The Oscars are not only the most prestigious honor in the field of cinematography, but they are also a spectacular fashion show. The evening gowns that the actresses wear on stage to receive the prized statuette and those that simply walk down the red carpet set the tone for the year ahead. Some of them go on to become legends and fashion icons.
15. Jennifer Lawrence, 2013
Jennifer Lawrence’s Dior dress, which she wore to accept her Oscar statuette for her appearance in Silver Linings Playbook, is a true masterpiece. By the way, with a price tag of $4 million, this gown is the most costly in Academy Awards history.
14. Nicole Kidman, 1997
Nicole Kidman became the red carpet’s biggest star at the 1997 Oscars thanks to this well-chosen gown. She was, however, not even nominated for an award that year. All of the best fashion from the Oscars includes the green gown with its intricate embroidery.
13. Marion Cotillard, 2008
For Marion Cotillard, this Jean-Paul Gaultier “mermaid” gown proved to be a fortunate one. She won an Oscar for her performance as Édith Piaf in La Vie en Rose.
12. Halle Berry, 2002
Halle Berry received her coveted statuette for her appearance in Monster’s Ball in 2002, and caused a stir by wearing one of the sexiest costumes in Oscar history.
11. Cher, 1986 and 1988
Cher’s outfits are just as lavish as she is. Both of her costumes became iconic, but the one she wore in 1988 proved to be a fortunate one for her, as she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Moonstruck.
10. Gwyneth Paltrow, 2012
Gwyneth Paltrow’s gowns are invariably and rightfully featured on lists of the most stunning celebrity pictures from the Academy Awards. Tom Ford’s snow-white gown with laconic embellishments is the pinnacle of sophistication, and the actress looked like royalty in it.
9. Madonna, 1991
Madonna dressed up as Marilyn Monroe for the Academy Awards ceremony. The singer wore a sequined dress that was too tight for her, and she accessorised with a fur boa and diamond jewellery. Madonna took the stage later that evening to perform Dick Tracy’s song “Sooner or Later (I Still Get My Man).” It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
8. Barbra Streisand, 1969
Barbra Streisand’s pantsuit, which she wore to accept her Oscar for her role in Funny Girl, was included in a variety of lists, including the best and worst costumes in Oscar history. First and foremost, she opted for a pantsuit rather than a conventional gown. Second, it was found to be entirely translucent. The actress admitted that she had no idea the lights would shine through her dress.
7. Hilary Swank, 2005
Hilary Swank won an Academy Award for her performance in Clint Eastwood’s Million Dollar Baby. Her appearance also wowed fashion critics and fans. Guy Laroche’s opulent dark blue gown, which was chastely closed in the front and very open in the back, became a symbol of sophisticated sexuality. This gown is consistently ranked among the best pictures from the Academy Awards.
6. Marilyn Monroe, 1951
Marilyn Monroe was never nominated for an Academy Award and never received one. Nonetheless, at the 1951 ceremony, all eyes were on her. The actress wore a lush black tulle dress with a deep neckline to present one of the awards.
5. Cate Blanchett, 2014
Cate Blanchett accepted her statuette for Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her performance in Blue Jasmine in 2014. She was dressed in a semi-transparent Armani gown. Her dress was embellished with hundreds of sequin flowers, and her portrait was sweet and tender.
4. Elizabeth Taylor, 1961
For her performance in Butterfield 8, Elizabeth Taylor won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1961. She wore a beautiful Dior gown that accentuated her slim waist for the occasion.
3. Julia Roberts, 2001
Julia Roberts won an Academy Award for her performance in the biographical film Erin Brockovich in 2001. Fashion reviewers and audiences alike praised her antique Valentino velvet gown with a luxurious plume.
2. Grace Kelly, 1955
Grace Kelly’s pale green gown with drapes by Edith Head, a Paramount Studios designer, became an icon and classic of Hollywood glamour. Grace was honoured for her performance in The Country Girl.
1. Audrey Hepburn, 1954
Audrey Hepburn wore this dress to accept her Academy Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture for Roman Holiday. The gown is at the top of the best Academy Awards outfits list. It was designed exclusively for Audrey by Givenchy and is the epitome of her renowned style: elegant and polished. Wikipedia also has a page dedicated to the gown.
Which of these gowns appealed to you the most? Please let us know what you think in the comments!
