Journalism of Courage
While the Academy Awards are surely a celebration of cinema and impressive performances, one of the major highlights of Oscar night is the glamorous evening gowns that the actresses don on the red carpet. Here’s a look through at some of the most loved red carpet looks from the years.
Audrey Hepburn: Actress Audrey Hepburn was absolutely angelic and beautiful in a white lace gown that complimented her delicate features at the Oscars in 1954, the same year that Audrey took home the Best Actress Oscar for her role in the ‘Roman Holiday’ (1953). The gown was designed by Hubert de Givenchy and is an all time favorite.
Charlize Theron: In 2004, Charlize Theron picked a shimmering backless gown by Gucci. That year, the South African beauty received the Best Actress Oscar for ‘Monster’. The following year – 2005, Charlize wore a beautiful frilly strapless gown by John Galliano for Christian Dior.
Julia Roberts: Julia Roberts made heads turn in a vintage velvet-and-satin Valentino at the 2001 Oscars. The actress was awarded the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in ‘Erin Brockovich’ that year.
Julianne Moore: Redhead Julianne Moore was a stunner in an emerald green strapless gown with ruffle detailing at the 2003 Oscars. Her dress was by Tom Ford and worked beautifully with the matching danglers and clutch. The following year, 2004 Julianne once again wowed onlookers in a simple sheath gown by Atelier Versace with pearls and crystals at the bottom.
Marion Cotillard: Marion Cotillard’s stunning silver-white mermaid-cut dress by Jean Paul Gaultier put her on the Oscar Best Dressed List. It was that same year, (2008) that Marion won the Best Actress Oscar for ‘La Vie en Rose’.
Nicole Kidman: Nicole Kidman caught everyone’s attention on the red carpet in 1997 when she arrived on the arm of Tom Cruise looking stunning in a Dior creation designed by John Galliano. The updo and dark lipstick worked well with the Asian-inspired theme.
Sandra Bullock: Sandra Bullock oozed elegance on the red carpet in 2010, wearing a floor-skimming metallic Marchesa gown. After winning the Best Actress Oscar for ‘The Blind Side’ that year, Sandra once again wowed on the red carpet the following year in a striking red strapless gown by the same designer.
Jennifer Lawrence: Jennifer Lawrence was an absolute stunner at her first Oscar appearance (2013) in an almost-bridal-style dramatic pale Dior Couture gown. Lawrence, who took the Best Actress Oscar home that year for ‘Silver Linings Playbook’, finished off her elegant look with an updo and a diamond necklace hanging down her back.
Penelope Cruz: Even though Penelope Cruz didn’t win the Best Actress Oscar for ‘Volver’ in 2007, the Spanish beauty won in style, wearing a blush feathered Versace gown, which is remembered as one of the most iconic dresses of the Oscars.
Angelina Jolie: Angelina oozed elegance and sex appeal at her red carpet Oscar appearance in 2004. The actress wore a white satin gown with a plunging neckline and carried a matching stole from Marc Bouwer at the 76th Academy Awards.
Cameron Diaz: In 2011, Cameron Diaz was the epitome of glam and style when she picked a bejeweled strapless evening gown by Oscar de la Renta. By wearing minimal jewellery, Cameron let the gown bask in the limelight.
Anne Hathaway: At the 2009 Oscars, Anne Hathaway won approval with her glamourous Armani Privé Spring 2009 gown, that showed off her slender frame.
Halle Berry: In 2002, Halle Berry wowed in a sheer Ellie Saab embroidered gown with a train. That same year, she became the first African-American woman to take home an Oscar for her role in ‘Monsters Ball’.
Hilary Swank: Hilary Swank caused a stir in 2005, when she took to the red carpet in a midnight blue gown by Guy Laroche with a high neck and long sleeves only to reveal a daring low back. The actress received the Best Actress Oscar that year for ‘Million Dollar Baby’.
Reese Witherspoon: Reese Witherspoon donned a stunning 1955 vintage Christian Dior gown in 2006, when she took home the Best Actress Oscar for ‘Walk the Line’.
Renee Zellweger: Renee Zellweger made a brave move when she chose to wear a sunshine yellow strapless vintage Jean Desses gown on the red carpet at the 2001 Oscars. However the simple hairdo and bright red lips let the gown do the talking.
