The Oscars Red Carpet is one of the most highly coveted and harshly critiqued fashion nights of the year. Some looks will be put in the vault and remembered for years to come, while others will unfortunately fall flat. I always hope to be surprised with what designer’s can create within the limitations of a classic gown and tuxedo. Within recent years, we are lucky enough to see Actors pushing the envelope, and using the red carpet for their own personal expression. It is exciting to see fashion constantly evolving, and finding a voice behind the advocate of those who wear their clothing. Let’s take a look at what people had to say at the 2020 Oscars red carpet.
Natalie Portman
Dior
Portman’s black and gold Dior column gown and cape ensemble was effortlessly classic on it’s own. But look a little closer at the fine print of the design, and you will find a very big message. Portman had the names of snubbed female directors from the Best Director category embroidered on the lapel of her cape. In a sea of what can sometimes be meaninglessly vapid beauty and fashion, it is refreshing to see an actress using their time on the red carpet to make a statement in support of women in the industry.
Timothy Chalamet
Prada
While Chalamet’s fashion choices might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it must be mentioned that he famously has made a choice to go stylist free. This means that all the bold looks Timothy Chalamet presents to the public are self-styled. His cutting edge fashion might fall flat to most classic critics, but this navy Prada tracksuit ensemble could be an indicator of what is to come in red carpet fashion.
Regina King
Versace
As Regina King floated onto stage to present, I said to myself “now SHE looks like a movie star”. With an ode to Old Hollywood glamour, King’s structural and voluminous pale pink Versace gown fit her like a dream. Regina King’s statement gown paired with effortless hair and makeup just goes to show that you don’t have to be a nominee to bring a showstopping look to the red carpet.
Tom Hanks
Tom Ford
It is impossible to say anything negative about America’s Sweetheart Tom Hanks, and we won’t start now. While most tuxedos get lost on the red carpet, this bespoke Tom Ford creation stands out among the crowd. The clean lines and mixed texture create the perfect balance of classic and modern tailoring. But most importantly that tuxedo is not wearing Tom Hanks, Tom Hanks is wearing the hell out of that tuxedo. A relaxed confidence is the best men’s accessory when it comes to high end dressing.
Janelle Monae
Ralph Lauren
Leave it to Janelle Monae to make a big statement on the red carpet while simultaneously looking painstakingly glamorous and cool. This custom silver hooded Ralph Lauren creation is no exception to her already infamous red carpet style. The Oscars red carpet tends to be filled with safe fashion bets, so it is always a pleasant surprise when someone shows up to stand out.
Charlize Theron
Dior
Charlize made the conscious choice to show up to the Oscars resembling a walking Greek Statue, and women everywhere will hate her for it. Theron’s chiseled features paired with structural Dior gown creates a true image of ethereal beauty. It is time for the country to come together to agree that Charlize Theron is a perfect human being and a national treasure.
Billy Porter
Giles Deacon
With a flair for the dramatics and a keen eye for cutting edge fashion, Billy Porter never fails to disappoint on the red carpet. The unique Giles Deacon creation features a gold-gilded feather chest piece and a billowing ornate skirt paired with platform gold laced boots. While a look such as this would overshadow most actors, Billy can quite frankly wear whatever the fuck he wants.
Scarlett Johansson
Oscar De La Renta
Although she didn’t take home a statue for Best Supporting Actress or Best Actress, Scarlett Johansson showed up looking like a winner. The structured corset with delicate draped beading paired with satin train is as close to perfection as one could hope to achieve. Scarlett is my choice for best dressed of the night!
Mindy Kaling
Dolce & Gabbana
While this look was not at the top of everyone’s list, I had to include this structured mustard Dolce & Gabbana gown as one of my personal favorites. The impeccable fit and perfectly picked color look as though Mindy Kaling was born to wear this dress. Mindy Kaling should wear this shade of marigold every day of her life.
Spike Lee
Gucci
The famous director wore a purple and gold Gucci suit with “2” and “4” patches to honor the recent passing of Kobe Bryant. There is no denying the beautiful statement Lee decided to make through his fashion choices for the night. As the director of a Kobe Bryant documentary, Spike Lee had a long standing relationship with the basketball legend. His choice to honor Kobe Bryant on one of the biggest fashion nights of the year was a truly touching moment on the red carpet.