While this year’s Academy Awards was a night of historic moments — who knew that it would take 82 years for a woman to win best director? — the red carpet looks were not all that groundbreaking. There was no swan dress a la Björk to push the envelope and entertain us. Overall, it felt like everyone played it relatively safe and pretty. We look at the bright spots (and dull ones.)
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez
Why it worked: Her Giorgio Armani Privé gown looks like the perfect extension of her; the ruffled number is dramatic and (although you can’t necessarily tell in this photograph) accentuates all those curves she’s famous for.
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey
Why it’s all wrong: Don’t blame the Valentino Haute Couture dress. Something is off in the undergarment department. It looks like her cleavage is trying to eat her chin.
Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz
Why it worked: You can always rely on Diaz for a good red carpet look, but she rarely takes the full-on blonde bombshell route. She should do it more often. The crimson lipstick and gold paillette-embellished Oscar de la Renta dress looks fun and glamorous.
Demi Moore
Demi Moore
Why it worked: What gym is she going to and wear can we find it? On anyone else, this Atelier Versace gown would look…eh, frilly and boring. But on Moore’s body it looks pretty spectacular, like molten gold, only blush-colored.
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Why it worked: Gyllenhaal always breaks out the interesting red carpet choices. Dries Van Noten made this graphic print gown specifically for Gyllenhaal for Oscar night. It fits her perfectly. Plus, it was nice to see some color among all those pale dresses.
Amanda Seyfried
Amanda Seyfried
Why it’s all wrong: She’s a beautiful girl, but the pale color of this Giorgio Armani Privé gown washes her out and makes her look ghostly.
Zoe Saldana
Zoe Saldana
Why it worked: Even though she’s wearing a very serious fashion label, Givenchy Haute Couture, the dress looks light and fun with its varying textures and shades of purple.
Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron
Why it’s all wrong: Because it looks like her Dior haute couture gown is attacking her bosom. The two-tone satin also looks dated.
