A Comprehensive List of the Most Stylish Oscar Dress the Year You Were Born
A Comprehensive List of the Most Stylish Oscar Dress the Year You Were Born
The first-ever Oscars began in 1929, and almost 100 years later it's still happening! (Even if the Academy is still snubbing women and diverse nominees, but that's a whole other issue.) With nine decades worth of red carpets, that means there have been SO many stylish dresses and gowns that have graced them. Here, we're taking a look back at some of the most stunning, fashion-forward ones for each year dating all the way back to '29. (Wow, are those black-and-white pics are a throwback!) From Lupita Nyong'o to Penelope Cruz and from Audrey Hepburn to Grace Kelly, click through to see the most stylish Oscars dress the year you were born.
Gemma Chan, 2019
The Crazy Rich Asians star wore a voluminous Valentino dress with a high collar to the red carpet and landed on the best-dressed list. As a bonus, the frock even had pockets!!!
Viola Davis, 2018
Viola donned a bright pink sequin Michael Kors gown and accessorized with a matching clutch and sparkly hoop earrings in 2018. She won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar the previous year for her emotional performance in Fences, and presented the award for Best Supporting Actor to Sam Rockwell this year.
Naomie Harris, 2017
The Moonlight star was nominated for Best Supporting Actress this year, and she didn't play any games on the red carpet. This white sequin Calvin Klein mini was jaw-dropping—especially when paired with her bold yellow heels.
Cate Blanchett, 2016
Sure, Cate Banchett's Armani Prive gown might've been a little divisive, but we totally stan this gorge aqua hue, feathery details, and Swarovski crystals. It was clearly a winning look since she picked up the Best Actress Award for her work in Carol.
Zendaya, 2015
She absolutely glowed in this neutral off-the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood dress. She wore her hair in locs, which stirred up some controversial remarks from Giuliana Rancic. Zendaya then posted a powerful statement about the hairstyle on her Instagram, and Rancic later apologized for her insensitive comments.
Lupita Nyong'o, 2014
Lupita blew everyone away with her performance in 12 Years a Slave—she picked up the Best Supporting Actress award this evening. Her Prada gown was definitely the most stylish on the red carpet, thanks to its simple silhouette, subtle shimmer, and dramatic train.
Zoe Saldana, 2013
This couture Alexis Mabille gown seemed like it had a lot going on—The floral appliques! The belted waist! The ombre train!—but because of the neutral colors and sleek design, it was the most stylish of the night. This same year she appeared in Star Trek Into Darkness.
Emma Stone, 2012
This fuchsia Giambattista Valli gown featuring a cinched waist and dramatic pussybow was such a stunner in 2012. She presented the award for Best Visual Effects with Ben Stiller later on stage.
Jennifer Lawrence, 2011
Fresh off her breakout role in Winter's Bone, JLaw looked so chic on the red carpet in this simple Calvin Klein gown and tousled hair. She received her first Best Actress nomination this year.
Sandra Bullock, 2010
The actress shined in this mermaid gown paired with sleek, straight hair and a bright red lip. She won her long-awaited Oscar for Best Actress in The Blind Side that night.
Taraji P. Henson, 2009
Taraji made an unforgettable Oscar debut in a strapless Roberto Cavalli number, short bob and dazzling necklace. She received her first Best Supporting Actress nomination for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Marion Cotillard, 2008
Marion wore a mermaid dress to the red carpet in the most literal sense. She looked radiant in this Jean Paul Gaultier gown that featured a golden scale-like pattern. She grew to international fame that year after her breakout role as édith Piaf in La Vie en Rose, which earned her the Best Actress award.
Penelope Cruz, 2007
The actress brought major volume to the red carpet in a blush pink Versace gown with a ruffled train and tight-fitting bodice. She finished off the look with a sleek bun, statement stud earrings, and a small clutch.
Reese Witherspoon, 2006
Reese won the fashion game (and an Oscar for Best Actress!) when she showed up in this lovely Dior dumber with beaded embellishments and a low-cut neckline. She won the award later that night for her performance in Walk the Line.
Hilary Swank, 2005
Who could ever forget this daring Guy Laroche dress? The actress nailed her over-the-shoulder poses on the red carpet that night to emphasize the backless number. She also picked up the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Million Dollar Baby.
Angelina Jolie, 2004
Angie stunned in this silky cream-colored halter dress, and let's be real: Only she could make a coordinating shawl THIS glam. She definitely channeled old Hollywood style in this classic look.
Jennifer Lopez, 2003
J. Lo killed the red carpet in this mint green one-shoulder Valentino dress with beading at the hem. She attended the awards with her then boyfriend Ben Affleck. (#TBT to Gigli.)
Halle Berry, 2002
You can't think of the 2002 Academy Awards without also envisioning this Elie Saab dress on Halle Berry. It remains one of the actress's most iconic looks of all time thanks to the completely see-through bodice and the strategically-placed floral embroidery.
Julia Roberts, 2001
The actress was all elegance in this vintage black-and-white Valentino dress and pinned-up 'do. Her stellar performance in Erin Brockovich earned her the Best Actress award for the night.
Salma Hayek, 2000
Salma brought early-aughts glam to the ceremony in a plunging lilac halter dress and matching shawl. She presented the Academy Award for Technical Achievement later that night.
Celine Dion, 1999
One word: UNFORGETTABLE. Celine knew how to be the talk of the red carpet that year when she wore the blazer on her all-white Dior suit backwards, and accessorized with a pointed hat and sunglasses (note: the ceremony was held in the evening). She performed along side Andrea Bocelli at the ceremony.
Sharon Stone, 1998
Sharon is not here to follow standard red-carpet rules. The actress wore a satin Vera Wang skirt combined with a white button-down shirt from the Gap. This isn't the first time she sported a high-low look on the red carpet though. Her 1996 Oscar outfit literally included a black Gap turtleneck.
Nicole Kidman, 1997
Leave it to Nicole Kidman to upstage then-husband Tom Cruise in an silky chartreuse John Galliano Dior dress paired with an adorable mini bag. So on trend!
Elizabeth Shue, 1996
This Best Actress nominee dazzled in a sultry white column and accessorized with a diamond necklace on the red carpet.
Oprah, 1995
Oprah sported this monochrome ensemble and ogle-worthy diamonds the same year she was named the richest woman in entertainment. Honestly, goals.
Sharon Stone, 1994
The dramatic veil and whimsical brooch only made this sheer number more memorable. Sharon went to present the award for Best Costume Design later that night.
Cindy Crawford, 1993
The model's skin-tight bandage dress accentuated figure as she graced the red carpet with then-husband Richard Gere, who would later who was a presenter that evening.
Demi Moore, 1992
Demi left the red carpet ablaze in this low-cut lilac dress with matching shawl and gloves. She co-starred in A Few Good Men, which was nominated for Best Picture that year.
Madonna, 1991
The singer channeled Marilyn Monroe in this Bob Mackie gown and a cluster of Harry Winston accessories. She also sung a sultry performance of her song "Sooner or Later" at the ceremony.
Michelle Pfeiffer, 1990
Michelle's navy blue gown, pearls and (inexplicable) flowers in hand were a vision of grace. She rocked the Oscar's that year with a nomination for Best Actress in The Fabulous Baker Boys.
Melanie Griffith, 1989
The actress glowed in a white off-the-shoulder ballgown and pearl choker alongside then-husband Don Johnson. She was nominated for Best Actress in the film Working Girl.
Cher, 1988
The reigning queen of serving iconic looks was extra bold this year in a sheer Bob Mackie design that showed off, well, everything. To make the night even better, the star accepted the Best Actress award for her in Moonstruck.
Melba Moore, 1987
The singer stunned in this two-toned gown complete with a feathered top and sheer gloves. She performed the ever-so-romantic ballad Take My Breath Away" with Lou Rawls at the ceremony.
Anjelica Huston, 1986
In honor of her Irish roots, Anjelica wowed in a silk green Tzetzi Ganev number and matching clutch. She won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Prizzi's Honor which was directed by her father, John Huston.
Diana Ross, 1985
Diana's sparkly number dazzled the audience during her performance of "I Just Called to Say I Love You" at the ceremony.
Cher, 1984
Cher and sheer numbers just go hand in hand. The singer sparkled like the star that she is in this deep-plunging Bob Mackie gown and dangling earrings. She was a nominee for Best Supporting Actress in the movie Silkwood.
Jamie Lee Curtis, 1983
The actress was a vision in this elegant dress and classic '80s hairstyle. The earrings added an extra shine that really completed the ensemble. Less is more, folks!
Debbie Allen, 1982
A super high slit and a beaded fringe truly makes for a memorable AF Oscar look. The singer dazzled the crowd as she performed alongside Gregory Hines.
Sigourney Weaver, 1981
Comfort... but make it fashion. Sigourney's flowy white jumpsuit and understated brown flats stole the show at that year's ceremony where she presented the award for Best Costume Design.
Lauren Hutton, 1980
Although sporting a mini dress was definitely not traditional Oscars style, Hutton made sure to break dress code and have fun while doing it. More room for dancing, right?
Donna Summer, 1979
Not only did Donna Summer heat up the stage with her performance of "Last Dance" (which would later earn her the award for Best Original Song that night), she made a red-hot statement with this embellished red-and-gold column featuring long sleeves and a thigh-high slit.
Farah Fawcett, 1978
The same year she graced every guy's bedroom wall in a fiery-red one-piece, the actress stunned at the ceremony in a metallic gold Stephen Burrow dress. The resemblance to a literal Oscar award is uncanny.
Cicely Tyson, 1977
Presenting the Irving G. Thalberg award that year never looked so good. Cicely was glowing in an all-white gown and rose-patterned neckpiece that made this 'fit stand out.
Marlo Thomas, 1976
Deep plunge coming through! Marlo's sparkly gown was the epitome of '70s glam as she presented the award for Best Original Score.
Lauren Hutton, 1975
The supermodel's Grecian-esque Halston gown, fur coat, and loose waves was a look fit for a princess at that year's ceremony. Although she was a presenter, her look is one of the most memorable in red carpet history.
Racquel Welch, 1974
Add together a haltered pink jumpsuit, a plunging neckline, and a wrap necklace, and you get one of the hottest Oscars looks of all time. The actress presented the award for Best Feature-Length Documentary that year.
Cher, 1973
This look just embodies everything Cher: a gold Bob Mackie number, pink stiletto nails, gold hoops and an ab-baring crop top. Even though she wasn't nominated that year, she still stole the show.
Raquel Welch, 1972
The actress brought the tropical heat with this blue floral column, hoop earrings, and a white clutch. That year, she starred in the film Kansas City Bombing and was a presenter at the Academy Awards.
Goldie Hawn, 1971
Roses gave a fresh touch to Goldie's spaghetti-strap number and updo. She would later present the Oscar for Best Actor to George C. Scott, who famously rejected the award.
Elizabeth Taylor, 1970
If I had a diamond necklace that large, I’d be holding on to it too. It became known as the Taylor Burton Diamond, since her husband Richard Burton purchased it for her. (She’s a fan of fine jewelry, that’s for sure.) She made it the center of attention in this low-cut periwinkle dress with a matching ribbon.
Diahann Carroll, 1969
Just look at those epic sleeves! Diahann was positively angelic in this pale pink tulle gown with sparkly embellishments throughout. She was one of the presenters on stage during the ceremony.
Elke Sommer, 1968
The German actress opted for a low-cut scoop neckline, dramatic eye makeup, and sophisticated gloves for this fashion-forward Oscars ‘fit.
Julie Christie, 1966
The Darling actress channeled her award in in a gold metallic high-neck frock. She beat out Julie Andrews that year, who had starred in The Sound of Music, so it was a pretty impressive win!
Claudia Cardinale, 1965
Claudia donned a figure-hugging sequin number with floral embellishments at the neckline and a white coat. She presented on stage that evening with Steve McQueen.
Anne Bancroft, 1964
Anne killed it in this simple pleated dress paired with opera-length gloves and a sparkly evening bag. The Best Actress winner posed with Sidney Poitier, who won Best Actor that same evening.
Sophia Loren, 1963
The Italian actress went all out in this feathered white gown, but kept the focus on the bodice by keeping her accessories minimal. She starred in Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow this year, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Rita Moreno, 1962
The West Side Story actress looked radiant in a halter dress with a gold metallic skirt. She also recycled the gown and wore it more than 50 years later to the 2018 Oscars. We love an environmentally-friendly fashion moment!
Shirley Jones, 1961
Shirley looked quite statue-esque herself in this sequin gold gown and matching jacket. She twinned with her award, which she won for her supporting role in Elmer Gantry.
Janet Leigh, 1960
The scream queen looked stunning in a silver sequin column with a subtle leg slit. She went on to star in the hit Psycho the following year, and was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. (She’s also Jamie Lee Curtis’s mom JSYK.)
Susan Hayward, 1959
Susan wore a black satin gown with spaghetti straps and elegant white gloves. She won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in I Want to Live!
Miyoshi Umeki, 1958
The Japanese-American star wore a beautiful traditional kimono when she picked up her Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Sayonara. She was the first Asian performer to win an Oscar.
Elizabeth Taylor, 1957
Liz opted for this regal look featuring a diamond tiara that her third husband Todd Phillips bought for her. Casual. She wore a draped lilac gown and accessorized with teardrop earrings.
Grace Kelly, 1956
Speaking of royalty, Grace literally looked like a princess in a ballgown, capelet, and white-gloves at the ‘56 ceremony. She wore her hair in a sleek bun, and later took the outerwear off on stage to reveal a gorgeous criss-cross neckline.
Grace Kelly, 1955
Before she became the Princess of Monaco in 1956, she won the Oscar in ‘55 for her role in The Country Girl. She wore a stylish sea-foam green gown with spaghetti straps and it featured a flowing train.
Audrey Hepburn, 1954
You’ve prob seen this dress before because it’s just that recognizable. Audrey wore the belted Givenchy number to the ‘54 awards, where she won Best Actress for her role in Roman Holiday. Designer Hubert de Givenchy and Audrey worked together constantly, as she wore his creations in other movies and in real life through the years.
Elizabeth Taylor, 1953
Liz dropped jaws in this tiered strapless gown featuring a corset lace-up bodice. She complemented it with drop earrings and a coordinating satin clutch. She posed with her husband Michael Wilding, whom she married the previous year.
Gloria Swanson, 1951
The Sunset Boulevard star looked absolutely glamorous with a fishnet veil, all the statement jewels, and white shawl worn over a black dress. She won the Best Actress Oscar for her iconic role as Norma Desmond in the classic movie.
Olivia De Havilland, 1950
Love these tulle cap sleeves! Olivia wowed in a printed A-line gown featuring floral details and accessorized with short, white gloves. She won Best Actress for The Heiress.
Jane Wyman, 1949
The long-sleeve, high-collar dress was a popular silhouette back in the day, but Jane differentiated herself from the crowd with one in a bright-white color. She wore her pearl necklace over the fabric and clutched her Oscar award for her performance in Johnny Belinda.
Loretta Young, 1948
Va-va-voom! This ruffled cold-shoulder gown definitely made an eye-catching, stylish statement on the awards stage, especially with matching gloves. While the black-and-white image doesn’t show the hue, it was a gorge shade of emerald green. She won the Oscar for The Farmer’s Daughter, FYI.
Olivia De Havilland, 1947
Finally some color! Olivia looked gorgeous in a strapless aqua gown with bold floral embroidery. She completed the sophisticated look with simple stud earrings, sparkly choker necklace, and yet another Oscar award for To Each His Own, of course.
Joan Crawford, 1946
Joan didn’t even make the awards as she was “sick,” but somehow she still looked stylish in bed holding her statue and wearing a white balloon-sleeved dress with a bow at the heck. She won Best Actress for her role in Mildred Pierce.
Ingrid Bergman, 1945
Ingrid wore an elegant black number with jeweled details on one side and kept her hair in perfect curls when she accepted her Oscar for Gaslight. (She had a role in the film Casablanca three years prior, but received no nominations.)
Jennifer Jones, 1944
The actress went for a simple yet elegant gown featuring a sheer neckline and sleeves while accepting her award for Best Actress in The Song of Bernadette.
Greer Garson, 1943
Greer donned a luxe coat, peep-toe sandals, and a black dress arriving to the Oscars this year. She won Best Actress later that night for her role in Mrs. Miniver. Also, her acceptance speech was one of the longest in history at 5 minutes and 30 seconds, so that’s why there’s a time limit on speeches now. The more you know!
Ginger Rogers, 1942
Ginger (right) wore a black long-sleeve dress floral details and a lace hairpiece at the ‘42 ceremony. She won the Oscar for her role in Roxie Hart the year before, and pictured here, she presented the award to Joan Fontaine.
Carmen Miranda, 1941
The iconic Portugese-born Brazilian singer, dancer, and actress wore a stunning gown with a beaded bodice, fur coat, and patterned head wrap to the awards. This same year she starred in the musical flick, That Night in Rio.
Vivien Leigh, 1940
The British actress wore a spaghetti-strap floral-printed number and accessorized with a long pendant necklace at the 1940 Oscars. She accepted her award for her iconic performance in Gone With the Wind. (Scarlett O’Hara’s curtain dress is shaking.)
Bette Davis, 1939
Bette went for more drama with this feathered neckline and full-skirted gown. She kept her short hair in soft waves and posed with Spencer Tracy with their own respective Oscar awards.
Luise Rainer, 1938
Luise’s simple body-hugging gown with dramatic sleeves looked even more stylish with that gold Oscar statue in her hands. She won the award for her performance in The Good Earth, and she became the first actress to win two consecutive awards for lead roles.
Luise Rainer, 1937
And here she is with her first Oscar win in a fabulous, long white coat. She won Best Actress for her performance in The Great Ziegfeld.
Bette Davis, 1936
Bette went for a bold patterned dress with wide contrasting lapels at the ‘36 Oscars. She won an award for her role in Dangerous.
Claudette Colbert, 1935
Bring back more hats to the Oscars, please! The star looked way stylish in a blazer, newsboy cap, and coat when she accepted her Best Actress award from none other than Shirley Temple.
Helen Hayes, 1932
Here, she posed with her award and wore a classic black dress, pearl necklace, and elbow-length gloves. Another fun fact? In 1977, she was the first woman to get an EGOT. You go, Helen!
Norma Shearer, 1931
Norma wore a short-sleeve jacket with textured trim over her sparkling sweetheart-neckline gown to the ‘31 awards. And her outfit looked even better with the Oscar she won for A Free Soul.
Mary Pickford, 1930
The film star (who was nicknamed “America’s Sweetheart”) dazzled in a mermaid gown with bow details and sparkly bracelets. She won the Oscar for her leading role in Coquette.
Janet Gaynor, 1929
Janet picked up the award for Best Actress at the very first Oscars in ‘29, which is a v cool fact to have about yourself. She did so in a simple but classic outfit featuring a blazer, skirt, tights, and loafers which deserves a whole other award on its own, TBH.
Take a trip down memory lane. And by memory lane, I mean the red carpet.