Oscars 2025: Vote on the best and worst red carpet looks of all time, from Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga, to Zendaya and Cher
Hollywood's biggest night for film is always full of iconic red carpet looks.
It's time for the 2025 Oscars, where Hollywood's biggest celebrities and major names in the film industry will convene to celebrate the greatest cinematic achievements made last year. Between the Los Angeles wildfires, tight races and numerous controversies, it's been a rather eventful awards season. Will all of that shake up who wears what on this year's red carpet?
Last month, the Oscar nominations were postponed twice due to wildfires in the Los Angeles county. It wasn't until Jan. 23 that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement, offering awards season villain Emilia Pérez a nomination lead with 13 nods.
Behind the Spanish-language musical starring Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez is The Brutalist and Wicked, both up for 10 awards each. While the Adrien Brody-led drama and the musical featuring Cynthia Erivo as well as Ariana Grande are big contenders this year, Anora — starring Mikey Madison — appears to be the film to beat.
As plenty of stars prepare for the big night, the red carpet is sure to be an event on its own. Between nominees like Demi Moore, Timothée Chalamet and Colman Domingo, to guest stars including Doja Cat, Halle Berry and Emma Stone, it's one red carpet you won't want to miss.
Ahead of the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 2 from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, we want you to take a look at some of the best and worst Oscars red carpet looks of all time. Then, cast your vote below on which celebrities should win each title.
What did Yahoo readers say about last year's red carpet?
At last year's 96th Academy Awards, stars from films like Barbie, Oppenheimer and Poor Things stepped out in effortlessly glamorous looks on the red carpet. When it came to who was considered best dressed of the evening, voters chose Zendaya as their top pick.
Out of nearly 17,000 votes, around 48 per cent of people said the Dune: Part Two and Challengers actress was the best-dressed star at the event. She was put up against Emma Stone, America Ferrera, Lupita Nyong'o and Michelle Yeoh.
BEST: Zendaya
Zendaya looked gorgeous wearing a one-strap Armani Privé gown featuring gun metal paillettes and an embroidered palm-tree print on pink satin. She paired the look with Bulgari jewelry, including pink drop earrings, a glittering bracelet and a matching ring.
On the other hand, 51 per cent of more than 18,000 votes considered Ariana Grande to be last year's worst-dressed celebrity at the Oscars. The singer, who plays Glinda in Wicked, was put up against Melissa McCarthy, Emily Blunt, Margot Robbie and Cynthia Erivo for the title.
WORST: Ariana Grande
Grande wore a pink bubble-shaped strapless dress from Giambattista Valli Haute Couture that evening. While the colour was stunning, the dramatic cape-like train that overpowered her petite shape. She paired the look with a matching necklace and earring set that showed off pink gemstones.
But were these some of the best and worst looks to ever be seen on an Oscars red carpet? Continue scrolling to see who we think looked the most stunning over the years — along with who should've had second thoughts about their outfits.
BEST: Halle Berry (2002)
If you're at all familiar with the internet, it's likely you've seen the iconic clip of Halle Berry becoming the first woman of colour to win Best Actress for her work in Monster's Ball. Wearing an intricately embroidered Elie Saab gown for the 74th Oscars, Berry looked like a winner before even stepping into the venue.
WORST: Margot Robbie (2020)
Nominated for the Best Supporting Actress award in 2020 for her work in Bombshell, Margot Robbie wore a hybrid of two gowns from the 1994 Chanel Couture runway. However, the unflattering look simply added to the long list of looks that many fans of the Barbie star have deemed "ugly."
BEST: Michelle Yeoh (2019)
If you look up the definition of "elegance," Michelle Yeoh might be the first icon that comes up. But seriously, the Everything Everywhere All at Once star's off-the-shoulder Elie Saab gown for the 91st Oscars shone with beauty.
WORST: Uma Thurman (2004)
Uma Thurman might turn heads anywhere she goes, but for the 76th Oscars, the attention was for all the wrong reasons. The Kill Bill actress has cited wearing this Christian Lacroix design as her "most embarrassing experience."
BEST: Debbie Allen (1982)
Debbie Allen looked timeless at the 54th Oscars. That night, the Fame star wore a glittering gown featuring a thigh-high slit and broad, commanding shoulders.
WORST: Jennifer Hudson (2007)
Jennifer Hudson didn't look her sharpest at the 79th Academy Awards. Still, at least the Dreamgirls star ditched the metallic bolero to let her Oscar de la Renta gown shine after she won Best Supporting Actress that year.
BEST: Timothée Chalamet (2022)
Say what you want about Timothée Chalamet, but the A Complete Unknown actor's shirtless Louis Vuitton look at the 94th Oscars was full-on chic. Not many stars can perfectly rock an embroidered lace tuxedo jacket with lace trim detailing, along with sharply-fitted trousers.
WORST: Timothée Chalamet (2020)
But don't get us wrong: Chalamet has had his fair share of red carpet misses. For the 92nd Oscars, the Dune: Part Two star stepped out wearing a navy blue Prada getup that could either pass as a paramedic's uniform or a costume for the live-action version of Paw Patrol.
BEST: Fan Bingbing (2023)
At the 95th Oscars, Fan Bingbing was one star who looked absolutely jaw dropping. The Chinese actress, who starred in Hong Kong film Green Night, looked like a princess in a Tony Ward halter dress and green cape with oversized sleeves and a train.
WORST: Björk (2001)
Björk's "swan dress," crafted by Marjan Pejoski, is probably the most iconic look ever seen at an Oscars red carpet, but not in a good way. While walking at the 73rd ceremony, the Icelandic singer even stopped several times to "lay eggs" in front of bewildered spectators. Still, the artist leaned into the criticism, noting that her look was a joke intended to "take the piss" out of the event.
BEST: Emma Stone (2024)
Emma Stone was perfectly regal at the 96th Oscars, where she ultimately won Best Actress for her work in Poor Things. She worked with Nicolas Ghesquière's team at Louis Vuitton to come up with the strapless mint-coloured column gown. It featured structured peplum detail and a subtle shell print, and the whole look was paired with a 30.47-carat golden Sri Lankan sapphire and diamond necklace.
WORST: Lady Gaga (2015)
We definitely love a major fashion moment by Lady Gaga, but her look for the 87th Oscars did not serve glamour. With a gown created by Paris-based designer Azzedine Alaia, the Joker: Folie à Deux actress was the subject of countless memes thanks to huge red gloves that look like she just finished a shift at her dishwashing gig.
BEST: Marilyn Monroe (1951)
Marilyn Monroe might've only attended the Oscars once in 1951 as a presenter, but the icon looked chic that year as she chose a sultry gown by costumer Charles LeMaire.
WORST: Michelle Williams (2017)
Michelle Williams is no doubt an icon, but her 89th Oscars red carpet screams the opposite of stardom. Styled by Kate Young, the Louis Vuitton outfit makes the Fabelmans actress look like she ditched the beach, covering her plunging black swimsuit with the best piece of fabric she could find.
BEST: Angela Bassett (2019)
Add this stunning look to whatever makes the list of "Angela Bassett did the thing." The Black Panther actress stepped onto the 91st Oscars red carpet rocking a vibrant, one-shouldered fuchsia gown created by Reem Acra.
WORST: Halle Berry (2021)
Likened to Edna Mode from The Incredibles and Johnny Depp in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Halle Berry bore the brunt of many jokes at the 93rd Oscars. While the Never Let Go star's fresh haircut was the worst part of her look, the mauve strapless Dolce & Gabbana gown was just as messy.
BEST: Carey Mulligan (2023)
Carey Mulligan's look for the 96th Oscars fit her like a glove. The Maestro actress wore a stunning black and white mermaid gown that was a recreation of a 1951 Balenciaga dress. The piece featured a scalloped hem over white tulle, and she accessorized with elbow-length black gloves and.Fred Leighton diamond earrings.
WORST: Jamie Lee Curtis (2004)
Jamie Lee Curtis might be "Hollywood royalty," but the Last Showgirl actress is also the queen of looking like a Sim on the red carpet. Her strapless blue gown for the 76th Oscars, designed by Monique L'Huillier, is all the proof that's needed.
BEST: America Ferrera (2024)
Up for the Best Supporting Actress award at the 96th Oscars for her work in Barbie, America Ferrera channelled a bit of the titular character for her red carpet look that year. She wore a shimmering Atelier Versace, accessorizing with a diamond and ruby choker necklace.
WORST: Whoopi Goldberg (1993)
Playing with camp can sometimes be fun when it comes to red carpet fashion, but Whoopi Goldberg's green and purple look for the 1993 Oscars landed her on many worst-dressed lists the following morning. Sadly, it's one that kept The Color Purple star from dressing up for "a very long time," according to Vanity Fair.
BEST: Lily James (2022)
Lily James perfectly blended Versace's sexiness with the softness of a princess at the 94th Academy Awards. On the red carpet, the Relay star stunned wearing a baby pink flowing gown embroidered with glittering floral embellishments.
WORST: Melissa McCarthy (2024)
Melissa McCarthy tried making a red and pink colour combination work at the 96th Oscars, but her Christian Siriano gown didn't do her any justice at the event. The Unfrosted actress was covered up for the evening in the long-sleeve gown and long cape, pairing the look with silver jewelry.
BEST: Angelina Jolie (2004)
When you think of regal beauty, how can you not think of Angelina Jolie? For the 76th Oscars, the Maria actress looked angelic wearing a satin white gown designed by Marc Bouwer.
WORST: Gwyneth Paltrow (2002)
You can't blame us: Gwyneth Paltrow herself admitted the Alexander McQueen gown she wore for the 74th Oscars was a wrong move. Writing on her website Goop in 2017, the Iron Man actress shared the "goth" look had "a few issues."
BEST: Ariana DeBose (2022)
Ariana DeBose encapsulated her entire energy into one look for the 94th Oscars. The Love Hurts actress rocked a "punchy" red Valentino outfit at the event that made her beam with confidence.
WORST: Cher (1986)
Cher's revealing Bob Mackie outfit for the 58th Oscars was a bit too sharp — in all the wrong ways. The singer and actress tried channelling her inner showgirl, but the all-black look skewed too far into porcupine region.
BEST: Tems (2023)
Oscar-nominated singer Tems looked like an angelic cloud in a white Lever Couture gown at the 2023 ceremony. However, the Nigerian artist had went viral for the wrong reasons, with many people calling out the gorgeous look as "view obstructing."
WORST: Barbra Streisand (1969)
Barbra Streisand might've won her Oscar for Funny Girl in 1969, but the event didn't come without a wardrobe malfunction that reportedly leaves the actress "still horrified."
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