On Sunday, at the 96th Academy Awards, the red carpet showed not only its true colors but also its reputation as a vehicle for elegant, extravagant, even political fashion.
Although there were some shining moments — Cynthia Erivo’s dress was a «Wicked» shade of green, Taylor Zakhar Perez wore powder blue Prada — most of the dresses and tuxedos that graced the carpet were black. Some stars’ ensembles are reminiscent of outfits they wore to past Oscar ceremonies. Marlee Matlin said her shimmering lilac Rodarte dress was a nod to the dress she wore when she won the best actress award in 1987, and Lupita Nyong’o opted for a blue Armani dress. pale silver inspired by the color of the dress she wore when she won Best Supporting Actress in 2014.
Glittering brooches were among the most visible accessories on both men and women, as were tiny red pins calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The war between Israel and Hamas also influenced action off the carpet, with protests taking place as celebrities arrived at the ceremony.
Of all the fashion presented at the Oscars, these 19 looks stood out as the ones that made the most impact.
Billie Eilish: the youngest old Hollywood!
The Gen Z singer and songwriter of «Barbie» amped up the glamor with flowing hair, a houndstooth Chanel bag and a tweed skirt suit with an Artists4Ceasefire pin on the jacket.
Lupita Nyong’o: the coolest and icy!
The actress’s feathered Armani dress, which echoed the dress she wore when she won an Oscar for her performance in «12 Years a Slave,» was not only nostalgic but also durable: It was made in 2020 and had not yet been worn.
Emma Stone: the most palate cleanser!
Amid all the dark outfits on the carpet, the «Poor Things» star’s pale green peplum Louis Vuitton dress was a refreshing sight.
Dominic Sessa: The most retro!
The actor evoked his 1970s wardrobe in «The Holdovers» in a dark, velvety tuxedo with a peak lapel jacket and floppy bow tie. Her loose, curly hair and sideburns enhanced the vintage feel of the look.
America Ferrera: Most Barbies!
Following in the sartorial footsteps of her «Barbie» co-stars, the actress wore an Atelier Versace chainmail dress in the film’s iconic pink color with a skirt that seemed to blend into the floor.
Colman Domingo: The most Razzle-Dazzle!
A sun brooch, sparkly buttons and plenty of bracelets and rings added sparkle to the «Rustin» star’s Louis Vuitton tuxedo, which he wore with «country-western boots,» he told E! host Laverne Cox.
Vanessa Hudgens: Most Clothes for Two!
The actress, host of ABC’s Oscars red carpet pre-show, subtly announced her pregnancy during the program using a form-fitting Vera Wang dress.
Michelle Yeoh: the most shamelessly glamorous!
Together, the floor-sweeping iridescent Balenciaga dress and the actress’s bicep-grazing black gloves created the kind of confident look that said: I already have an Oscar.
Lily Gladstone: Most of the night sky!
Gucci collaborated with Indigenous artist Joe Big Mountain to design the «Killers of the Flower Moon» actress’ dark blue dress, adorned with the artist’s goose feathers that looked a bit like twinkling stars.
Ryan Gosling: the funniest socks!
Underneath the pants of the actor’s shiny-trimmed Gucci suit were pink socks, a not-so-subtle nod to his role as Ken in «Barbie.»
Simu Liu: Most black tie pajamas!
The actor, who played one of the Kens in «Barbie,» fastened the jacket of his asymmetrical Fendi tuxedo with a large brooch. «It’s a fun situation and I love braces,» he told Ms. Cox of E! on the red carpet.
Emily Blunt: the most futuristic!
Floating straps and a metallic sheen gave an out-of-this-world feel to the “Oppenheimer” actress’ Schiaparelli couture gown.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph: Most Power Sleeves!
Pom-pom sleeves and a floaty train added volume to the pale blue sequinned Louis Vuitton dress chosen by the actress, star of «The Holdovers.»
Bradley Cooper: the most relaxed!
In a Louis Vuitton double-breasted suit without a tie and with tan highlights, the “Maestro” star appeared very comfortable on the carpet.
Sandra Hüller: Most points taken!
A pointed bust adorned with a bejeweled lock was the focal point of the «Anatomy of a Fall» actress’ Schiaparelli dress.
Anya Taylor Joy: the greatest power of flowers!
The mermaid skirt of the actress’s silver Dior dress appeared to be made of shimmering scales or flower petals.
Rita Moreno: The most Betty Boop!
The 92-year-old actress played the classic cartoon character with pixie hair, a ruffled dress, opera gloves and sparkly crescent-shaped Verdura earrings.
Andrea Riseborough: Most “traitors”!
Eugene Lee Yang: The guy who tries the hardest!
Mr. Yang, a voice actor in the animated feature «Nimona» and a member of the Internet quartet-turned-trio known as the Try Guys, certainly seemed to attract attention in his pompadour suit and scarlet tuxedo skirt by Walter Mendez.
Stella Bugbee, Callie Holtermann, Madison Malone Kircher and Anthony Rotunno contributed reporting.
