It’s no secret that the Oscars is where icons are made. From Cher’s punk-meets-showgirl creation to Audrey Hepburn’s infamous Givenchy floral gown, the looks on the red carpet are notorious for shining brighter than the award seasons most coveted stars.
Ahead of the 96th Academy Awards, the marie claire team trawled through the archives of award seasons past to curate the best looks from the last nine decades of the Oscars.
Nicole Kidman, John Galliano for Christian Dior, 1997
“One of the first red carpet creations by John Galliano, Nicole Kidman redefined red carpet rules with this unorthodox jewel-toned gown.” – Harriet Sim, Features Writer
Cher in Bob Mackie, 1986
“Cher was a regular guest at the Oscars over the years. She wore this showgirl-inspired outfit in 1986 to present the Best Supporting Actor award. Also to take revenge on the Academy for snubbing her Cannes-awarded performance in Mask in the same year. Cher is an icon in music, fashion and film and this cemented her position.” – Juanita Field, Creative Director
Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive, 2009
“Anne’s stunning Armani Prive dress is everything an Oscars gown should be – glamorous, chic, elegant, of the time and yet also completely timeless. Whenever I think of red-carpet perfection, this entire look styled by the queen of noughties celeb styling, Rachel Zoe, is always top of my list. The gown lined in Swarovski crystals and pearly iridescent paillettes was inspired by “Shanghai in the ’30s” and merging screen siren with sea siren.” – Bree Player, Features Director
Mila Kunis in Elie Saab, 2011
“More than a decade has passed since Mila Kunis graced the 2011 Academy Awards in this enchanting Elie Saab gown and it continues to be one of my favourite award season looks. The romantic lilac lace, complemented with effortless hair and natural makeup, stood out both then and continues to do so now.”- Samantha Stewart, Lifestyle and Fashion Features Editor
Gwyneth Paltrow in Ralph Lauren, 1999
“GP in that iconic Ralph Lauren dress, which she wore to accept her Oscar for Shakespeare in Love in 1999. It was perfection and proof that there’s nothing more sophisticated than simplicity.” – Georgie Abay, Editor
Halle Berry in the Elie Saab, 2002
“The Oscar’s look that lives rent free in my mind. Halle Berry in the Elie Saab gown she wore to the 2002 Academy Awards. Featuring a sheer bodice with floral embroidery and a sweeping taffeta skirt in a deep berry tone… An iconic look for her history-making win.” – Lesley Jhoty, Art Director
Farrah Fawcett in Stephen Burrows, 1978
“In 1978, Farrah Fawcett wore a Stephen Burrows gold mesh dress, that dropped in all the right places.” – Robyn Fay-Perkins, Photo Director
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