The 2020 Oscars kicked off on Sunday night at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles by bestowing trophies to Hollywood’s elite — but that doesn’t mean they all won awards when it came to red carpet style. Below, our winners list of the best-dressed celebrities of the night, from nominees clad in glamorous, Old Hollywood gowns to frothy, over-the-top frocks — and some unconventionally cool capes to boot.
Scarlett Johansson
One word: goddess. The double nominee for “Marriage Story” and “Jojo Rabbit” is glowing in a custom champagne Oscar de la Renta masterpiece, with an unexpected fishnet bodice and dripping embellishments, that hugs her hourglass figure to perfection (and shows off her back tattoo!).
Cynthia Erivo
She’s on cloud nine, and it shows! The “Harriet” nominee is the belle of the ball in a bright-white Atelier Versace gown and sky-high platforms that she paired with Piaget jewels — and diamond rings on almost every finger.
Margot Robbie
The “Bombshell” nominee may have received the cold shoulder tonight (Laura Dern took home the Best Supporting Actress trophy), but we welcome this vintage Chanel — inspired by a look worn by Claudia Schiffer from the spring/summer 1994 Haute Couture collection — onto our favorites list as a fresh alternative to the ubiquitous long black dresses on the carpet.
Janelle Monáe
It’s no secret the night’s special performer didn’t just come to play, but to slay in a flashy, custom Ralph Lauren masterpiece with matching hood comprised of 168,000 Swarovski crystals. And the bold red lip? Dramatic and elegant.
Penelope Cruz
This picture screams: Hello, I’m très chic! The Spanish actress is all smiles in her Chanel Haute Couture that’s the epitome of sophistication. It might be true that only Cruz could make a grandma-approved floral brooch and pearl waist-belt look sexy, and we love to see it.
Renée Zellweger
Finally, a column dress done right. The “Judy” star’s Armani Privé number is the perfect balance of minimal and sparkly, with subtle yet intricate sequins and beading covering every inch of the perfectly-fitted fabric.
Natalie Portman
A full-length black cape could strike a somber note on the red carpet, but Portman’s Dior Haute Couture version, draped over a gold-embroidered gown with wrap-around rope belt also by the French house, is major — and meaningful. The floor-length topper lists the last names of female directors snubbed this year by the academy, including Greta Gerwig, who directed “Little Women,” and Melina Matsoukas, the mastermind behind “Queen & Slim.” So, for the sake of girl power, we’re here for it!
Caitriona Balfe
Sure, it helps that the “Outlander” actress — who also starred in Best Picture nominee “Ford v Ferrari” — is 5’10” and gorgeous, but we still give her an A for elegance in a Valentino Haute Couture dress overlaid with a sheer, billowy pussy-bow top. That’s one way to sass up a basic black look.
Brie Larson
She looks Captain Marvelous! Larson embodies a sultry-sweet superhero thanks to the plunging neckline, high-slit, and serious sparkle on her Celine by Hedi Slimane design.
