Caped Fashionista
And the statue for boldest look of this year's Academy Award goes to—drumroll, please—Gwyneth Paltrow. Granted, a superhero cape isn't as scandalous as a swan dress or rosette boobs, but still it took chutzpah for the actress to wear this caped Tom Ford gown (accessorized with a diamond cuff and a simple ponytail. Leave it to Gwynnie to go totally out of the box but totally pull it off.
Snooze Button
Chicken leg alert! Angelina Jolie's flashing some skinny limbs in this Atelier Versace gown with Neil Lane jewels and Jaime Mascaro clutch. Or is the bulky velvet dress just so big that it makes the actress seem tiny by comparison? Either way, Angie seems to have peaked at the Golden Globes and has been dialing it in ever since. What a bummer, especially tonight.
Neck and Neck
Whoa, check out Emma Stone's giant red neck bow! The Help star's Giambattista Valli couture halter gown—with silver clutch and sleek bun—looks a whole lot like Nicole Kidman's drop-dead gorgeous 2007 Oscars gown, natch. But hey, if you're gonna borrow (inadvertently or not) a page out of anyone's fashion look book, then it might as well be one of the Aussie stunner's best red carpet looks ever, right? It's dramatic, high fashion and smashing. Well played, Emma.
Your Name Here
Penélope Cruz looks like the poster girl for generic red carpet fashion. She's not making any worst-dressed lists in this strapless Giorgio Armani gown with hardware by Chopard, but she's not about to win any prizes, either. The slate-blue frock is pretty enough but so undistinguishable that she might as well be a fancy seat filler.
Timing Is Everything
Yes! At the biggest kudosfest of the year, Michelle Williams finally brings it to the red carpet like we know she can. The Best Actress nominee is stunning in a coral strapless Louis Vuitton peplum gown paired with a pink Bottega Veneta clutch and Forevermark jewels. From dowdy at the Globes to nice at the SAG Awards to glamorous, age-appropriate and whimsical at the Oscars, this babe nailed it at just the right moment.
Welcome to the Gun Show
As a presenter for the night, Cameron Diaz keeps it low-key in Gucci's off-white strapless gown. The soft, ruffled asymmetrical skirt with cool sequins is floaty and oh-so-feminine, but that's all off-set by Cammie's tough 'n' buff bod—check out those toned arms! Obvi, this fit babe knows what her best accessories are and she's showing 'em off.
Best From Behind
We're trying to decipher what was running through Sandra Bullock's mind as she got dressed today. It's either (1) audition for the next season of Downton Abbey in this vintage-looking Marchesa dress and Lorraine Schwartz jewels or (b) dazzle ‘em from behind in this backless dress. Too bad the blousy white top is such a bore from the front. Girlfriend should have walked backward down the red carpet.
Hot Spots
Dress by Dior. Whimsy by Natalie Portman. The new mom and last year's big Oscar winner goes glam with a wink tonight, sporting a strapless polka-dot gown that manages to maintain its red carpet cred thanks to a full skirt and some serious ice from Harry Winston. But the unexpected print is so fun, it screams, "The pressure's off, I'm just here to have fun!"
Near Perfect
This ultra-glam look is pure Jennifer Lopez—sexy, sequined and figure-hugging in all the right places. Too bad the Idol judge is just a few points shy of a perfect score because of these radiating stripes on the train of her Zuhair Murad gown—they're a little too beach-towel cazh for the occasion. But it's an easy fix if there's a snip-happy tailor with shears at the event?
Crowning Achievement
Jessica Chastain saved the best for last. The Help star is sweeping the red carpet tonight like some modern-day Gallic queen on a quest for Oscar gold in this high-drama gown from Alexander McQueen and jewels by Harry Winston. The intricate copper embroidery against the black fabric, the delicate earrings and the long loose curls—it's all so exquisitely perfect we just wish she'd tapped into this regal persona back when awards season kicked off!
Running Aground
Rooney Mara looks as if she's setting sail with a first stop at Fugly Town in this Givenchy gown with sailor lapels. The sleek hair and red lips are striking, but the nautical-style bustline and protruding sternum aren't doing the actress any favors. "I only just picked it this morning," she told Ryan Seacrest. A little more prep time might have gone a long way to making a better choice.
First Time's a Charm
Out of all the Bridesmaids stars at the Oscars, Rose Byrne wins the award for best dressed. The actress told E!'s Ryan Seacrest that this slinky sequin midnight-blue Vivienne Westwood one-shoulder gown was "the first thing [she] tried on," and she went with it. The fab accessories, including her sassy bob, stunning Chanel drop earrings and Jimmy Choo platform stilettos, don't hurt either. Way to go with your gut, babe!
Go for the Gold
Does George Clooney really need an Oscar for Best Actor when he's got sexy Stacy Keibler on his arm at the show? Seriously, the luckiest girl of this awards season is all slinky and sexy in Marchesa's single-strap gold lamé column gown with a matching clutch and side-swept golden waves. Way to end the awards season, Stace. Even though Clooney didn't take home a statuette, he's certainly got a stunning consolation prize.
Star Bright
Octavia Spencer's had 39 years to prepare for this moment. And the Best Supporting Actress winner is not wasting her time in the spotlight. This beaded silk and tulle Tadashi Shoji gown (paired with Jimmy Choo heels and Judith Leiber clutch) fits her perfectly and proves that you don't need to be a size 0 to look like a million bucks—just the role of a lifetime and a great stylist!