Best Oscars Dresses of All Time on the Red Carpet

As the culmination to award season, the Oscars mark the final opportunity for celebrities and their stylists to deliver an impact on the red carpet. What’s more, the nominated actors may use their outfits to bring the character they played full circle, as an ode to their recognized role. Throughout history, these specific Oscars looks have become iconic, whether it’s because they defined a culturally relevant moment, were marked by a win and accessorized with a golden statue, or re-interpreted later on by a younger Hollywood star.

Jennifer Lawrence tripped up the stage in her strapless Dior Couture ballgown to accept best actress for “Silver Linings Playbook” in 2013, with her delicate Chopard necklace draped down her back. The “backwards” jewelry kickstarted a trend all on its own as she was photographed bent over, with her train sweeping gracefully across the stairs. Angelina Jolie made the most of a leg slit one year prior, playing up the detail on her black velvet Versace gown from several different angles. The thigh-high split is now essentially named after the star, with many fashion reporters referring to the style move as “pulling an Angelina Jolie.” And in 2022, Zendaya‘s Valentino Haute Couture cropped shirt and floor-grazing sequined skirt was a playful take on the memorable ensemble Sharon Stone wore in 1988, when she tucked her husband’s Gap button-down into a satin Vera Wang design.

Of course, the world-renowned Academy Awards fashion doesn’t stop there. From Gwyneth Paltrow‘s pink Ralph Lauren confection in 1999 to her ivory Tom Ford cape in 2012; from Lupita Nyong’o’s plunging, powder blue Prada number in 2014 to her Calvin Klein Collection pearl column sheath in 2015; and from Janelle Monáe’s entirely sheer Elie Saab design in 2017 to her Ralph Lauren glitter hood in 2020, look back on the Oscars statements that deserve awards all on their own.