional choice, as it is the year of “Barbenheimer.”
Lily Gladstone in Gucci x Joe Big Mountain
Lily Gladstone’s dress was much more than an article of clothing — it was an homage to her culture, merging well-known Gucci with Indigenous designer Joe Big Mountain. Gladstone has been working with her stylist, Jason Rembert, to incorporate Indigenous elements into her looks this award season. An intricately embroidered cape done by Joe Big Mountain and Ironhorse Quillwork completed the royal blue gown.
Cillian Murphy in Versace
Cillian Murphy, one of the night’s biggest winners, wore a custom suit inspired by archival Versace. Rose Forde, Murphy’s stylist, said that, on a noisy carpet, she wanted Murphy to stand out in a natural, nonchalant way. Murphy’s look was complete with a silk shirt, an Omega timepiece and a custom “Oppenheimer”-inspired brooch by Sauvereign. The 18-karat gold brooch featured eight concentric trapeziums, a shape that appears in the interior components of the atomic bomb.
