The 86th Annual Academy Awards: Red Carpet Fashion Report
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FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — The early morning rain in Los Angeles cleared up just in time for the biggest stars in Hollywood to come out Sunday night for the Academy Awards and wear their finest, without worrying about their outfits being obscured by umbrellas.
The leading ladies on this year’s Oscars red carpet either opted for romantic, soft colors, like Cate Blanchett’s yellow dress or Kristen Bell’s pale pink gown, or they went with bold, rich colors, like the popular navy shade seen on nominees Sandra Bullock and Amy Adams. There were a few full-fledged ball gowns, but many actresses opted for straight and slimming column dresses.
As for the hairdos, many of the ladies went with soft curls swept to the side to show off some shoulder. There were a couple of updos which showed off show-stopping earrings — Amy Adams wore red stones, while Cate Blanchett sported stunning diamond chandelier earrings. Statement bracelets were seen on the wrists of Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, and Sandra Bullock. The standout accessory though, was the gold and diamond headband worn by 12 Years a Slave star Lupita Nyong’o.
And the award for the biggest “What is she wearing?” moment undoubtedly went to Liza Minnelli, who wore a royal blue silk jumpsuit with a matching blue streak in her hair.
Here’s a breakdown of what all the stars wore:
Amy Adams stunned in a chic and simple Gucci Couture midnight blue gown. Her hair was pulled back in a simple updo, topped off with dangling red earrings for a surprise pop of color.
Changing it up from her bold color choices this award season, Lupita Nyong’o chose an ice-blue Grecian-style Prada gown topped off with a sparkling 18-carat yellow gold and diamond headband. She said that her dress was inspired by champagne bubbles, and said she chose blue because growing up in Kenya, she was surrounded by that color a lot.
It was no surprise that Jennifer Lawrence chose a Dior gown since she’s the face of Miss Dior. She sported a red column gown with peplum accents on her hips, accessorized with a back necklace similar to the one she wore last year and diamond post earrings. Even though her dress didn’t seem as difficult to walk in as last year’s full-skirted confection, she still managed to trip on the red carpet.
Julia Roberts looked sophisticated in a Givenchy black peplum dress with a deep V neck with a lace accent. Her hair was in a loose updo, showing off her large diamond chandelier earrings, which paired well with her statement bracelet.
Meryl Streep gave us a peek of skin with her off-the-shoulder cream-colored top and black skirt with her hair pulled back in a chic chignon.
Cate Blanchett wore an embroidered Armani gown in soft gold with a flared tulle skirt, paired with chandelier earrings.
Sandra Bullock showed off her curves in a gorgeous navy blue strapless gown with her long, soft curls swept to side. She added some sparkle with some post earrings and a large diamond bracelet.
Angelina Jolie decided to cover up this time, wearing a long-sleeved flowing silver Elie Saab Couture dress. Her hair was down, with a slight wave.
Anna Kendrick chose a black J. Mendel gown with a criss-cross mesh top, a peek-a-boo waistband, and high slit showing lots of leg.
Expectant mom Kerry Washington chose a deep purple loose-fitting gown by Jason Wu.
Naomi Watts looked sleek in a white cap-sleeved column, accented with a jeweled collar by Calvin Klein. She kept her hair simple and straight.
Anne Hathaway sported a gown in a similar shape to the one she wore at last year’s Oscars, but instead of soft pink, she went dark, in a black Gucci gown with a show-stopping studded top.
“Let It Go” performer and Frozen star Idina Menzel chose a dark-green strapless ball gown; her straight hair was swept to the side. Fellow Oscar performer Bette Midler wore a red printed gown with short sleeves.
Kristen Bell channeled her Frozen character in a pale pink strapless Roberto Cavalli dress paired with a statement necklace and hair swept into an updo.
Lady Gaga showed off her conventional side, wearing a strapless pink-patterned mermaid style Versace gown with a floor-length pink chiffon scarf draped backwards around her neck. Her hair was blonde and pulled back in a soft chignon.
As for the men…
The most talked-about male star on the red carpet was Pharrell Williams, there to perform his nominated song “Happy.” While he wore his signature hat onstage, he didn’t on the carpet. That’s just as well, because it would have taken away from his Lanvin tuxedo jacket and shorts — yes, shorts — combination. He also sported black shoes without socks. And just as Pharrell’s hat inspired a Twitter feed after the Grammys, @pharrells_shorts is now a thing.
Leading men Leonardo DiCaprio and Chiwetel Ejiofor looked debonair in classic tuxes with bow ties.
Both Dallas Buyers Club stars Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto both wore white jackets; McConaughey paired his with a black vest and black bow tie, while Leto sported a red bow tie. His hair was long and flowing; no “man bun” for him.
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