Oscars Red Carpet Looks Through the Years — See Photos
The Oscars 2022 are just around the corner and there's lots to look forward to. Of course, it's difficult not to get excited about the Oscars red carpet just generally. Not only is it the apex of awards season, but it also takes place right after fashion month so we allow our minds to run free with all of the sartorial possibilities for our favorite nominees and attendees hitting the red carpet. (Hello, Zendaya!)
For arguably the biggest award show of the year, attendees pull out all the stops when it comes to their red carpet look. And if past years are any indication, we're certainly in for a jaw-dropping show this year too for the Oscars 2022. In preparation for Sunday night's festivities, let's take a look back at some of the most memorable red carpet moments from the Oscars — of all time.
- Mike Coppola/Getty Images1/76
Halle Bailey wearing Dolce & Gabbana, 2023
Halle Bailey was a real life princess in this gown. Get all the details on the look here.
- Arturo Holmes/Getty Images2/76
Cara Delevinge wearing Elie Saab, 2023
The Oscars may have opted for a beige carpet that year, but Cara Delevinge committed to red with this bold gown that featured a major leg slit and a huge bow.
- David Livingston/Getty Images3/76
Megan Thee Stallion in Gaurav Gupta, 2022
Megan Thee Stallion stunned in this sparkly gown, complete with a long sculptural train. And, she had another equally dazzling look for her performance that night.
- Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic4/76
Kristen Stewart wearing Chanel, 2022
Kristen Stewart gave the classic suit an edge with this look. You can read all the details about it here.
Pool5/76Zendaya wearing Valentino, 2021
Zendaya always shines as bright as the sun but that phrase acquired a whole new meaning here.
ABC6/76Amanda Seyfried wearing Oscar de la Renta, 2021
Amanda Seyfried's passion red gown, which perfectly matched her lipstick, was larger than life and impossible to forget.
Rick Rowell7/76Sandra Oh wearing Elie Saab Haute Couture, 2020
Simply stunning.
Amy Sussman8/76Cynthia Erivo wearing Schiaparelli Couture, 2020
Cynthia Erivo made sure her Oscar debut stood out with this asymmetric Schiaparelli Couture gown.
Rick Rowell9/76Billie Eilish wearing Chanel, 2020
Gowns are not the only option and Billie Eilish proved that. Whether you love it or not, there's no denying this oversized, co-ord look from Chanel has become one of the singer's most memorable looks.
Future Publishing10/76Brie Larson wearing Celine by Hedi Slimane, 2020
There's no denying Brie looks stunning from head to toe.
Jeff Kravitz11/76Janelle Monáe wearing custom Ralph Lauren and her mom, 2020
Janelle Monáe's dress famously featured 168,000 Swarovski crystals but we are still thinking about how cute this mother-daughter moment was.
Frazer Harrison12/76Lady Gaga in custom Alexander McQueen, 2019
When you think of elegance, you think of this. Lady Gaga's homage to Audrey Hepburn in Alexander McQueen is truly one for the books.
Rick Rowell13/76Billy Porter wearing custom Christian Siriano, 2019
Billy Porter also made headlines the same year for his gown, which also featured elements from a classic tuxedo. As Hannah Montana would say, the best of both worlds!
Kevork Djansezian14/76Gemma Chan wearing Valentino Haute Couture, 2019
Pretty in pink and taking up half the red carpet? A yes.
Dan MacMedan15/76Jennifer Lopez wearing Tom Ford, 2019
Jennifer Lopez hit up the red carpet shining bright — literally.
Dan MacMedan16/76Kacey Musgraves wearing Giambattista Valli, 2019
Kacey was a bubblegum dream in this Giambattista Valli cascading gown.
Dan MacMedan17/76Laura Harrier wearing Louis Vuitton, 2019
The baby blue moment from Laura Harrier was major for Louis Vuitton. As W notes, it was part of the Red Carpet Green Dress initiative. The bespoke dress was an “ethical gown” made from blue crepe silk certified by the Global Organic Textile Standards.
Dan MacMedan18/76Saoirse Ronan wearing Calvin Klein by Appointment, 2018
We are still thinking about the oversized bow to this day.
Getty Images19/76Timothée Chalamet wearing Berluti, 2018
Before Timothée topped every best-dressed list with his embellished bib/harness, he stepped out to the 2018 Oscars in an ivory Berluti tuxedo and bowtie.
Getty Images20/76Zendaya wearing Giambattista Valli, 2018
A red carpet standout, Zendaya wowed at the Oscars wearing a one-shoulder Giambattista Valli Couture gown and a sleek high bun.
Getty Images21/76Saoirse Ronan wearing Calvin Klein Collection, 2016
Stunning in an eye-catching green gown with a shimmery finish.
Getty Images22/76Sophie Turner wearing Galvan for Opening Ceremony, 2016
Emanating Old Hollywood glamour in subtle mint green.
Getty Images23/76Alicia Vikander wearing Louis Vuitton, 2016
Channeling Belle in a bright yellow princess dress.
Getty Images24/76Lady Gaga wearing Brandon Maxwell, 2016
Stunning in a white bustier complete with a train and trousers.
C Flanigan25/76Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara wearing Armani Privé and Givenchy, 2016
Two is always better than one. The co-stars donned two different takes on the same silhouette and they both looked great.
Jeff Kravitz26/76Zendaya wearing Vivienne Westwood, 2015
Zendaya made her Oscar debut wearing the most perfect ivory dress and locs. There's a reason why this look was made into a Barbie.
Steve Granitz27/76Reese Witherspoon wearing Tom Ford, 2015
This black and white dress from Tom Ford is timeless. Simple and perfectly fitting will never go out of style.
Frank Trapper28/76Lupita Nyong'o wearing Calvin Klein Collection, 2015
Can never go wrong with a dress that's decked out with pearls.
Getty Images29/76Dakota Johnson wearing Saint Laurent, 2015
Looking elegant in a one-shoulder red gown, complete with a shoulder embellishment.
Getty Images30/76Emma Watson wearing Vera Wang, 2014
Kicking it up a notch with a slight metallic sheen.
Getty Images31/76Lupita Nyong'o wearing Prada, 2014
Now this is how you wear color on the red carpet.
Getty Images32/76Jennifer Lawrence wearing Dior Couture, 2013
Jennifer had a true princess moment in this ballgown on the red carpet and gave us a meme to remember inside the ceremony with her iconic fall.
Getty Images33/76Emma Stone wearing Giambattista Valli, 2012
Stunning in a high-neck red dress.
Michael Buckner34/76Rooney Mara wearing Givenchy Haute Couture, 2012
The flow of that train? Just perfect. Also bonus points for those impeccable bangs.
Getty Images35/76Natalie Portman wearing Vintage Christian Dior, 2012
Natalie kept it classic in a vintage gathered strapless gown that matched the epic carpet.
Gregg DeGuire36/76Gwyneth Paltrow wearing Tom Ford, 2012
The tailoring of this Tom Ford number, from the breast detailing to the cape, was simply breathtaking.
Getty Images37/76Angelina Jolie wearing Atelier Versace, 2012
Angelina Jolie's bare right leg became an internet sensation when she hit the red carpet at the 2012 Oscars in a black Atelier Versace gown with a daring slit.
Steve Granitz38/76Penélope Cruz wearing Vintage Pierre Balmain, 2009
The Spanish actor opted for timeless elegance with this vintage gown to accept her Best Supporting Actress award for Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Steve Granitz39/76Anne Hathaway wearing Marchesa, 2008
Another dress that matched the red carpet perfectly, with shoulder detailing to boot.
Jeffrey Mayer40/76Reese Witherspoon wearing Vintage Christian Dior, 2006
We have a soft spot for celebs opting to wear vintage. Reese certainly chose well when she picked this number to pick up her trophy for Walk the Line.
KMazur41/76Hilary Swank wearing Guy Laroche, 2005
Sometimes, it's the part of the dress that isn't there that is the most grabbing.
Getty Images42/76Beyoncé wearing Atelier Versace, 2005
And sometimes it's the most simple looks that garner the most attention.
Carlo Allegri43/76Angelina Jolie wearing Marc Bouwer, 2004
This look, crafted in white satin, was way ahead of its time for 2004 and, of course, Angelina looked flawless in it. (Will we see one of her children wearing it soon? We can only hope!)
Frank Trapper44/76Charlize Theron wearing Tom Ford's Gucci, 2004
“Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show-stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique…”
Steve Granitz45/76Kate Hudson wearing Atelier Versace, 2003
Kate was only a presenter this year but this perfectly fitted gown was fit for a winner.
LUCY NICHOLSON46/76Reese Witherspoon wearing Valentino and Ryan Phillippe, 2002
Throwback! No, this is not a picture of Ava and Deacon Reese Phillippe but parents Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe looking cute and elegant in matching 'fits back in 2002.
Steve Granitz47/76Björk wearing Marjan Pejoski, 2001
If we are taking memorable moments, Björk takes the cake in this Marjan Pejoski swan dress. (Who remembers the homage on Hannah Montana?)
Vinnie Zuffante48/76Julia Roberts wearing Valentino and Benjamin Bratt, 2001
This is the Julia Roberts dress.
Steve Granitz49/76Renée Zellweger wearing Vintage Jean Dessès, 2001
During the primetime of Bridget Jones's Diary, Renée Zellweger attended the Oscars and looked stunning in yellow.
Getty Images50/76Halle Berry wearing Elie Saab, 2002
Who can forget when Halle Berry donned an Elie Saab gown to the 2002 Oscars and became the first Black woman to win the Best Actress award? The dress featured a sheer bodice with delicate floral embroidery that flowed into a taffeta skirt and a train.
Getty Images51/76Gwyneth Paltrow wearing Ralph Lauren, 1999
Gwyneth Paltrow's pink Ralph Lauren gown will always be iconic. She wore it to accept the Best Actress award for her role in Shakespeare in Love.
Jim Smeal52/76Uma Thurman wearing Chanel, 1999
Uma Thurman wearing a silver taffeta two-piece.
Steve Granitz53/76Céline Dion wearing John Galliano, 1999
Céline was the very definition of iconic in a quintessentially Galliano creation: the backward white tuxedo.
Jim Smeal54/76Madonna wearing Olivier Theyskens, 1998
Madonna donned a piece by Belgian fashion designer Olivier Theyskens in 1998. Some loved it and some hated it, but it sure got people talking. If this choice proves anything is that she is a fashion connoisseur.
Jeffrey Mayer55/76Winona Ryder wearing Chanel, 1997
File this under: Winona Ryder fashion moments we will never get over.
Ron Wolfson56/76James Brolin and Barbra Streisand, 1997
Maybe a bit understated for the Oscars, but Barbra Streisand's presence is memorable in and of itself. (And I would wear this today at any time!)
Steve Granitz57/76Mira Sorvino, 1996
Mira Sorvino looked every part the star at the 68th Annual Academy Awards, where she was crowned a winner for The Mighty Aphrodite.
Jim Smeal58/76Elizabeth Hurley wearing Versace, 1995
This all-white moment from Elizabeth Hurley is also one for the books.
Barry King59/76Uma Thurman wearing Prada, 1995
This purple Prada dress is so memorable that it has its own Wikipedia page.
Frank Trapper60/76Whitney Houston and Bruce Springsteen, 1994
Black and white suits? Worn by legends Whitney Houston and Bruce Springsteen? Does it get more memorable than that?
Ron Galella61/76Winona Ryder, 1994
No words, just perfection.
KMazur62/76Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford wearing Hervé Léger, 1993
Cindy Crawford looked like a Hervé Léger catalog come to life in this figure-hugging white number in 1993.
Barry King63/76Julia Roberts and Kiefer Sutherland, 1991
You can never go wrong with an all-black moment and blonde Julia Roberts proved it at the 1991 Oscars.
Ron Galella64/76Cindy Crawford and Richard Gere, 1991
Another timeless gown by Cindy Crawford.
Ron Galella, Ltd.65/76Daryl Hannah and Jackson Browne, 1988
Daryl Hannah channeled Old Hollywood glamour with a modern twist at the 60th Annual Academy Awards.
Michael Ochs Archives66/76Ernest Thompson and Diana Ross, 1982
Only Diana Ross could pull off white fur and red sequins this effortlessly.
ABC Photo Archives67/76Goldie Hawn and Steven Spielberg, 1980
A young actor called Goldie Hawn and a tiny, upcoming director named Steven Spielberg looking dapper in 1980. You know, jut casual stuff!
Ron Galella68/76Cher wearing Bob Mackie, 1974
You know if Cher is invited to the function, it's going to be iconic — especially if she is wearing Bob Mackie.
Ron Galella69/76Sonny Bono and Cher wearing Bob Mackie, 1973
Refer to the previous slide. This image is pop culture history.
Ron Galella70/76Sammy Davis Jr. and Lola Falana, 1970
Lola Falana brought the glamour to the 42nd Annual Academy Awards with her feather white boa and tiny matching purse.
Bettmann71/76John Wayne and Barbra Streisand wearing Arnold Scaasi, 1970
A year after winning the award of Best Actress for Funny Girl, Barbra Streisand returned to the Oscars as a presenter and did so in this unforgettable pink ensemble complete with a pillbox hat.
ABC Photo Archives72/76Jack Albertson, Anthony Harvey, and Barbra Streisand wearing Arnold Scaasi, 1969
But believe it or not, that's not Barbra's most memorable Scaasi piece. When she won the award for Funny Girl, the performer made all the headlines for her sheer, sequined two-piece.
ABC Photo Archives73/76Diahann Carroll and Burt Lancaster, 1969
Diahann Carroll's flowy, white gown was just as stunning in 1969 as it would be today.
Bettmann74/76Faye Dunaway wearing Theadora Van Runkle, 1968
The same goes for Faye Dunaway's Theadora Van Runkle feathered coat. (I'll take 10, please.)
Bettmann75/76David Lean and Sophia Loren, 1958
Sophia Loren was the it-girl at the time so, of course, she would leave her mark on the Oscars' sartorial history with this perfectly subtle floral dress and effortless glam.
NBC76/76Audrey Hepburn wearing Givenchy, 1954
Audrey Hepburn's history with Givenchy is well documented and it also got its time to shine, more than once, at the Oscars.
