Hollywood’s biggest night for movie accolades is also a night to remember for fashion.
Every year, Hollywood’s brightest stars gather at the Dolby Theater for the Academy Awards to honor the best performances and movies of the year. Fashion enthusiasts look forward to the event each year to see what their favorite stars will wear to the big night.
Some looks have stood the test of time, and continue to be talked about many years after they were first seen on the red carpet, whether they were worn by Cher or Nicole Kidman. Each dress and ensemble tells a story, an echo of its time, a reflection of artistic vision. Here’s a look at some unforgettable moments that defined Oscar fashion.
Audrey Hepburn, 1954: Elegance Personified
Audrey Hepburn became known as a style icon from the moment she stepped onto her first red carpet. Her minimalist, yet deeply elegant aesthetic continues to inspire fashion lovers worldwide. In 1954, as she received her first Academy Award for “Roman Holiday,” she graced the stage in a white lace Givenchy gown. This dress, characterized by its flared skirt and fitted waist, is a timeless emblem of grace. Hepburn’s partnership with Hubert de Givenchy blossomed from this moment, shaping the fashion landscape for decades to come.
Rita Moreno: A Vintage Legacy, 1962 and 2018
Rita Moreno made history in 1962 when she became the first Latina to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, thanks to her mesmerizing portrayal of Anita in “West Side Story.” She dazzled in a sleeveless black dress adorned with a gold skirt. In a touching homage to her win, she wore the very same gown, slightly updated, to the 2018 Oscars, marking a poignant return to the spotlight alongside the new rendition of her classic film. Moreno reminisced about the significance of the moment, reflecting on how the style arc of her career had come full circle.
Cher, 1986: Defiance in Style
Cher’s 1986 appearance turned heads and stirred conversations. Sporting a daring black Bob Mackie ensemble, she wore a jewel-encrusted bra, a low-rise skirt, and a stunning feathered headpiece that exuded an air of defiance. Cher’s bold statement had layers of meaning, a silent protest against being overlooked for her role in “Mask.” “This is my serious actress look,” she said, allowing fashion to become a canvas for expression and rebellion.
Nicole Kidman, 1997: The Infamous Yellow Dress
Nicole Kidman’s 1997 Academy Awards appearance was nothing short of electric. Draped in a yellow Christian Dior gown, the high neckline and intricate embroidery stood out in stark contrast to the solid blacks and reds that often filled the red carpet. Initially met with mixed reviews, Kidman’s dress was later celebrated as pivotal in introducing haute couture to Hollywood. Her choice was a harbinger of changing tastes, marking the emergence of a new era.
Celine Dion, 1999: Breaking Fashion Barriers
Celine Dion took a bold step in 1999 by donning a white suit worn backwards, complete with wide-legged trousers and a pointed hat. A garment not merely a fashion statement, it was a revolutionary moment where pants made their debut on the red carpet. Reflecting on this, Dion remembered how her attire offered a glimpse into her fashion-forward thinking, throwing tradition aside while embracing the avant-garde.
Bjork, 2001: The Swan Dress Phenomenon
Bjork’s appearance in 2001 was an unforgettable spectacle—the infamous “Swan dress” left an indelible mark on Oscar history. The singer’s bold choice of clothing was a mix of art and fashion, designed to provoke thought. She famously left real eggs scattered on the red carpet, hinting at her playful subversion of traditional norms. Observers were caught between admiration for her audacity and confusion over her artistic messaging.
Halle Berry, 2002: Historic Fabric
Halle Berry made history in 2002 when she became the first Black woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress. Her stunning red Elie Saab gown, with floral embroidery and flowing train, complemented a significant moment in cinematic history. The dress itself became more than fashion; it transformed into a symbol of hope and progress, and now stands proudly at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, a touchstone for future generations.
Angelina Jolie, 2012: Moment to Remember
Angelina Jolie’s 2012 appearance was less about her elegant strapless black gown and more about the iconic pose. The thigh-high slit, and the posture that emphasized it, transformed her into an overnight meme—a testament to the unpredictable nature of fashion and public perception. She later commented on how effortless it was to choose a dress, embodying the spontaneity that often fuels creativity.
Jennifer Lawrence, 2013: An Unexpected Trip
Jennifer Lawrence’s fall at the 2013 Oscars became the defining moment of her evening. In her stunning white Dior ballgown, she stole hearts, not just with her outfit, but with her humor. “You guys are only standing up because I fell and you feel bad,” she quipped, embracing an unexpected but relatable moment. It’s a reminder that even amidst glamour, authenticity resonates deeply.
Emma Stone, 2024: A Moment of Whimsy
Emma Stone dazzled the crowd in 2024, adorned in a mint-green Louis Vuitton dress. As she accepted her award for Best Actress, a wardrobe malfunction sent waves of humor throughout the auditorium. “I think it happened during ‘I’m Just Ken,'” she noted, illustrating the light-hearted side of excellence. It was a moment that underscored the blend of fashion and charisma, a vibrant snapshot of the evolving landscape of awards shows.
