The 28 best Oscars red carpet dresses of all time

Hand embroidered with 168,000 Swarovski crystals, Janelle Monáe’s stunning Ralph Lauren gown took an astounding 600 hours to make. The draped hooded detail pays homage to the model Grace Jones’ iconic look, while Janelle told Billy Porter that it was his custom Christian Siriano tuxedo gown from the 2019 ceremony that inspired her to go “all out” in this show-stopping masterpiece. 

Marrying elegance and subversion in one powerful look, Natalie Portman’s sensational Dior cape was embroidered with the names of female directors who were overlooked by the Academy at the 2020 Awards. Portman’s cape spotlighted snubbed female directors including Greta Gerwig, Lorene Scafaria and Lulu Wang. 

Cementing her status as red carpet royalty, Sandra Oh’s decadent champagne-coloured Elie Saab dress was a visual delight. Sculptural tulle sleeves, a sheer neckline, lashings of metallic sequins, a gold velvet belt and 3D effect tulle and lace applique may sound like too many elements, but they came together in perfect harmony in this ethereal gown. 

We can only imagine the hours of craftsmanship that went into this spectacular Zuhair Murad gown, but the true magic is Jennifer Lopez’s ability to wear this dress with such ease that it looks completely effortless. A devotee of the glamorous Lebanese label, J.Lo has worn Zuhair Murad’s dazzling creations both on and off stage, but this embellished gown remains one of her most iconic looks. 

The meticulous embroidery on Keira’s Valentino gown is simply breathtaking. Layering a hand-stitched botanical motif and handwritten script over layers of blush tulle, this dress feels like a fairy tale come to life. 

Versace has created some of the most iconic Oscars dresses of all time and Kerry Washington’s monochrome gown is no exception. The draped white skirting with thigh slit captured the spirit of old Hollywood glamour while the leather bodice felt completely futuristic. The overall effect? A totally contemporary take on red carpet couture. 

Is Grace Kelly the ultimate style icon? Unequivocally, yes. The spaghetti straps and ruched skirting make this sensational green dress feel so modern that it is hard to believe it was worn in 1955. Fashion fades, style truly is eternal. 

This rich jewel tone red is one the most evocative displays of colour we’ve ever seen at the Oscars. Where this top-to-toe block colour may have swamped some, this Giambattista Valli gown flattered Emma Stone’s frame with a nipped in waist and a tie halterneck. 

When it comes to the red carpet, Lupita Nyong’o can do no wrong. Though entire books could be written on her finest awards ceremony looks, the meticulously embellished bodice on this Calvin Klein dress makes it her most spectacular look yet. 

When Gwyneth won Best Actress for her role in Shakespeare In Love she took red carpet glamour and made it completely her own. This rose petal pink ball gown will go down in sartorial history as one of the most loved Oscars dresses of all time. 

Lady Gaga’s fearless fashion choices and natural affinity for dressing up makes her a joy to watch on the red carpet. While we’ll admit we don’t totally get the washing-up style gloves (you do you, Gaga!) we have never had more love for Gaga’s experimental approach to styling than when seeing her in this custom Alaïa gown. 

Gemma Chan single-handedly made red carpet dressing fun again in the most joyful Valentino gown we have ever had the pleasure to know. This simple silhouette feels fresh in an exuberant shade of pink and did we mention it has pockets? Yes, our ultimate style obsession, pockets. 

This embroidered Elie Saab gown made fashion history while Halle Berry made history as the first African-American woman to win an Oscar for Actress in a Leading Role. 

Liz Hurley’s glamorous aesthetic cemented her status as a style icon and this embellished Versace dress is arguably one of the most famous in the world. 

It’s suiting, but not as you know it. Billy Porter redefined the tuxedo and went down in red carpet history as he re-wrote the rule book and made menswear interesting again. 

The delicate pearl embellishments on this Gucci gown made Charlize look as though she had been draped in a sea of stars. This simple silhouette makes this dress a masterclass in the art of fit and cut. 

Cindy brought the red dress to the red carpet, and we’ve never looked back. The plunging bodice made headlines around the world and cemented Cindy’s status as a modern day siren. 

Beyonce redefined understated elegance in this black velvet Versace gown that seemed designed to temporarily stun our senses. 

From the swirling silk bodice to breathtaking skirt, every inch of this sumptuous Versace gown is a work of art. Penelope Cruz wears it with glittering diamond jewellery and intoxicating confidence. 

You say ‘dress’, Celine says ‘suit’. Celine took the rule book, tore it up and left everyone else wondering why they hadn’t thought of that as she stepped out in an exquisite John Galliano suit. 

No one has ever had as much fun on the red carpet as Zoe Saldana did in this Givenchy gown. Five tiers of purple ombre and a sparkling bodice made this strapless dress one of the most unforgettable Oscars looks of all time. 

As we consider how to make the red carpet more sustainable, the A-list could learn a lot from Julia’s approach. She opted for a vintage Valentino gown when accepting her Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Erin Brockovich. 

A dress so iconic that it has its own Wikipedia page, this ivory satin dress paid homage to the styles of Rita Hayworth, Jean Harlow and Marilyn Monroe, yet felt completely Angelina. 

This exquisitely embroidered chinoiserie gown was the standout look of the 1997 Academy Awards. Nicole completed the look with a beaded handbag, filigree earrings and a statement lip for a bohemian take on awards ceremony elegance.

No list of iconic Oscars looks would be complete without a tribute to the swan dress. Bjork showcased her eclectic style on the red carpet in one of the most memorable celebrity style moments of all time. 

You can’t have a conversation about red carpet style without mentioning Carolina Herrera. The Venezuelan-born designer has dressed first ladies, royalty and Hollywood royalty alike. This monochrome gown showcases the sort of elegant simplicity that had made Carolina Herrera one of the world’s most influential designers, Salma makes it her own by adding just a single silver bangle for a look that is effortlessly elegant. 

Courtney Love might have her roots in grunge culture but at the 1997 Academy Awards she exuded pure Hollywood glamour in a classic off-white silk Versace dress. Courtney added a touch of her signature post-punk aesthetic with smokey black eyeliner and artfully smudged lipstick.

Legend has it that Winona Ryder bought this vintage beaded dress at a thrift store for just $10. We’re not one to spoil a good story but whether that’s true or mere fashion fable, Winona’s flapper-inspired look is simply sensational.