When it comes to the Oscars, the fashion is second only to the films.
Over the years, the Academy Awards red carpet has seen Hollywood’s biggest and brightest stars—including Gwyneth Paltrow, Zendaya and Lady Gaga—wearing their finest ‘fits.
Case in point? Halle Berry’s Elie Saab dress at the 2002 ceremony, which she wore while making history as the first Black woman to win the Best Actress Award for her role in Monster’s Ball. In fact, the moment—and the look—was so iconic that it essentially put the designer on the map.
Indeed, the gown—a luxurious red dress featured a mesh bodice with delicate floral embroidering and a classy silk-taffeta skirt—was so historic that the Catwoman actress put it on again 22 years later to celebrate Elie Saab’s 1,001st season in Saudi Arabia.
“There are some moments in life that just happen and they change our lives forever! Winning an Academy Award in my Elie Saab gown was one of those moments for me,” Halle wrote on Instagram last November. “Thank you Mr. Saab for being a part of the tapestry of my life as we have been inextricably connected for 22 years now!”
Meanwhile, Lupita Nyong’o pulled out a custom periwinkle Armani Privé gown that same year as a subtle nod to the Cinderella-like Prada gown she wore to win her first-ever Academy Award in 2014 for her role in 12 Years a Slave.
“I wore blue to this year’s Oscars to pay homage to my introduction to Hollywood 10 years ago,” Lupita wrote in a March 2024 Instagram post. “What was fresh then may be familiar now, but I believe in the power of harnessing childlike wonder at every stage of life.”
And beyond these meaningful odes to growth and achievement, let’s not forget the classics, including Audrey Hepburn’s white floral Givenchy dress back in 1954 that set the tone for elegance and timelessness for many years to come.
Ahead of the 2025 Oscars March 2 at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, keep reading to see more of the best Oscars looks of all time.
Halle Berry
The actress’ Oscar win was unforgettable for many reasons. She was the first Black woman to win the Best Actress Award, which she won in 2002 for Monster’s Ball. In addition to her historical win, her dress became iconic and put designer Elie Saab on the map.
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita always turns heads on the red carpet, but this custom baby blue Prada gown took the grand prize. This marked the first time she won the Best Supporting Actress award for her debut film 12 Years a Slave.
Gwyneth Paltrow
The Goop founder shut down the red carpet in 2012, wearing a swoon-worthy cape dress. And it’s safe to say Tom Ford outdid himself with this look.
Ava Gardner
The silver screen siren of the Golden Age of Hollywood dazzled in an ostentatious sequins gown. As if that weren’t glamorous enough, she accessorized with a large and lustrous tiara, white fur and gloves.
Timothée Chalamet
The Dune star skipped the basic black-and-white tuxedo for this glitzy Louis Vuitton two-piece. He added extra sex appeal by accessorizing his bare chest with a silver pendant.
Glenn Close
Glimmering in gold. The legendary actress rivaled the golden statue with this gilded caped dress.
Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett did the thing when she stepped out in this royal purple confection at the 2023 ceremony.
Gemma Chan
Perfectly pink! The Crazy Rich Asians star made a grand entrance with her bright and bold Valentino design.
Zendaya
The Euphoria star always turns heads on the red carpet but she pulled out all of the stops for the 2022 ceremony.
Hilary Swank
The actress, who took home the Best Actress award for Million Dollar Baby, stunned in a simple, yet striking Guy Laroche design that featured a plunging open-back.
Elizabeth Taylor
One word: Glamourous. The legendary actress always knew how to drop jaws, and this design was no different.
Regina King
The Watchmen actress knows how to make a statement with a simple but sophisticated look. Her 2019 gown is all the proof you need.
Janelle Monáe
Never one to stick to the basics, the Moonlight actress dropped jaws in an Elie Saab Haute Couture gown, which was adorned with intricate beading, lace set with feathers and an over-the-top tulle train.
Cara Delevingne
Lady in red. The supermodel made sure all eyes were on her, as she stunned in a one-shouldered ballgown by Elie Saab.
Kate Hudson
Of her many appearances at the Oscars, Kate Hudson’s 2014 look stands out from the rest, thanks in part to this caped and beaded Atelier Versace gown.
Diana Ross
Diana Ross sizzled at the 54th Annual Academy Awards in a glittering red gown and lush white fur shawl.
Kacey Musgraves
The country singer turned heads in her bubblegum pink Giambattista Valli number at the 2019 event.
Becky G
The “Mamiii” singer brought old-Hollywood glamour to the 2022 event with a shimmery rose gold gown.
Billy Porter
The Pose alum proved why he reigns supreme on the red carpet, wearing a larger-than-life Christian Siriano design.
Viola Davis
The Oscar-winning actress stunned in this electrifying hot pink gown by Michael Kors. In addition to her bright dress, she accessorized with a matching flamingo pink clutch and statement jewelry pieces.
Nicole Kidman
The actress always shuts down the red carpet, and this powerful red gown by Balenciaga was no different. The high-neck and sleeveless design made it an instant classic, but the dramatic bow and striking color took it to the next level.
Yalitza Aparicio
The Roma actress brought a fashion fantasy to the red carpet with her dreamy and whimsical Rodarte design.
Eva Longoria
The Flamin’ Hot director proved all that glitters is gold, erm, silver. She dazzled in a sparly Zuhair Murad couture gown at the 2023 ceremony.
Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy Teigen channeled old-Hollywood glamour in this periwinkle Zuhair Murad gown.
Jennifer Lopez
For the 2015 affair, JLo made sure all eyes were on her as she stunned in this glitzy Elie Saab dress.
Julia Roberts
The Oscar-winning actress may have taken home the award in 2001 for Erin Brockovich but her satin vintage Valentino gown stole the show. The black and white number was from the brand’s 1982 collection.
Lady Gaga
The A Star is Born actress looked effortlessly elegant in a white pantsuit dress by Brandon Maxwell.
Zoe Saldana
Wearing a custom Atelier Versace design, the Guardians of the Galaxy actress stunned in a blush-colored, body-hugging gown.
Emilia Jones
To celebrate CODA‘s success, the actress wore a stunning gold dress from Dolce and Gabbana.
Salma Hayek
The Frida alum stunned on the Oscars red carpet in a vibrant ocean-blue Atelier Versace gown.
