At the Oscars, the fashion is just as important as the films.
Over the years, the annual ceremony's red carpet has transformed into a runway, as Hollywood's biggest and brightest stars pull out all of the style stops.
Case in point? Halle Berry cemented herself as a fashion icon at the 2002 Academy Awards when she slipped into a risqué Elie Saab gown that featured strategically placed floral embroidery to cover her chest. In addition, she made history as the first Black woman to win the Best Actress Award. So, not only did her dress push the boundaries, but she also broke industry barriers in the process.
Then there's Gwyneth Paltrow, who proved that a simple, structured design can instantly command a room. For the 2012 event, she stunned in a white asymmetrical gown by Tom Ford. Pairing the elegant look with a floor-length cape added just the right amount of drama.
Other A-listers such as Zendaya, Gemma Chan, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga are a few that always bring their fashion A-game, often taking exciting risks with their looks.
So, before our favorite stars dress to impress at the 2023 Oscars on March 12 in the heart of Hollywood at The Dolby Theatre, keep scrolling to see all of the fabulous fashion moments to hit the red carpet in years past.
Halle Berry
The actress' Oscar win was unforgettable for many reasons. She was the first Black woman to win the Best Actress Award, which she won in 2002 for Monster's Ball. In addition to her historical win, her dress became iconic and put designer Elie Saab on the map.
Lupita Nyong'o
Lupita always turns heads on the red carpet, but this custom baby blue Prada gown took the grand prize. This marked the first time she won the Best Supporting Actress award for her debut film 12 Years a Slave.
Gwyneth Paltrow
The Goop founder shut down the red carpet in 2012, wearing a swoon-worthy cape dress. And it's safe to say Tom Ford outdid himself with this look.
Ava Gardner
The silver screen siren of the Golden Age of Hollywood dazzled in an ostentatious sequins gown. As if that weren't glamorous enough, she accessorized with a large and lustrous tiara, white fur and gloves.
Timothée Chalamet
The Dune star skipped the basic black-and-white tuxedo for this glitzy Louis Vuitton two-piece. He added extra sex appeal by accessorizing his bare chest with a silver pendant.
Glenn Close
Glimmering in gold. The legendary actress rivaled the golden statue with this gilded caped dress.
Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett did the thing when she stepped out in this royal purple confection at the 2023 ceremony.
Gemma Chan
Perfectly pink! The Crazy Rich Asians star made a grand entrance with her bright and bold Valentino design.
Zendaya
The Euphoria star always turns heads on the red carpet but she pulled out all of the stops for the 2022 ceremony.
Hilary Swank
The actress, who took home the Best Actress award for Million Dollar Baby, stunned in a simple, yet striking Guy Laroche design that featured a plunging open-back.
Elizabeth Taylor
One word: Glamourous. The legendary actress always knew how to drop jaws, and this design was no different.
Regina King
The Watchmen actress knows how to make a statement with a simple but sophisticated look. Her 2019 gown is all the proof you need.
Janelle Monáe
Never one to stick to the basics, the Moonlight actress dropped jaws in an Elie Saab Haute Couture gown, which was adorned with intricate beading, lace set with feathers and an over-the-top tulle train.
Cara Delevingne
Lady in red. The supermodel made sure all eyes were on her, as she stunned in a one-shouldered ballgown by Elie Saab.
Kate Hudson
Of her many appearances at the Oscars, Kate Hudson's 2014 look stands out from the rest, thanks in part to this caped and beaded Atelier Versace gown.
Diana Ross
Diana Ross sizzled at the 54th Annual Academy Awards in a glittering red gown and lush white fur shawl.
Kacey Musgraves
The country singer turned heads in her bubblegum pink Giambattista Valli number at the 2019 event.
Becky G
The "Mamiii" singer brought old-Hollywood glamour to the 2022 event with a shimmery rose gold gown.
Billy Porter
The Pose alum proved why he reigns supreme on the red carpet, wearing a larger-than-life Christian Siriano design.
Viola Davis
The Oscar-winning actress stunned in this electrifying hot pink gown by Michael Kors. In addition to her bright dress, she accessorized with a matching flamingo pink clutch and statement jewelry pieces.
Nicole Kidman
The actress always shuts down the red carpet, and this powerful red gown by Balenciaga was no different. The high-neck and sleeveless design made it an instant classic, but the dramatic bow and striking color took it to the next level.
Yalitza Aparicio
The Roma actress brought a fashion fantasy to the red carpet with her dreamy and whimsical Rodarte design.
Eva Longoria
The Flamin' Hot director proved all that glitters is gold, erm, silver. She dazzled in a sparly Zuhair Murad couture gown at the 2023 ceremony.
Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy Teigen channeled old-Hollywood glamour in this periwinkle Zuhair Murad gown.
Jennifer Lopez
For the 2015 affair, JLo made sure all eyes were on her as she stunned in this glitzy Elie Saab dress.
Julia Roberts
The Oscar-winning actress may have taken home the award in 2001 for Erin Brockovich but her satin vintage Valentino gown stole the show. The black and white number was from the brand's 1982 collection.
Lady Gaga
The A Star is Born actress looked effortlessly elegant in a white pantsuit dress by Brandon Maxwell.
Zoe Saldana
Wearing a custom Atelier Versace design, the Guardians of the Galaxy actress stunned in a blush-colored, body-hugging gown.
Emilia Jones
To celebrate CODA's success, the actress wore a stunning gold dress from Dolce and Gabbana.
Salma Hayek
The Frida alum stunned on the Oscars red carpet in a vibrant ocean-blue Atelier Versace gown.