Usually a ceremony where most celebs play it safe, this year’s Oscars was interesting, to say the least.
Stars dished out a whole lot of surprises, with ensembles ranging vibrant to fun to downright bizarre.
As we wrap up the end of the major Hollywood awards season, let us take a look at the best looks that we are all talking about.
Photos: Instagram/mefeater, harpersbazaarus
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Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh channelled her Crazy Rich Asian character Eleanor Young in a dazzling sequin dress that bowled us over.
Dressed in a silver floral off-shoulder Elie Saab haute couture gown that was finished with Chopard jewels and Richard Mille timepiece, Michelle looked regal and opulent in this well-matched ensemble that showed off her collarbone.
Photo: Instagram/michelleyeoh_official
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Constance Wu of Crazy Rich Asians might have been snubbed by the Oscars for a nomination, but she certainly didn’t let that get her down.
Giving off a distinct Beauty and the Beast vibe, she was an absolute vision in a canary yellow tulle off-shoulder from Versace. Completed with jewellery from Atelier Swarovski and gold strappy heels from Neil J Rodgers, the bright tones added a breath of fresh air to the usual neutral tones favoured by most on the red carpet.
Plus, the warm yellow hue complemented Constance’s warm skin tone, making her look fresh and youthful.
Photo: Instagram/mefeater
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It was 50 shades of pink at the red carpet this year, but Best Original Song nominee Jennifer Hudson was not afraid to buck the trend and step out in a scarlet number that accentuated her skin tone.
The brick-red Elie Saab bodycon number featured a diagonal ruffle design that added both length and curves to the singer, while the off-shoulder cut and thigh slit injected sensuality. With a simple updo, silver earrings and heels, Jennifer displayed a quiet grace that spoke volumes.
Photo: Instagram/mefeater
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Lady Gaga brought old Hollywood glamour back onto the Oscars red carpet. While her look was markedly less sparkly than her Grammy showing, the singer-actress, who was nominated for her role in A Star Is Born, was ready to slay the red carpet in a polished all-black strapless gown from Alexander McQueen with matching black opera gloves.
The pièce de résistance was of course, the huge 128.5 carat diamond necklace from Tiffany and Co — the same piece worn by Audrey Hepburn when she was promoting Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Photo: Instagram/harpersbazaarus
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Project Runway winner Christian Siriano is no stranger to Hollywood’s red carpets, having dressed numerous stars including Leslie Jones and Whoopi Goldberg. This time, he turned heads again when he dressed actor-singer Billy Porter in a gorgeous gender-bending ensemble of a tux jacket atop a fully-skirted velvet gown that featured a snatched hourglass silhouette many would envy.
Porter, who is also a host of this year’s Oscars red carpet, revealed that he had always wanted to wear a gown and challenge gender norms. Bravo.
Photo: Instagram/theebillyporter
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Jennifer Lopez definitely more than redeemed herself today after her lacklustre appearance at this year’s Grammys. She was a picture of radiance on the red carpet in a high-neck bodycon number from Tom Ford that featured a mosaic of hundreds of broken mirrors.
Accompanying her outfit was a silver clutch from Tyler Ellis, accessories from Niwaka and Jimmy Choo heels. Simply stunning.
Photo: Instagram/people
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The adorable Marie Kondo showed up at her first Oscars in a pared down yet effectively stylish ensemble. The petite organisational wizard wore a delicate soft pink gown from Jenny Packham that featured hand embroidered floral sequin details and a ruched waist detail that helped create an hourglass illusion.
Going with her ethos of minimalism, she went with simple accessories and finished with a studded Beth Miller piece. Did her outfit spark joy? It most definitely did.
Photo: Instagram/huffpost
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Nominated for Best Actress for her role in biographical film Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Melissa McCarthy took the road less travelled by ditching the usual gown and going for a spiffy black and white jumpsuit and cape ensemble from Brandon Maxwell instead.
The piece flattered her voluptuous figure while adding the drama needed for such an occasion. Her look was matched with simple diamond accessories from Forevermark. Killed it.
Photo: Instagram/abc13houston
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After sweeping awards for her role in The Wife, Best Actress nominee Glenn Close looked all set to claim her golden statuette in a gloriously regal Carolina Herrera cape gown that made her look like a literal Oscar trophy.
Reported to have been made by 40 craftsmen in Mumbai and New York with over three million glass beads, the shimmering gold number weighed a hefty 42 pounds (19 kilograms). She finished her outfit with a matching gold clutch from Tyler Ellis, heels from Giuseppe Zanotti and gold and diamond fringed earrings from Cartier.
Photo: Instagram/carolinaherrera
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Regina King looked stunning in an all-white monochromatic ensemble that showed off her beautiful complexion. The simple yet sophisticated Oscar de la Renta creation was matched with white heels from Christian Louboutin that sported the brand’s signature red soles and dazzling diamonds from Chopard.
The asymmetrical ruched details around the waist accentuated her curves while the slit and train added stature to the Best Supporting Actress winner.
Photo: Instagram/oscardelarenta
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Now, we show you the worst dressed celebrities whom didn’t make it into our above list.
Photos: Instagram/justjared, nytimesfashion
ALSO READ: ESSENTIAL FEMINIST OSCAR FILMS YOU NEED TO WATCH BEFORE THE ACADEMY AWARDS
Making her name in acclaimed film Roma, 25-year-old Mexican actress Yalitza Aparicio Martínez might have scored a nom for Best Actress but her dress was uninspiring and certainly did not earn her any awards.
Yes, with its tulle skirt, the sparkly mint-green Rodarte dress was ethereal, but we did not appreciate how the asymmetric neckline emphasised the width of the actress’ shoulders, making her look a little stocky.
Photo: Instagram/nytimesfashion
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We were definitely not a fan of Gemma Chan’s get-up of a bubble-gum pink Valentino tent dress (complete with pockets). While the jewels from Bvlgari and her pair of Jimmy Choos were fine, the oversized billowy gown hid all her curves and made it look like it was wearing her instead.
Bring back the knockout look from the Golden Globes please! However, we do love how the ruffled high-collar framed her chiselled face.
Photo: Instagram/nytimesfashion
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Dressed in a gold and brown sequin gown from Louis Vuitton, Emma Stone’s ensemble has been the subject of much discussion online. The peaked shoulders did not help to flatter the petite Best Supporting Actress nominee, not to mention her severe slick back ‘do.
Netizens have joked that the outfit reminded them of food items such as waffles, bacon, honey-baked ham and burnt toast. We think it looked like seared beef steak. The usually elegantly dressed star could do better.
Photo: Instagram/thecatwalkitalia
ALSO READ: THE MOST INSPIRING OSCAR QUOTES OF ALL TIME BY AWARD-WINNING ACTRESSES
According to New York Times, British actress and Best Actress winner for The Favourite Olivia Colman worked with Prada to create this green dress with a smoky-grey organza cape.
While the dress took a team of eight more than 300 hours to complete (respect!), we didn’t fancy the wrap-around cape detail and unflattering turtleneck design that added too much weight to her upper torso.
Photo: Instagram/lordgmv
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She was there with her family to support her father, Caleb Deschanel, who was nominated for Best Cinematography, but we think the quirky Zooey Deschanel could have worn something a little more befitting for the occasion.
The black and red dress from Happy Isles, which was paired with jewels from Jacquie Aiche, looked outdated, and the level where the dress sat on her chest was unflattering at best. To top it all off, the balloon high-waisted skirt made the dainty actress look chunky.
Photo: Instagram/justjared
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Best Original Song nominee Sza might have had all the stars in the universe, but she didn’t slay this red carpet showing.
Pairing her Bvlgari jewellery with a Vivienne Westwood creation, her entire look had too many competing details — from her curly locks to the ruched gathers to the frilly trims, sweetheart bodice and sexy showing of her gams. It was a messy look which needed to be pared down.
Photo: Instagram/justjared
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Another star who sparked heated online discussions was Kacey Musgraves. While her pink ruffled gown from Giambattista Valli made her look soft and feminine, many have jokingly compared the over-layered poofy gown to a shower loofah.
There is one other redeeming factor: The ruffles brought focus to her Barbie-like facial features.
Photo: Instagram/giambattistavalliparis
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She’s known for her unique taste in fashion but while pink is definitely Sarah Paulson’s colour, we couldn’t agree with the Brandon Maxwell creation that she sported.
The weirdly shaped top (that resembled a seashell) did her no favours in complementing her figure; neither did the odd waist cutout. The saving grace however, was the brilliant Harry Winston diamond choker.
Photo: Instagram/georgialouisesk
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Dressed in a furry Schiaparelli haute couture creation, Green Book actress Linda Cardellini looked overwhelmed in an X-shaped dress that had numerous cascading ruffles.
Bold, yes. Fashionable? Uh, no. Some have compared the number to a feather duster while a Twitter user remarked: “Can we please have a moment’s silence for all the muppets that died to make this dress possible?” Touché .
Photo: Instagram/idcollective
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Another creation that suffered from having too many details, Maya Rudolph’s Giambattista Valli was, frankly, a trainwreck.
From the pink floral pattern and floor-length cape to the ruffle trims and drop earrings, it was an overwhelming ensemble. This was a look we could do without.
Photo: Instagram/thegriceisright
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