As the culmination to award season, the Oscars mark the final opportunity for celebrities and their stylists to deliver an impact on the red carpet. What's more, the nominated actors may use their outfits to bring the character they played full circle, as an ode to their recognized role. Throughout history, these specific Oscars looks have become iconic, whether it's because they defined a culturally relevant moment, were marked by a win and accessorized with a golden statue, or were reinterpreted later on by a younger Hollywood star.
Jennifer Lawrence tripped up the stage in her strapless Dior Couture ballgown to accept best actress for "Silver Linings Playbook" in 2013, with her delicate Chopard necklace draped down her back. The "backward" jewelry kick-started a trend all on its own as she was photographed bent over, with her train sweeping gracefully across the stairs. Angelina Jolie made the most of a leg slit one year prior, playing up the detail on her black velvet Versace gown from several different angles. The thigh-high split is now essentially named after the star, with many fashion reporters referring to the style move as "pulling an Angelina Jolie." And in 2022, Zendaya's cropped Valentino Haute Couture shirt and floor-grazing sequined skirt were a playful take on the memorable ensemble Sharon Stone wore in 1988, when she tucked her husband's Gap button-down into a satin Vera Wang design.
Of course, the world-renowned Academy Awards fashion doesn't stop there. From Gwyneth Paltrow's pink Ralph Lauren confection in 1999 to her ivory Tom Ford cape in 2012; from Lupita Nyong'o's plunging, powder-blue Prada number in 2014 to her Calvin Klein Collection pearl column sheath in 2015; and from Janelle Monáe's entirely sheer Elie Saab design in 2017 to her Ralph Lauren glitter hood in 2020, look back on the Oscars statements that deserve awards all on their own.
Moreno wore this shimmery gown in 1962 when she won the award for best supporting actress for her role as Anita in "West Side Story," then she wore it again at the Oscars in 2018!
5 / 70
Best Oscars Dresses: Faye Dunaway at the 1968 Oscars
Sorvino stunned in this strapless Armani gown at the Oscars in 1996.
15 / 70
Best Oscars Dresses: Nicole Kidman at the 1997 Oscars
Image Source: Getty / WireImage
Celebs wearing couture on the red carpet wasn't a new concept in 1997, but this dress looked so good on Kidman that it will go down in history as one of the best looks at the Oscars.
16 / 70
Best Oscars Dresses: Sharon Stone at the 1998 Oscars
Stone stunned fashion observers everywhere when she tucked one of her husband's white Gap shirts into a ball skirt by Vera Wang, setting the stage for the very look Zendaya impressed in when she arrived at the ceremony in 2022.
17 / 70
Best Oscars Dresses: Gwyneth Paltrow at the 1999 Oscars
Berry wore an Elie Saab gown with a sheer bodice and a full skirt to the awards in 2002, where she became the first Black woman to win an Oscar for best actress in a leading role.
23 / 70
Best Oscars Dresses: Kate Hudson at the 2003 Oscars
Lawrence's pale, textured Dior Couture gown made her look regal. Despite her memorable fall before accepting her award, the dress will go down in history.
43 / 70
Best Oscars Dresses: Kerry Washington at the 2013 Oscars
Zendaya wore a custom Maison Valentino dress that was glow-in-the-dark to the 2021 ceremony. The look was finished with more than 183 carats of Bulgari diamonds, valued at more than $6 million, along with Jimmy Choo heels.
This custom Valentino Couture two-piece consisted of a bandeau and voluminous ballroom skirt swathed in sequins and played up by Sophia Webster shoes and Cartier jewels.