The best Oscars red carpet fashion, according to ‘RUSSH’ editors

The Oscars are more than just a celebration of film; its where Hollywoods brightest stars make their most glamorous sartorial statements. Over the years, the Academy Awards red carpet has been the backdrop to some of the most iconic fashion moments in history, giving rise to looks that will live on in our collective memory for decades to come. From show-stopping gowns to cutting-edge suits, these unforgettable looks have transcended time, living on as some of the most iconic fashion moments at the Oscars to date.

And so, with another Oscars just around the corner (March 3, at 11am AEDT, to be exact), there’s no better time to sort through the archives and pay tribute to the looks we love most. Below, the RUSSH team are sharing their favourite Oscars red carpet looks of all time.

Jess Blanch

Editor in Chief 

At the 1989 Oscars, Martha Plimpton wore a champagne silk vintage dress from the 30s that was purchased the day of the event with River Phoenix as the very best accessory ever by her side.

Then there was Chloe Sevigny in 2000 where she was nominated for Boys Dont Cry, wearing a floor sweeping black gown by Alber Elbaz for Saint Laurent showing the world how to do LBD in the coolest of ways.

Mia Steiber

Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher

This is hard! I have a few that definitely make my top 10. Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive when she won her best actress Oscar in 2014, Charlize Theron in Gucci when she won her best actress Oscar in 2004, Penelope Cruz in that pink feathered Versace number in 2007 and Amy Adams in that show-stopping green strapless Proenza Schouler dress from 2008.

But if you’re going to force me to pick, I have to say Halle Berry in the sheer Elie Saab. I was 11 or 12 at the time, and I remember seeing her in that dress and thinking she was the most beautiful person I’d ever seen. It was the moment that started my love of Award Season fashion.

Alys Hale

Music Editor and Creative Producer

It would be very obvious for me as the Music Editor to pick Björk’s iconic swan dress, which of course I love, but there is something so effortlessly chic about Anjelica Huston’s Halston number from back in 1976. She’s wore it with an amethyst necklace and her mother’s Balencia bag that she sewed sea shells onto. Huston’s beauty is supported by her individual and understated look. Basically, she’s just really, really cool. 

Hannah Cooper

Executive Fashion Director

Celine Dion in the backwards Christian Dior by John Galliano suit in 1999. Flawless. She doesn’t care what anyone else thinks and it shows. The hat, the sunglasses, that incredible back. Girl knew how to pose in it, too. 

Samantha Corry

Assistant to Editor in Chief

My favourite overall look has got to be Emma Stone at the 2024 Oscars wearing a mint Louis Vuitton dress. The corset gave her the most perfect sculpted mermaid silhouette, accentuated by the peplum waistline. She finished the look with a vibrant canary yellow sapphire necklace. 

I also loved Uma Thurman in a 1995 Prada lavender dress. That moment really propelled the Prada house to be more known in America.

But if I had to pick purely on a dress, it would be the champagne Marc Bouwer Dress, that now both Angelina Jolie and Sydney Sweeney have worn. It’s quintessential old Hollywood glamour, created to pay homage to Marilyn Monroe, and I just think it is the perfect example of a dress that exudes so much beauty without being over the top.

Cassandra Dimitroff

Features and Production Editor

I think for me it’s a tie between Winona Ryder’s 1994 vintage 50s Edward Sebesta and 1996 Badgley Mishka dresses – both were ethereal on her. I think it was also Badgley Mishka’s first red carpet dress. Slinky, sparkly, 20s flapper-esque. And her pixie cut was so perfect for them both. 

Elyssa Kostopoulos 

Content Director & Watch Editor

I’ll never forget the moment I saw Marion Cotillard in that Jean Paul Gaultier seashell-esque dress. I have to admit, I’m not typically one to fawn over a mermaid tail, but this look was crafted with such precision, it makes it easy to overlook. 

The dress was modeled off look 38 in the designer’s Spring 2008 haute couture collection, but the pair chose to reimagine the dress from its original bronze hue to this elegant, creamy shade. One of my favourite design features is the textural play between the beading and 3D elements that are placed so subtly on different parts of the bodice. The Hollywood waves makes the look so 2008, which I secretly (or not so secretly) love. 

This was the year that Cotillard won Best Actress for her portrayal of Edith Piaf in La Vie en Rose, and I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect look for the moment.

Kirsty Thatcher

Digital Editor

Not so deep in the archives, I’ll always love the polka dot Dior Couture look Jennifer Lawrence wore in 2024. From the necklace to the glam, she’s the picture of understated elegance. I also love that this look could feel just as current on the red carpet in just about any decade. No notes.