It’s the one 2010’s countdown we have yet to get around to, the Oscars Best Dressed List! Scroll down to reminisce over the best red carpet looks from the last decade and the ceremony’s true winners.
2010: Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Haute Couture
Launching our countdown is this timeless look; a playful, flowy organza princess dress, adorned with a delightful watercolour print and minimal accessories. Lorraine Schwartz diamond chandelier earrings, neutral makeup and high ‘do prove as great styling choices, and all I have to say is that your hair looks sexy pushed back babe.
2011: Michelle Williams in Chanel
the Best Actress nominee was mesmerising in this modern yet romantic piece. The combination of the dress’ pearly hue, Williams’ platinum blonde pixie cut and the minimalistic makeup make her the human embodiment of an angle, and we stan.
2012: Angelina Jolie Atelier Versace
Arguably the best look on the red carpet that night, and undeniably the most iconic; the “Angelina Leg” moment echoed so loud through editorial time and space, it is still referenced hard to this day. For the cultural impact alone, Angie won that year’s carpet.
2013: Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Couture
This dress was so stunningly beautiful, it didn’t even matter it was also responsible for Jennifer Lawrence tripping over it on as she made her way to accept her award for Best Actress. The unique drop-waist silhouette and the strand of 150 Chopard diamond beads necklace draping backwards make for a showstopping fashion moment.
2014: Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé
In a design I can only imagine had been inspired by an actual siren, the Blue Jasmine star looked absolutely mesmerising, like a couture clad version of The Birth of Venus. We love, love, love this look, and don’t believe anyone else could have carried it as elegantly as miss Blanchett.
2015: Emma Stone in Elie Saab
Intricate, vintage-inspired beadwork over close-fitting, high slit dress? Yes, please. This work of art not only is spectacular on its own merit but the colour complimented Stone’s skin tone and hair colour so beautifully it’s like a match made in couture heaven.
2016: Naomi Watts in Armani
Even when she’s not nominated, Watts looks like an absolute winner. This extraordinary deep navy and aubergine gradient dress, embellished with iridescent sequins had an ethereal effect which beat every other look in that night.
2017: Janelle Monáe in Elie Saab
Once again, the princess dress received an interesting modern interpretation. Seemingly stepping out as a villain in a new Disney live-action production, Monáe looked like the dark princess of our dreams. The metallic embroidery adorning the sheer black bodice and the
golden Forevermark choker create a seamless majestic look befitting the musician’s enchanting presence.
2018: Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein by Appointment
In an ultimate combination between girlish and feminine elegance, this sweet, oversised bow emblazoned powder pink dress complimented Ronan’s pale complexion as well as her status as a young 20-something three times Oscars nominee.
2019: Billy Porter in custom Christian Siriano
Sorry to everyone else, but there really was no question as to who won last year’s red carpet. Gender fluidity? Check. Infinite charisma and poise? Check. A truly mind-blowing, elegant and glamorous look? Check, check, check. The tuxedress™ to launch a thousand obscure outfits marked the end of yawn-inducing menswear, and for that alone deserves recognition.
2020: Zazie Beetz in Thom Browne
The only black dress to make this list, I simply love this piece and the excellent styling of this look. The sequins complement the structured shape of the corset and are beautifully juxtaposed to Beetz’s awe-striking natural hair texture. The subtle green hue reflected in the jewellery marks our jealousy from how flawless this lady looked last night.
Words by Maya Avram
Graphics by Séverine Denis-Lessard
