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Home • Red Carpet

Best Oscar Gowns

By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
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01
Effortless Glow

Paula Patton showed off her baby bump at the 2010 Academy Awards in a bright red gown that accentuated her natural glow.

Best Oscar Gowns
02
Glamour Girl

Anika Noni Rose’s shimmery bodice on her 2010 Academy Awards gown made her outshine the rest on the red carpet.

Best Oscar Gowns
03
Showing Off

Mariah Carey’s navy blue dress featured a slit that showed off just enough leg. We loved the sweetheart neckline and the vintage-looking broach that gathered all of the fabric to her side.

Best Oscar Gowns
04
The Queen is Here

Queen Latifah looked regal as always in a lavender gown at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards.

Best Oscar Gowns
05
Retro Lady

Nicole Richie exuded 70s style in her long striped gown with mega sleeves.

Best Oscar Gowns
06
Green with Glamour

Shaun Robinson took it back to old hollywood glamor with her darp green floor-length gown.

Best Oscar Gowns
07
Simply Stunning

Jennifer Hudson left everyone at the Vanity Fair after-party for the 2010 Oscars when she arrived in this long, flowing blue gown. We still can’ find words to express how gorgeous she looked.

Best Oscar Gowns
08
Voluminous Saldana

“Avatar” actress Zoe Saldana made quite an entrance – in beads and ruffles when she stepped onto the red carpet at last year’s Oscars. The transitioning pale purple to black gave her gown dramatic flair.

Best Oscar Gowns
09
She’s Got the Look

2010 Best Actress Nominee, Gabourey Sidibe was loving her red carpet look – “If fashion was porn, this dress is the money shot,” she said, with a giggle.

Best Oscar Gowns
10
Paying Homage

To accept her 2010 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Mo’Nique wore a blue gown with a white flower in her hair as a nod to Hattie McDaniel — the first Black woman to ever win an Oscar. The ensemble did the trick — she looked amazing!

Best Oscar Gowns
11
Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys brought a shot of color to the red carpet at last year’s Oscars in a lilac Grecian Armani Prive gown with a dramatic high slit.

Best Oscar Gowns
12
Keisha Whitaker

Keisha Whitaker looks breathtaking enough to walk down the aisle in this glamorously embellished gown at the 2008 Oscars.

Best Oscar Gowns
13
Beyonce

Beyonce’s figure-flattering House of Dereon Couture gown she wore at the 2009 Oscars received mixed reviews. Nevertheless, Beyonce stood out in this gold leaf printed mermaid gown.

Best Oscar Gowns
14
Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson steals the show at the 2008 Oscars in a white Roberto Cavalli halter gown with detailed beading at the neck and empire waist.

Best Oscar Gowns
15
Taraji P. Henson

We love the first-time nominee’s flawless look at last year’s Oscars. She wore a Roberto Cavalli gown with train and Fred Leighton necklace.

Best Oscar Gowns
16
Halle Berry

Halle Berry is a veteran of the Oscars’ red carpet. At the 2009 Oscars, Halle Berry wore a black and gold tulle Marchesa gown that reaffirmed her status as one of the Oscars’ best dressed stars.

Best Oscar Gowns
17
Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah scores a home run in a navy dutchess satin gown at last year’s Oscars.

Best Oscar Gowns
18
Jada Pinkett Smith

The actress can pull off anything, including this bustier style, body-hugging, copper strapless number by Carolina Herrera she wore on the red carpet back in 2007.

Best Oscar Gowns
19
Viola Davis

Nominee Viola Davis glows in a gold Reem Acra accordion pleat halter gown at last year’s Oscars. A stunning look that befits the special occasion.

Best Oscar Gowns