• 1968: Faye Dunaway arrives at the 1968 Oscars in a black feathered gown. Bettmann
    1968: Faye Dunaway arrives at the 1968 Oscars in a black feathered gown. Bettmann
  • 1975: Audrey Hepburn pictured in a beaded gold Givenchy gown at the 1975 Oscars. Getty Images
    1975: Audrey Hepburn pictured in a beaded gold Givenchy gown at the 1975 Oscars. Getty Images
  • 1982: Debbie Allen performs at the 1982 Oscars in a high-necked sequin gown featuring classic eighties power shoulders. Getty Images
    1982: Debbie Allen performs at the 1982 Oscars in a high-necked sequin gown featuring classic eighties power shoulders. Getty Images
  • 1988: Audrey Hepburn mixes monochrome spots and stripes for the 1988 Oscars. Getty Images
    1988: Audrey Hepburn mixes monochrome spots and stripes for the 1988 Oscars. Getty Images
  • 1993: Marisa Tomei stands with her best supporting actress award for 'My Cousin Vinny' in Chanel at the 1993 Oscars. Liaison
    1993: Marisa Tomei stands with her best supporting actress award for 'My Cousin Vinny' in Chanel at the 1993 Oscars. Liaison
  • 2000: Charlize Theron arrives at the 72nd Annual Academy Awards in a coral backless gown by Vera Wang. FSP/HB
    2000: Charlize Theron arrives at the 72nd Annual Academy Awards in a coral backless gown by Vera Wang. FSP/HB
  • 2002: Berry poses made history as the first black woman to win the Oscar for her role in the film 'Monster's Ball'. She collected her gong in a sheer mesh floral gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab. Reuters
    2002: Berry poses made history as the first black woman to win the Oscar for her role in the film 'Monster's Ball'. She collected her gong in a sheer mesh floral gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab. Reuters
  • 2003: Kate Hudson wears Versace as she arrives for the 75th Annual Academy Awards with then-husband Chris Robinson. Reuters
    2003: Kate Hudson wears Versace as she arrives for the 75th Annual Academy Awards with then-husband Chris Robinson. Reuters
  • 2004: Renee Zellweger wears an ivory strapless gown by Carolina Herrera for the 76th annual Academy Awards, featuring an intricate bowed back. Reuters
    2004: Renee Zellweger wears an ivory strapless gown by Carolina Herrera for the 76th annual Academy Awards, featuring an intricate bowed back. Reuters
  • 2005: Hilary Swank's navy backless Guy Laroche gown at the 77th Academy Awards. AFP
    2005: Hilary Swank's navy backless Guy Laroche gown at the 77th Academy Awards. AFP
  • 2006: Michelle Williams stunned in a saffron ruffled gown by Vera Wang at the 78th Annual Academy Awards. Getty Images
    2006: Michelle Williams stunned in a saffron ruffled gown by Vera Wang at the 78th Annual Academy Awards. Getty Images
  • 2007: Nicole Kidman opts for a classic red gown by Balenciaga for the 79th Annual Academy Awards. Getty Images
    2007: Nicole Kidman opts for a classic red gown by Balenciaga for the 79th Annual Academy Awards. Getty Images
  • 2007: Gwyneth Paltrow wears a form-fitting rust Zac Posen gown for the 79th Annual Academy Awards . Getty Images
    2007: Gwyneth Paltrow wears a form-fitting rust Zac Posen gown for the 79th Annual Academy Awards . Getty Images
  • 2007: Penelope Cruz wears a blush Versace strapless gown for the 2007 Oscars. Getty Images
    2007: Penelope Cruz wears a blush Versace strapless gown for the 2007 Oscars. Getty Images
  • 2008: Marion Cotillard wears Jean Paul Gaultier for the 80th Annual Academy Awards. Getty Images
    2008: Marion Cotillard wears Jean Paul Gaultier for the 80th Annual Academy Awards. Getty Images
  • 2009: Anne Hathaway arrives at the 81st Academy Awards in a strapless Armani gown. AFP
    2009: Anne Hathaway arrives at the 81st Academy Awards in a strapless Armani gown. AFP
  • 2011: Mila Kunis opted for a pretty lilac gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab for the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. AFP
    2011: Mila Kunis opted for a pretty lilac gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab for the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. AFP
  • 2011: Cate Blanchett arrives at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards in Givenchy. AFP
    2011: Cate Blanchett arrives at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards in Givenchy. AFP
  • 2012: Angelina Jolie created a historic Oscars fashion moment with her thigh-slit velvet Atelier Versace gown. AFP
    2012: Angelina Jolie created a historic Oscars fashion moment with her thigh-slit velvet Atelier Versace gown. AFP
  • 2012: Emma Stone makes her Oscars debut in a high neck red gown by Giambattista Valli. AFP
    2012: Emma Stone makes her Oscars debut in a high neck red gown by Giambattista Valli. AFP
  • 2013: Gwyneth Paltrow's caped Tom Ford gown stole the show at the 84th Annual Academy Awards. AFP
    2013: Gwyneth Paltrow's caped Tom Ford gown stole the show at the 84th Annual Academy Awards. AFP
  • 2014: Lupita Nyong'o stuns in a powder blue Prada gown at the 2014 Oscars, where she won best supporting actress for '12 Years a Slave'. AFP
    2014: Lupita Nyong'o stuns in a powder blue Prada gown at the 2014 Oscars, where she won best supporting actress for '12 Years a Slave'. AFP
  • 2014: Jenna Dewan wears Reem Acra for the 86th Academy Awards. AFP
    2014: Jenna Dewan wears Reem Acra for the 86th Academy Awards. AFP
  • 2015: Zendaya makes her Oscars debut in an ivory off-the-shoulder gown by Vivienne Westwood. AFP
    2015: Zendaya makes her Oscars debut in an ivory off-the-shoulder gown by Vivienne Westwood. AFP
  • 2015: Lady Gaga wears three custom-made pieces by Tunsian designer Azzedine Alaia at the 87th Academy Award. Reuters
    2015: Lady Gaga wears three custom-made pieces by Tunsian designer Azzedine Alaia at the 87th Academy Award. Reuters
  • 2015: Emma Stone arrives at the Oscars in Elie Saab. AP
    2015: Emma Stone arrives at the Oscars in Elie Saab. AP
  • 2015: Rosamund Pike wears Givenchy Haute Couture for the 87th Academy Awards. Reuters
    2015: Rosamund Pike wears Givenchy Haute Couture for the 87th Academy Awards. Reuters
  • 2015: Reese Witherspoon keeps things classic in a monochrome Tom Ford gown at the 87th Annual Academy Awards. AFP
    2015: Reese Witherspoon keeps things classic in a monochrome Tom Ford gown at the 87th Annual Academy Awards. AFP
  • 2016: Rooney Mara attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards in Givenchy Haute Couture. AFP
    2016: Rooney Mara attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards in Givenchy Haute Couture. AFP
  • 2016: Priyanka Chopra in Zuhair Murad at the 88th Annual Academy Awards. AFP
    2016: Priyanka Chopra in Zuhair Murad at the 88th Annual Academy Awards. AFP
  • 2016: Cate Blanchett's stunningly intricate Armani Prive gown was a hit at the 88th Annual Academy Awards. AFP
    2016: Cate Blanchett's stunningly intricate Armani Prive gown was a hit at the 88th Annual Academy Awards. AFP
  • 2018: Gina Rodriguez wears Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad for the 90th Annual Academy Awards. AFP
    2018: Gina Rodriguez wears Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad for the 90th Annual Academy Awards. AFP
  • 2018: Zendaya's chiffon one shoulder Giambattista Valli gown was a hit at the 90th Annual Academy Awards in 2018. AFP
    2018: Zendaya's chiffon one shoulder Giambattista Valli gown was a hit at the 90th Annual Academy Awards in 2018. AFP
  • 2019: Lady Gaga chanelled her inner Audrey Hepburn with this black strapless Alexander McQueen gown and matching over-the-elbow gloves. AFP
    2019: Lady Gaga chanelled her inner Audrey Hepburn with this black strapless Alexander McQueen gown and matching over-the-elbow gloves. AFP
  • 2019: Linda Cardellini wows in a pink ruffled gown by Schiaparelli Couture as she attends the 91st Annual Academy Awards . AFP
    2019: Linda Cardellini wows in a pink ruffled gown by Schiaparelli Couture as she attends the 91st Annual Academy Awards . AFP
  • 2019: Emma Stone went for a statement shoulder Louis Vuitton snake print dress for the 91st Annual Academy Awards. AFP
    2019: Emma Stone went for a statement shoulder Louis Vuitton snake print dress for the 91st Annual Academy Awards. AFP
  • 2019: Gemma Chan wears Valentino Haute Couture for the 91st Annual Academy Awards. AFP
    2019: Gemma Chan wears Valentino Haute Couture for the 91st Annual Academy Awards. AFP
  • Natalie Portman arrives for the 92nd annual Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, US, February 9, 2020. Portman wore a custom cape by Dior embroidered with the names of all the female directors who weren't nominated in 2020. EPA-EFE
    Natalie Portman arrives for the 92nd annual Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, US, February 9, 2020. Portman wore a custom cape by Dior embroidered with the names of all the female directors who weren't nominated in 2020. EPA-EFE
  • Janelle Monae, in Ralph Lauren, arrives for the 92nd annual Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, US, February 9, 2020. EPA-EFE
    Janelle Monae, in Ralph Lauren, arrives for the 92nd annual Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, US, February 9, 2020. EPA-EFE
  • Egyptian superstar Youssra looked regal in Zuhair Murad for the 92nd annual Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre. EPA-EFE
    Egyptian superstar Youssra looked regal in Zuhair Murad for the 92nd annual Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre. EPA-EFE
  • Amanda Seyfried in a plunging red Armani gown at the 93rd annual Academy Awards ceremony at Union Station in Los Angeles, California, USA, 25 April 2021. EPA-EFE
    Amanda Seyfried in a plunging red Armani gown at the 93rd annual Academy Awards ceremony at Union Station in Los Angeles, California, USA, 25 April 2021. EPA-EFE
  • Zendaya’s custom fluorescent yellow silk-chiffon Valentino for the 93rd annual Academy Awards ceremony at Union Station in Los Angeles, California. EPA-EFE
    Zendaya’s custom fluorescent yellow silk-chiffon Valentino for the 93rd annual Academy Awards ceremony at Union Station in Los Angeles, California. EPA-EFE
  • Carey Mulligan in a gown from Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Valentino Haute Couture spring 2021 collection arrives for the 93rd annual Academy Awards ceremony at Union Station in Los Angeles, California. EPA-EFE
    Carey Mulligan in a gown from Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Valentino Haute Couture spring 2021 collection arrives for the 93rd annual Academy Awards ceremony at Union Station in Los Angeles, California. EPA-EFE

43 of the best Oscars dresses of all time


Sophie Prideaux
  • English
  • Arabic

When it comes to red-carpet events, it doesn’t get more glamorous than the Oscars.

Taking place each year in Los Angeles, the Academy Awards bring together Hollywood’s finest to celebrate the best of the big screen.

Some of the most memorable fashion moments of all time have happened in the award ceremony’s 92-year history, from Angelina Jolie’s right leg to Halle Berry becoming the first black woman to win a best actress award, in a stunning sheer Elie Saab mesh dress.

The Oscars red carpet has also been a great showcase for Arab designers over the years, from the strapless, sheer Zuhair Murad gown worn by Priyanka Chopra to the 2006 ceremony to the sparkly Azzedine Alaia dress Lady Gaga paired with red gloves in 2015.

Scroll through our gallery above for some of the most memorable Oscars dresses of all time.

The 2022 awards will wrap up a busy awards season. Netflix’s The Power of the Dog leads with 12 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress and Actor. The film’s director, Jane Campion, is now the first woman to receive two Best Director nominations – the other was for 1993’s The Piano.

Dune, which was partly shot in Abu Dhabi, also has a strong showing, with 10 nods including Best Picture, Cinematography and Adapted Screenplay.

Scroll through the gallery below to see the Oscars 2022 nominees:

  • From left, Judi Dench, Jude Hill and Ciaran Hinds in a scene from 'Belfast', which is up for seven awards. AP
    From left, Judi Dench, Jude Hill and Ciaran Hinds in a scene from 'Belfast', which is up for seven awards. AP
  • Troy Kotsur, left, and Marlee Matlin in a scene from 'Coda', which is a favourite to win Best Picture. Netflix via AP
    Troy Kotsur, left, and Marlee Matlin in a scene from 'Coda', which is a favourite to win Best Picture. Netflix via AP
  • Meryl Streep as President Janie Orlean in a scene from 'Don't Look Up', which is up for four awards, including Best Picture. Apple TV+ AP
    Meryl Streep as President Janie Orlean in a scene from 'Don't Look Up', which is up for four awards, including Best Picture. Apple TV+ AP
  • Hidetoshi Nishijima, left, and Toko Miura in a scene from 'Drive My Car', which is nominated for four awards. Janus Films and Sideshow via AP
    Hidetoshi Nishijima, left, and Toko Miura in a scene from 'Drive My Car', which is nominated for four awards. Janus Films and Sideshow via AP
  • Timothee Chalamet, left, and Rebecca Ferguson in a scene from 'Dune', which was partly shot in Abu Dhabi, and has 10 nods including in Best Picture, Cinematography and Adapted Screenplay. Warner Bros Pictures via AP
    Timothee Chalamet, left, and Rebecca Ferguson in a scene from 'Dune', which was partly shot in Abu Dhabi, and has 10 nods including in Best Picture, Cinematography and Adapted Screenplay. Warner Bros Pictures via AP
  • Will Smith in a scene from 'King Richard', which is up for six awards, including Best Actor in a Leading Role for Smith. Warner Bros. Pictures via AP
    Will Smith in a scene from 'King Richard', which is up for six awards, including Best Actor in a Leading Role for Smith. Warner Bros. Pictures via AP
  • Cooper Hoffman in a scene from 'Licorice Pizza', which has three nominations. MGM via AP
    Cooper Hoffman in a scene from 'Licorice Pizza', which has three nominations. MGM via AP
  • Cate Blanchett in a scene from 'Nightmare Alley', which is up for four awards. Searchlight Pictures via AP
    Cate Blanchett in a scene from 'Nightmare Alley', which is up for four awards. Searchlight Pictures via AP
  • Netflix's 'The Power of the Dog' leads with 12 nominations including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress and Actor. Netflix via AP
    Netflix's 'The Power of the Dog' leads with 12 nominations including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress and Actor. Netflix via AP
  • A scene from 'West Side Story', nominated for seven awards. 20th Century Studios via AP
    A scene from 'West Side Story', nominated for seven awards. 20th Century Studios via AP
  • Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball, left, and Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz in a scene from 'Being the Ricardos', which is up for three awards. Amazon via AP
    Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball, left, and Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz in a scene from 'Being the Ricardos', which is up for three awards. Amazon via AP
  • Andrew Garfield in a scene from 'Tick, Tick... Boom!', up for two awards. Netflix via AP
    Andrew Garfield in a scene from 'Tick, Tick... Boom!', up for two awards. Netflix via AP
  • Denzel Washington in a scene from 'The Tragedy of Macbeth', which is up for three awards, including Best Actor for Washington. A24 via AP
    Denzel Washington in a scene from 'The Tragedy of Macbeth', which is up for three awards, including Best Actor for Washington. A24 via AP
  • Kristen Stewart in a scene from 'Spencer', which is up for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Stewart's performance as Princess Diana. Neon via AP
    Kristen Stewart in a scene from 'Spencer', which is up for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Stewart's performance as Princess Diana. Neon via AP
  • Milena Smit, left, and Penelope Cruz in a scene from 'Parallel Mothers', which is up for two awards. Sony Pictures Classics via AP
    Milena Smit, left, and Penelope Cruz in a scene from 'Parallel Mothers', which is up for two awards. Sony Pictures Classics via AP
  • Jessica Chastain as Tammy Faye Bakker in a scene from 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye', which is up for two awards. Searchlight Pictures via AP
    Jessica Chastain as Tammy Faye Bakker in a scene from 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye', which is up for two awards. Searchlight Pictures via AP
  • Olivia Colman in a scene from 'The Lost Daughter', which is up for three awards. Netflix via AP
    Olivia Colman in a scene from 'The Lost Daughter', which is up for three awards. Netflix via AP
  • Renate Reinsve, left, and Anders Danielsen Lie in a scene from 'The Worst Person in the World', which is up for two awards. Neon via AP
    Renate Reinsve, left, and Anders Danielsen Lie in a scene from 'The Worst Person in the World', which is up for two awards. Neon via AP
  • Mirabel, voiced by Stephanie Beatriz, in a scene from the animated film 'Encanto', which is up for three awards. Disney via AP
    Mirabel, voiced by Stephanie Beatriz, in a scene from the animated film 'Encanto', which is up for three awards. Disney via AP
  • A scene from 'The Mitchells vs the Machines', which is up for Best Animated Feature Film. Sony Pictures Animation via AP
    A scene from 'The Mitchells vs the Machines', which is up for Best Animated Feature Film. Sony Pictures Animation via AP
  • Amin, voiced by Daniel Karimyar, in a scene from 'Flee', which is up for three awards. Neon via AP
    Amin, voiced by Daniel Karimyar, in a scene from 'Flee', which is up for three awards. Neon via AP
  • Alberto, left, voiced by Jack Dylan Grazer, and Luca, voiced by Jacob Tremblay, in a scene from 'Luca', which is up for Best Animated Feature Film. Disney via AP
    Alberto, left, voiced by Jack Dylan Grazer, and Luca, voiced by Jacob Tremblay, in a scene from 'Luca', which is up for Best Animated Feature Film. Disney via AP
  • Raya, left, voiced by Kelly Marie Tran, with Sisu the dragon in a scene from 'Raya and the Last Dragon', which is up for Best Animated Feature Film. Disney+ via AP
    Raya, left, voiced by Kelly Marie Tran, with Sisu the dragon in a scene from 'Raya and the Last Dragon', which is up for Best Animated Feature Film. Disney+ via AP
  • A scene from 'Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom', which is nominated for Best International Feature Film. Samuel Goldwyn Films via AP
    A scene from 'Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom', which is nominated for Best International Feature Film. Samuel Goldwyn Films via AP
  • Filippo Scotti in a scene from 'The Hand of God', which is nominated for Best International Feature Film. Netflix via AP
    Filippo Scotti in a scene from 'The Hand of God', which is nominated for Best International Feature Film. Netflix via AP
  • Emma Stone and Joel Fry in a scene from 'Cruella'. It's up for two awards, including Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Disney via AP
    Emma Stone and Joel Fry in a scene from 'Cruella'. It's up for two awards, including Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Disney via AP
  • Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani in a scene from 'House of Gucci', which is up for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. MGM via AP
    Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani in a scene from 'House of Gucci', which is up for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. MGM via AP
  • Eddie Murphy, left, and Shari Headley in a scene from 'Coming 2 America', which is nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Paramount Pictures via AP
    Eddie Murphy, left, and Shari Headley in a scene from 'Coming 2 America', which is nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Paramount Pictures via AP
  • Ryan Reynolds as Guy in a scene from 'Free Guy', which is up for Best Visual Effects. Disney-Twentieth Century Fox via AP
    Ryan Reynolds as Guy in a scene from 'Free Guy', which is up for Best Visual Effects. Disney-Twentieth Century Fox via AP
  • Daniel Craig in a scene from 'No Time To Die', nominated for Best Visual Effects. Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures via AP
    Daniel Craig in a scene from 'No Time To Die', nominated for Best Visual Effects. Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures via AP
  • Tony Leung, left, and Fala Chen in a scene from 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings', nominated for Best Visual Effects. Marvel Studios via AP
    Tony Leung, left, and Fala Chen in a scene from 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings', nominated for Best Visual Effects. Marvel Studios via AP
  • A scene from 'Spider-Man: No Way Home', nominated for Best Visual Effects. Columbia-Sony Pictures via AP
    A scene from 'Spider-Man: No Way Home', nominated for Best Visual Effects. Columbia-Sony Pictures via AP

The Oscars will take place on March 27 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and will be broadcast in the US at 8pm Eastern Standard Time.

ABC is the home of the Oscars in the US. For those in the UK, the ceremony will begin at 1am on Monday, March 28, and will be be shown on Sky Cinema.

In the UAE, the ceremony will begin at 4am on Monday, March 28. OSN is the official broadcaster in the Middle East, and will stream the Oscars on its new OSN+ service, which recently replaced the OSN Streaming app.

A version of this story was first published in February 2020