The 65 Most Iconic Oscar Dresses of All Time
Here are the best and most iconic fashion looks from the Academy Awards red carpets over the years.

The Oscars have forever been the fashion Olympics for Hollywood's brightest stars. Style chameleons like Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman regularly steal the show, while risky contenders like Björk still live in our hearts (and memes). Ahead of the biggest night in film and television, we're taking a look back at the most memorable outfits of Academy Awards past.

Nicole Kidman, 2018
We can't stop staring at this royal blue Armani gown—complete with a corset, bow, and slit—on Nicole Kidman at the 2018 Oscars. It perfectly complements her skin tone, too.


Tiffany Haddish, 2018
Tiffany Haddish's gorgeous gown was a tribute to the African country of Eritrea, where her father was from (he'd passed away the previous year). We're not crying, you're crying.


Eiza González, 2018
Eiza González brightened up the red carpet in a very yellow Ralph Lauren gown that shows less can be more.


Jennifer Aniston, 2017
Aniston presenting an award in Atelier Versace proves that black doesn't have to mean boring. The open leg, v-neck style has been popular recently among celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence.








Emma Stone, 2015
One reason why we're thrilled Emma Stone ended up landing the role in La La Land: her auburn hair naturally vibes with the colorful frocks she chooses for red carpet events. Here, she's wearing a risk-taking Elie Saab gown in mustard yellow that 100-percent pays off.





Amy Adams, 2013
Giselle from Enchanted but make it fashun. Adams wowed in an Oscar de la Renta dress with an ethereal frothy train that she helped envision with the designer.


Meryl Streep, 2012
Acting icon and epic speech-giver, Meryl mimicked an Oscar statuette (in her signature red carpet style: floor-length dress and plunging neckline) with this gold lamé Lanvin gown.

















Cate Blanchett, 2005
Eternal style chameleon Cate Blanchett took home an award for her role as Katherine Hepburn in The Aviator this year, but her accolades started earlier in the evening when she appeared in this yellow taffeta one-shoulder Valentino gown. It's still considered one of the best Oscars gowns in history.



Jennifer Lopez, 2003
J.Lo was born knowing how to nail an entrance. Case in point: this mint green one-sleeve, asymmetrical cape dress that made her skin look radiant. (It's just one of many red carpet knockouts.)







Nicole Kidman, 1997
Considered one of the most influential red carpet dresses in fashion history, Nicole Kidman's silk chartreuse gown by newly minted Dior designer John Galliano helped to put him on the map and is considered the first true "couture" gown on the red carpet.






Cher, 1986
Cher's look twas one-of-a-kind (because, c'mon, it's Cher) and groundbreaking for its time. See the Grammys red carpet for the many ways Cher's bravado has influenced modern over-the-top fashion.










Grace Kelly, 1955
The queen (princess?) of red carpet elegance Grace Kelly wearing this mint-green spaghetti strap number is everything.
•••
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.