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    1. Fashion
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    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.

    By The Editors
    Published 21 February 2019 In Features

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    Fashion model, Dress, Clothing, Gown, Fashion, Formal wear, Shoulder, Haute couture, Pink, Fashion design,
    (Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)
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    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
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    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.

    Margot Robbie, 2018
    (Image credit: Steve Granitz)

    Margot Robbie, 2018

    Margot Robbie looked like an angel in this white Chanel gown, which she wore when she was nominated for her role in I, Tonya.

    Tiffany Haddish, 2018
    (Image credit: Kevork Djansezian)

    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.

    Viola Davis, 2018
    (Image credit: Dan MacMedan)

    Viola Davis, 2018

    Once more for the people in the back: Viola. Davis. Is. Queen.

    Eiza González, 2018
    (Image credit: Steve Granitz)

    Eiza González, 2018

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

    Janelle Monáe, 2017
    (Image credit: Steve Granitz)

    Janelle Monáe, 2017

    Please observe the detailing on Janelle Monáe's fairytale Elie Saab Haute Couture gown. It was her first time at the Academy Awards, and she couldn't have nailed the outfit better.

    Jennifer Aniston, 2017
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    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.

    Priyanka Chopra, 2017
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Priyanka Chopra, 2017

    We can't tell whether this geometric Ralph & Russo dress looks better from the back or the front. It's that gorgeous, and nobody could wear it as well as Chopra.

    Ruth Negga, 2017
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Ruth Negga, 2017

    Ruth Negga made sure her appearance at the Oscars was not one to be forgotten, thanks to this lacy high-neck scarlet dress from Valentino with a romantic sweeping train and a Renaissance-style headband.

    Taraji P. Henson, 2017
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Taraji P. Henson, 2017

    This va-va-voom Alberta Ferretti look on Taraji P. Henson is understated, but speaks volumes about her style, confidence, and killer body, as many Internet users pointed out.

    Rooney Mara, 2016
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Rooney Mara, 2016

    Rooney Mara in lace Givenchy, a.k.a. the dress of our dreams. Her slicked back hair and staple red lip adds to the elegance of the gorgeous sheer number.

    Cate Blanchett, 2016
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Cate Blanchett, 2016

    Aaaaand she nails the landing! Cate Blanchett (can she do any wrong?) is a vision in this sea-foam feathered gown by Armani Privé.

    Rachel McAdams, 2016
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Rachel McAdams, 2016

    McAdams chose a relatively understated look from August Getty (no over-zealous beading or abundant tulle), but she's subtly pulling off other Oscars staples, too—thigh-high slit, low back, and sweeping train—in a very refreshing emerald hue.

    Selena Gomez, 2015
    (Image credit: Jon Kopaloff)

    Selena Gomez, 2015

    Okay, so this outfit was technically from the after party, not the red carpet, but it felt impossible to leave out this stunning long-sleeve Louis Vuitton gown Gomez wore in 2015.

    Emma Stone, 2015
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    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.

    Rosamund Pike, 2015
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Rosamund Pike, 2015

    Pike looks like a statuette herself in scarlet Givenchy Haute Couture, perhaps playing off her unforgettable bloody role in the previous year's Gone Girl.

    Kerry Washington, 2014
    (Image credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin)

    Kerry Washington, 2014

    Have you seen a chicer pregnant woman than Kerry Washington at the 2014 Oscars in this strapless Jason Wu dress? Pregnancy glow is real.

    Lupita Nyong'o, 2014
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Lupita Nyong'o, 2014

    The then-newcomer stunned in a beautiful aquamarine custom Prada gown with a Fred Leighton headband that landed her on many best-dressed lists in 2014.

    Jennifer Lawrence, 2013
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Jennifer Lawrence, 2013

    The giant tiered dress that caused the staircase-trip-seen-'round-the-world was a gorgeous haute couture gown by Dior.

    Amy Adams, 2013
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    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.

    Cameron Diaz, 2012
    (Image credit: Dan MacMedan)

    Cameron Diaz, 2012

    It doesn't get much better than Cameron Diaz in Gucci.

    Meryl Streep, 2012
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    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.

    Angelina Jolie, 2012
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Angelina Jolie, 2012

    The Versace look that sparked its own Twitter account (@AngiesRightLeg) was the talk of Tinsel Town in 2012. Many saw it as a return to her cheeky younger red carpet image. It's definitely one way to ensure that your all-black dress is anything but boring.

    Michelle Williams, 2011
    (Image credit: John Shearer)

    Michelle Williams, 2011

    Talk about sheer (!). This simple yet elegant Chanel gown on Michelle Williams is equal parts demure and sexy.

    Natalie Portman, 2011
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Natalie Portman, 2011

    This aubergine gown by Rodarte was a double-header: a nod to the designer's role in her Oscar-winning movie Black Swan and a beautiful, enviably wearable maternity dress.

    Mila Kunis, 2011
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Mila Kunis, 2011

    The year Mila Kunis wasn't even up for any awards (she was presenting), but probably crashed Pinterest with her appearance on the carpet this lavender Elie Saab gown.

    Cate Blanchett, 2011
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Cate Blanchett, 2011

    Blanchett, a five-time Oscar nominee at this point, caused a stir in this Givenchy Couture pleated lilac gown encrusted with pearls.

    Sandra Bullock, 2010
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Sandra Bullock, 2010

    The stunning Oscar winner for The Blind Side exuded glamour in this floor-length metallic Marchesa gown and perfect pink lip.

    Katherine Heigl, 2008
    (Image credit: Chris Farina)

    Katherine Heigl, 2008

    Katherine Heigl is the epitome of Old Hollywood in this one-shoulder red Escada gown, which she wore during her Grey's Anatomy days.

    Marion Cotillard, 2008
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Marion Cotillard, 2008

    The mermaid dress is tough to nail without looking like a prom dress gone wrong, but when yours is a couture piece designed by Jean Paul Gaultier—covered with intricate scale embroidery—you're in a whole 'nother category.

    Tilda Swinton, 2008
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Tilda Swinton, 2008

    The year Tilda Swinton gave a middle finger to red carpet norms, she dyed her hair scarlet and wore a bat-wing/sleeveless cape dress that nodded to her reputation as a brilliant, unpredictable fashion maven. Some loved it, others hated it. Understandably.

    Beyoncé, 2007
    (Image credit: TIMOTHY A. CLARY)

    Beyoncé, 2007

    Before the days of Blue Ivy, Rumi, and Sir, there was Beyoncé in this great Armani Privé dress.

    Nicole Kidman, 2007
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Nicole Kidman, 2007

    Who could forget that scarlet red Balenciaga gown complete with a bow halter neck and side-swept hair?

    Penelope Cruz, 2007
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Penelope Cruz, 2007

    Cruz took sophistication to the next level in this feathered blush-toned Versace gown when she was nominated for a best actress award for Volver.

    Reese Witherspoon, 2006
    (Image credit: SGranitz)

    Reese Witherspoon, 2006

    Southern sweetheart Reese Witherspoon won the Best Actress award for the role of a lifetime—playing June Carter Cash—in this vintage Christian Dior gown from 1955.

    Keira Knightley, 2006
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Keira Knightley, 2006

    The actress topped 2006 best-dressed lists in an aubergine taffeta gown custom-made by Vera Wang.

    Michelle Williams, 2006
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Michelle Williams, 2006

    Cementing her status as a red carpet icon, Williams paired a bright red lip and soft up-do with this lovely mustard Vera Wang gown.

    Hilary Swank, 2005
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Hilary Swank, 2005

    The Oscar winner for Million Dollar Baby stole the show in this conservative-yet-daring navy Guy Laroche gown with a super low back.

    Cate Blanchett, 2005
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    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.

    Uma Thurman, 2004
    (Image credit: Gregg DeGuire)

    Uma Thurman, 2004

    The Kill Bill actress broke the mold in this Christian Lacroix gown with a silk-wrap waist and cropped sleeves.

    Charlize Theron, 2004
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Charlize Theron, 2004

    This sleek crystal Gucci gown with a backless cut, draping train, and '40s pin curls looked beyond stunning on the South African beauty, who nabbed the Best Actress award for her role in Monster that year.

    Jennifer Lopez, 2003
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    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.)

    Halle Berry, 2002
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Halle Berry, 2002

    Berry oozed elegance in this embroidered burgundy Elie Saab dress with a satin train and her signature pixie cut. That night, she was the first black woman to take home a best actress award for Monster's Ball.

    Björk, 2001
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Björk, 2001

    The Icelandic singer is now infamous for this swan dress designed by Marjan Pejoski.

    Julia Roberts, 2001
    (Image credit: Vinnie Zuffante)

    Julia Roberts, 2001

    Our favorite all-American sweetheart looked flawless in this vintage Valentino work of art from 1982 when she took home a win for her portrayal of Erin Brockovich.

    Renée Zellweger, 2001
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Renée Zellweger, 2001

    Renée Zellweger making lemon meringue look divine in a vintage chiffon dress by Jean Dessès.

    Gwyneth Paltrow, 1999
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Gwyneth Paltrow, 1999

    1999 was the year Gwyneth made pastel pink her standard in this Ralph Lauren gown (she's worn the color numerous times since). She nabbed the Best Actress Award for Shakespeare in Love in it, too, so consider it lucky.

    Celine Dion, 1999
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Celine Dion, 1999

    Not about to show up to the Oscars in a boring floor-length gown, Celine Dion wore this backwards tuxedo from Christian Dior instead (with a white fedora to match).

    Nicole Kidman, 1997
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    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.

    Courtney Love, 1997
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Courtney Love, 1997

    Courtney Love looks boudoir-elegant (and decidedly un-grunge-y) in this Versace silky '90s slip dress.

    Salma Hayek, 1997
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Salma Hayek, 1997

    At Salma Hayek's first Oscars, she appeared wearing a super-shimmery Armani gown and a tiara. (The best way to make a first impression, no?)

    Kate Winslet,1996
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Kate Winslet,1996

    Color at the Oscars often speaks for itself, and this bright pink gown (paired with an equally vibrant red wrap) screams glamour and youth.

    Cindy Crawford, 1991
    (Image credit: Ron Galella)

    Cindy Crawford, 1991

    The ultimate Kim Kardashian move: show up at the Oscars (not nominated) and steal all the attention. (This might be the most va-va-voom Oscars dress in history, for what it's worth).

    Geena Davis, 1991
    (Image credit: Laura Luongo)

    Geena Davis, 1991

    Looking like a golden statuette, Geena Davis wears a beautiful off-the-shoulder golden brocade gown.

    Cher, 1986
    (Image credit: Jim Smeal)

    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.

    Diana Ross, 1982
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Diana Ross, 1982

    In which Diana Ross brought the glam factor with a red sparkly key-hole dress and a larger-than-life white boa.

    Jacqueline Bisset, 1976
    (Image credit: Ron Galella)

    Jacqueline Bisset, 1976

    Making a case for the one-shouldered trend to come, Jacqueline Bisset wore this non-traditional striped gown with a high neck.

    Lauren Hutton, 1975
    (Image credit: Michael Ochs Archives)

    Lauren Hutton, 1975

    How you have fun on the red carpet, as demonstrated by Lauren Hutton wearing a rainbow dress topped with a fur chubby jacket.

    Cher, 1973
    (Image credit: Michael Ochs Archives)

    Cher, 1973

    Cher shows off her toned abs in a sequined belly dancer get-up that led the way for midriff-baring stars like Britney Spears.

    Goldie Hawn, 1971
    (Image credit: Ron Galella)

    Goldie Hawn, 1971

    Goldie Hawn matches her florals with a "flower child"-style spaghetti strap dress and a darling updo.

    Elizabeth Taylor, 1970
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Elizabeth Taylor, 1970

    Elizabeth Taylor wears a plunging custom violet chiffon dress designed by Edith Head to showcase a pear-shaped diamond from her then-husband Richard Burton.

    Barbra Streisand, 1969
    (Image credit: ABC Photo Archives)

    Barbra Streisand, 1969

    Not one to wear anything close to traditional, Babs chooses a sparkly pantsuit sealed with a bow (and the perfect rounded bob to match).

    Natalie Wood, 1968
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Natalie Wood, 1968

    That time when Natalie Wood stole the show in a sparkly dress, big earrings, a giant hair bow, and perfect double cat-eye wings.

    Audrey Hepburn, 1968
    (Image credit: Bettmann)

    Audrey Hepburn, 1968

    The definition of classic beauty is Audrey Hepburn wearing this modern lace-up dress with strategic cutouts (mostly because we're still dying to wear it today).

    Grace Kelly, 1955
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Grace Kelly, 1955

    The queen (princess?) of red carpet elegance Grace Kelly wearing this mint-green spaghetti strap number is everything.

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