The Academy Awards represent the paramount of the dazzling award season. Of course, the Oscar and its lucky and talented recipients are in the spotlight. Yet not even the prized golden statue could outshine the glamour of the red carpet. Every year movie stars try to impress the critics in custom gowns and fancy tuxedoes as the lights flash continuously. Yet not everyone’s efforts are well received. Who deserved an award for great style, and who missed the mark?
Best Dressed
Jessica Chastain who was nominated for best supporting actress in The Help looked elegant in a sweetheart, strapless black dress adorned with an intricate gold design. Although the design could look a little too much it complements her golden-red hair and makes what could have been a basic black dress into something beautiful. Her matching yellow diamond drop earrings were perfect with the dress, created by Alexander McQueen the same fashion house that created Kate Middleton’s iconic wedding dress.
This year’s ceremony was nothing compared to Natalie’s Portman’s Oscar win from 2011. After having a baby, Portman had a triumphant comeback with a classy retro style in a billowing Christian Dior dress from the 50s that matched the scarlet hue of the carpet. The gown looked fun with black polka dots. Her sparkly diamond necklace was a great accent.
Cameron Diaz was elegant in a sleek beige Gucci gown that flared with shimmery silver accents at the bottom. She kept her look fresh with short platinum hair and a small diamond chocker necklace.
The Artist might be transporting viewers to the times of Old Hollywood yet Penelope Cruz was the epitome of the era in breezy, lavender Armani Privé gown. The gossamer fabric draped nicely and the neckline showed of Cruz’s shoulders. Her retro look was completed by delicate diamond jewelry and curls.
Worst Dressed
Shaliene Woodley may have said that her dress reflected her personality but somehow a long sleeved white Valentio gown screamed old lady and not a twenty year old who played in “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”. Woodley seemed to resemble Princess Leia with her brown hair rolled in a bun. The detail work on the front didn’t translate well either.
Screen siren Angelina Jolie was out supporting her husband Brad Pitt for his nomination in Moneyball but she stole the show in a black velvet Versace dress with a deep slit that seemed to go on and on. Although she is beautiful her bony white skin was accentuated even more with the dark contrast of the dress, making her appear gaunt.
Gwenyth Paltrow chose a simple, but clean white Tom Ford dress that could have been something, if it didn’t have a matching white cape. The extra fabric in the back made the dress look oddly futuristic. Also Paltrow’s lack of jewelry and makeup washed the former Oscar winner’s complexion out.
Melissa McCarthy was hilarious in Bridesmaids and has dressed well at the Golden Globes yet she didn’t hit the mark with her frumpy Marina Rinaldi gown. The pink shade of the dress and embellishments could have worked if the fabric was not drowning in itself.