The 97th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday was the end of an awards season that lost some of its luster because of tragic wildfires and controversies surrounding certain nominated films. But, for the most part, the heaviness in the air did not dim the sparkle of the season’s red carpets — and the custom “Academy Red” rug that stars paraded down at the Oscars was no exception.
The occasion known as Hollywood’s biggest night had stars pulling out all the stops. Some turned heads in brilliant colors: saturated reds and blues, for instance, as well as pastel yellows and pinks. Others shone in metallic finery that shimmered with each step they took. And many who went with understated tuxedos or gowns made them more special with sparkly jewelry.
Of all the fabulous attire, these 21 ensembles took the cake when it came to looks at the Oscars that won’t soon be forgotten.
A piece of fine porcelain came to mind upon seeing the actress in her pale Louis Vuitton dress covered in glassy sequins.
Michelle Yeoh: Most Smurfette!
Though the bright blue color of the actress’s Balenciaga gown recalled the complexion of some forest-dwelling fictional characters, there was nothing cartoonish about it.
Zoe Saldaña: Most Opera Curtain!
The rich oxblood shade and sumptuous folds of the “Emilia Pérez” actress’s tiered Saint Laurent gown recalled the drapery that surrounds many opera stages. Sheer opera gloves finished the look — and furthered its operatic associations.
Timothée Chalamet: Most Kerrygold!
In a creamy yellow Givenchy suit, the “A Complete Unknown” actor looked as smooth as a stick of dairy fat.
Halle Berry: Most Shattered!
It seemed that the actress was willing to risk seven years of bad luck for the opportunity to dazzle viewers in a Christian Siriano gown constructed with mirrored shards.
Doja Cat: Most Catty!
The rapper and singer brought big cat energy in a leopard-print Balmain gown that appeared to be a nod to her stage name.
Ariana Grande: Most Glinda!
The “Wicked” actress capped a season of sparkly pink looks with the most ethereal of them all: a crystal-laden Schiaparelli gown that made it seem as if she were floating down the carpet — not like a witch, but like a fairy.
Colman Domingo: Most Hugh Hefner!
In a red Valentino jacket resembling a dinner robe, it was as if the “Sing Sing” actor had taken a style cue from a certain mansion-dwelling playboy.
Demi Moore: Most Tinseltown!
Thousands of silver sequins on the Armani Privé gown worn by the actress, a star of “The Substance,” gave it the same type of glitter that earned Hollywood one of its most memorable nicknames.
Selena Gomez: Most Dolce Vita!
Sophia Loren, the Italian movie star, was an inspiration for the “Emilia Pérez” actress’s crystal-dotted blush pink Ralph Lauren gown.
Cynthia Erivo: Most Bewitching!
A deep green color gave the actress’s Louis Vuitton gown traces of her “Wicked” character, Elphaba. Its high pointed collar recalled the garb of another witch: Maleficent. (In fact, the actress said the look was a tribute to Hattie McDaniel, the first Black person to win an Oscar.)
Mikey Madison: Most Out of Character!
The actress’s ladylike Dior gown, a replica of a 1956 couture ensemble designed by Christian Dior himself, was the polar opposite of her wardrobe of booty shorts and stripper heels in “Anora.”
Da’Vine Joy Randolph: Most Pulled Together!
A prominent rosette at the front of the actress’s Tamara Ralph ensemble seemed to function as a connective element between its sequined bustier and cascading silky skirt.
Andrew Garfield: Most Groovy!
Sepia-lens sunglasses gave a retro touch to the actor’s chocolaty monochromatic Gucci look.
Lalisa Manobal: Most Unexpected Proportions!
The Blackpink rapper and newly minted “The White Lotus” actress wore a Mark Gong ensemble that took the traditional tuxedo jacket and shirt to new lengths.
Whoopi Goldberg: Most Water Feature!
When the actress and co-host of “The View” stepped onto the carpet in her bluish, iridescent Christian Siriano gown, she almost appeared to be walking in — not on — water.
Meg Ryan: Most ’90s Minimalism!
In a strapless Ashi Studio column dress made of burgundy velvet, the actress harked back to the decade known for grunge, lip liner and “You’ve Got Mail.”
Lena Waithe: Most At Ease!
A sign that someone knows they look good is an air of relaxed confidence, which precisely described the actress’s demeanor when she hit the carpet in her slouchy Louis Vuitton suit.
Jeremy Strong: Most Committed!
The actor, a of “The Apprentice,” is known for intensely committing to his roles. What, then, to make of the fact that his mossy Loro Piana suit at the Oscars was at least the third time that he has worn green to an awards ceremony this season?
Miley Cyrus: Most Eye-Catching!
The singer didn’t necessarily draw attention because of what she was wearing (gloved and sequined McQueen), but because, at first glance, she seemed to be missing her eyebrows.
June Squibb: Most Spring Has Sprung!
Decorating the actress’s heavily-embellished caftan was a garden’s worth of cheerful flowers.
Misty White Sidell and Anthony Rotunno contributed reporting.
