What Wearing Purple on Inauguration Day Means

Moving Forward: A Better Future for Caregivers

Listen to the Best New Love Songs of 2021 (So Far)

Poet Amanda Gorman's Ring Is Full of Meaning

Academy Awards 2011 Red Carpet Roundup

See what the silver screen's most talented and glamorous leading ladies wore on Hollywood's biggest night.

By Kory Kennedy and Bianca Male

Feb 27, 2011

annette bening on the 2011 oscars red carpet

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

See what the silver screen's most talented and glamorous leading ladies wore on Hollywood's biggest night.

Steve Granitz/WireImage

Jennifer Lawrence

The 20-year-old, who garnered a Best Actress nomination for her role in Winter's Bone, looked absolutely stunning and sophisticated with free-flowing blond locks, minimal makeup and jewelry, and a gorgeous custom red dress designed by Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein Collection.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Amy Adams

Despite this being her third Oscar nomination, Adams declared that she was incredibly nervous on the red carpet. Jitters aside, the actress sparkled in a Cartier diamond necklace and a midnight-blue sequined L'Wren Scott gown, which had an unexpected slit up the back.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Melissa Leo

The Best Supporting Actress winner fearlessly rocked an incredible architectural Marc Bouwer gown adorned with mirrors. Bouwer also designed the dress Leo wore when she collected her Golden Globe in January.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Hailee Steinfeld

The lovely 14-year-old True Grit star appeared poised and confident as she walked the red carpet in a one-of-a-kind pink Marchesa gown, which she helped design.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Mila Kunis

The graceful Black Swan star wore a flowing, lavender Elie Saab Couture gown. The lace décolleté detailing added a touch of sex appeal to the elegant design.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Michelle Williams

Up for a Best Actress Oscar for Blue Valentine, Williams took to the red carpet in a stunning pearl-embellished column gown by Chanel. Soft makeup and a platinum pixie accessorized the look.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Florence Welch

The musician, and Oscar performer, wore a buttery nude-tone Valentino gown with a tiered skirt — giving off a delicate, vintage vibe that complemented her wild red tresses.

Steve Granitz/Wire Image

Mandy Moore

The former pop princess proved she's all grown up, looking glamorous in a nude illusion-neckline Monique Lhuillier design, which sparkled with gold details. The look was completed with ruby lipstick and an elegant center-parted chignon.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Cate Blanchett

Not one to shy away from an attention-grabbing gown on the red carpet, the Australian actress wore a structured, lilac Givenchy design detailed with intricate neon-green beading — a beautiful mix of avant-garde and romantic elements.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Jennifer Hudson

We were blown away by Hudson's striking silhouette on the red carpet. Her bright tangerine Versace halter gown with plunging neckline and bow detail was the perfect accessory for her newly svelte figure.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Hilary Swank

The Oscar presenter chose a statement-making Gucci Premiere gown. The fitted silver bodice provided structured contrast to the cascading train of ostrich feathers – at once both bold and lady-like.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Reese Witherspoon

Nothing says red-carpet-ready like elegant black-and-white. The actress went with a simple strapless Armani Privé, and complemented the look with emerald drop earrings, a bouncy ponytail, and her signature bright smile.

Steve Granitz/Wire Image

Sandra Bullock

Looking red-hot in her bold crimson Vera Wang, the actress needed nothing more than a classic red lip and elegant updo as accessories. With a sexy neckline, dramatic shape, and artful bustling, this look was all about the dress.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Gwyneth Paltrow

The actress-singer wore a slinky rock-star-appropriate metallic Calvin Klein. Paired with sleek pin-straight tresses, the look exudes chic elegance.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Annette Bening

The Best Actress nominee sparkled in a beautifully embroidered Naeem Khan gown. The gorgeous charcoal color and major bling factor dressed up the otherwise simple silhouette, making it an elegant and flattering choice for the red carpet.

Steve Granitz/WireImage

Scarlett Johansson

This lacy Dolce & Gabbana proves that a modest silhouette can still be drop-dead sexy — just add some sheerness at the décolletage, a cutout in the back, and, of course, Johansson's fabulous figure.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Natalie Portman

Although the hottest star of awards season snuck onto the red carpet just a few minutes before the show began, she was impossible to miss in this chic aubergine chiffon gown. Designed by Rodarte, who created all of the costumes for the Black Swan dancers, the dress had the perfect draping to flatter her burgeoning baby bump.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Halle Berry

The always stunning star looked ethereal in this nude corset Marchesa gown, whose foamy chiffon train and shimmering detailing made for an Oscar-worthy entrance on the red carpet.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Wire Image

Anne Hathaway

The Oscar co-host chose a red strapless Valentino with floral embellishments and dramatic bustling — topped off with a diamond necklace — for the red carpet. The gown was the first of at least five outfits she would wear during the show.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Nicole Kidman

Kidman, who received a Best Actress nomination for The Rabbit Hole, wore a stunning pair of orange Pierre Hardy heels to complement her beautifully detailed cream Dior Haute Couture gown.

Steve Granitz/WireImage

Marisa Tomei

Decked out in a 1950s navy Charles James couture gown with asymmetrical tulle skirt from Lily et Cie, Tomei finished off the look with a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes and Van Cleef and Arpels jewels.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below