The Oscars red carpet isn’t just a fashion moment; it’s the fashion moment. Year after year, celebrities walk the carpet knowing their outfit will either be immortalized in the fashion hall of fame or forever questioned in internet think pieces. With the 97th Academy Awards approaching, let’s revisit the jaw-dropping, rule-breaking, and era-defining Oscar red carpet looks that still live in our heads rent-free.
Cher’s Sheer Rebellion, 1988
Cher doesn’t just attend award shows; she makes history. Back in 1988, she took one look at the conventional ballgowns and said, “Not on my watch.” Enter: a sheer, black Bob Mackie masterpiece that defied every rule of Oscar dressing. The gown, adorned with intricate beading and a daringly low neckline, was a bold statement that challenged the norms of femininity and glamour. Cher didn’t just serve looks; she took home the Best Actress award for Moonstruck that night. Talk about main character energy.
Billy Porter’s Tuxedo Gown, 2019
Billy Porter didn’t just step onto the red carpet in 2019; he floated in wearing a custom Christian Siriano tuxedo gown that shattered traditional gender norms. With a sharp tuxedo jacket on top and a billowing ballgown below, Porter’s look was a powerful statement about self-expression and inclusivity in fashion. His entrance was not just a fashion moment; it was a cultural revolution that challenged the binary notions of gendered clothing, cementing his status as a true fashion revolutionary.
Angelina Jolie’s Legendary Slit, 2012
Who knew a single leg could have its own fan base? Angelina Jolie strutted onto the Oscars red carpet in 2012 wearing a black Versace gown with a thigh-high slit that had the internet losing its collective mind. One dramatic pose later, and she had officially broken fashion Twitter. The gown, paired with her striking features and confident demeanor, became an iconic moment that sparked countless memes and discussions about the power of a well-placed slit.
Zendaya’s Golden Glow, 2021
Zendaya doesn’t just wear a dress; she embodies it. In 2021, she stepped onto the Oscars red carpet in a custom Valentino gown so radiant that she practically outshone the actual award. The gown, with its intricate detailing and flowing silhouette, was ethereal, effortless, and just the right amount of drama. Zendaya’s look was a modern-day red carpet fairytale, showcasing her ability to blend elegance with a youthful spirit, making her one of the most talked-about stars of the night.
Dakota Johnson’s Red Hot Saint Laurent, 2015
The power of a red dress? Unmatched. Dakota Johnson proved that in 2015 when she arrived in a Saint Laurent one-shoulder stunner, complete with an intricate shoulder embellishment. The simplicity of the silhouette combined with the striking color made for a seriously striking look that turned heads and set a new standard for red carpet fashion. Johnson’s choice was a reminder that sometimes, less truly is more.
Jennifer Lawrence’s Princess Moment (and Meme), 2013
Jennifer Lawrence had her Cinderella moment in a billowing Dior Couture ballgown at the 2013 Oscars, but her true iconic moment came when she tripped while accepting her award. A literal fall from grace, but make it fashion. The gown, with its voluminous skirt and delicate detailing, was stunning, but it was Lawrence’s relatable stumble that captured the hearts of viewers everywhere, turning her into a meme and solidifying her status as a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Beyoncé’s Understated Elegance, 2005
Sometimes, the simplest looks make the loudest statements. In 2005, Beyoncé arrived at the Oscars in a sleek Atelier Versace gown that didn’t need embellishments or dramatic silhouettes—it was pure, effortless glam. The gown hugged her curves perfectly, showcasing her confidence and poise. Beyoncé’s look was a masterclass in understated elegance, proving that true beauty often lies in simplicity.
Uma Thurman’s Prada Perfection, 1995
When a dress has its own Wikipedia page, you know it’s legendary. Uma Thurman’s lilac Prada gown from 1995 remains a masterclass in minimalist elegance that still influences red carpet fashion today. The gown’s clean lines and soft color palette highlighted Thurman’s natural beauty, making it a timeless choice that continues to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Cara Delevingne’s Red Siren Moment, 2023
Even when the Oscars carpet decided to go beige, Cara Delevingne made sure to keep things fiery. In 2023, she arrived in a dramatic red Elie Saab gown featuring a thigh-high slit and an oversized bow, proving that red carpet fashion is never neutral. Delevingne’s bold choice was a reminder that the red carpet is a place for daring fashion statements, and she certainly delivered with her striking look.
As we gear up for another night of high-stakes fashion, one thing is certain: Oscars red carpet moments aren’t just about clothes. They’re cultural reset moments, style revolutions, and the reason we still talk about a single leg pose years later. Bring on the next round of jaw-dropping looks.
