The Oscars are undoubtedly one of the biggest occasions in Hollywood's calendar, celebrating the very best silver screen stars and movie moguls. As per usual the Academy Awards is an extravagantly opulent night, with a-listers going all out on their red carpet ensembles, some going down in the fashion history books for the foreseeable future.
This year marks the 96th Academy Awards and will see notable names like Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Florence Pugh and Jennifer Lopez all under one roof for a night of undisputed glamour.
Known for debuting some of the world's most notable garments, we’re readily awaiting to see what our favourite stars are about don on the 2024 red carpet. As we wait in anticipation for this year's event, we take a look back at some of the best ensembles that have ever taken to the Oscars red carpet. From Gwyneth Paltrow's unforgettable baby pink Ralph Lauren dress to Zendaya’s show-stopping fluorescent yellow cut-out gown, here are just a few of our favourites...
The Most Iconic Oscars Dresses of All Time:
© Kevin MazurMargot Robbie, 2024
In 2024, Margot swapped out her usual Barbie pink red carpet ensemble for a fitted Versace FW24 RTW gown with a hip ruching accent. She opted for vintage Fred Leighton jewellery in the form of a diamond and gold twist cuff and a chunky ring.
© John ShearerJennifer Lawrence, 2024
JLaw chose a brave black and white polka dot gown for the 2024 event. The star paired her strapless custom Christian Dior Haute Couture dress with glistening Swarovski jewellery.
© Mike CoppolaEmily Blunt, 2024
Emily Blunt stepped out in a fully sequined cream gown from Schiaparelli's SS24 couture collection, she paired her look with a lavish stack of Tiffany & Co. platinum and diamond necklaces.
© Arturo HolmesFlorence Pugh, 2023
Florence Pugh made waves on the red carpet in her black mini dress and voluminous cape look at last year's Oscars.
© Arturo HolmesCara Delevingne, 2023
Cara Delevingne stunned in the most opulent one-shoulder red gown with a high thigh slit at last year's awards.
© Mike CoppolaRihanna, 2023
A pregnant Rihanna showed off her baby bump in a chocolate brown leather ensemble and sheer bodysuit.
© Mike CoppolaMaggie Gyllenhaal, 2022
Maggie Gyllenhaal stunned in the most decadent structured off-the-shoulder black Schiaparelli for the 94th Annual Academy Awards.
© Mike CoppolaZoë Kravitz, 2022
Zoë Kravitz attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards in a baby pink bow detailed one-shoulder gown and diamond choker necklace.
© PoolZendaya, 2021
Zendaya stole the red carpet in a vibrant yellow cut-out gown and a stack of decadent diamond necklaces back in 2021.
© Jeff KravitzPenélope Cruz, 2020
Penélope Cruz kept things classic in a black gown with a pearl belt and white floral bust accent for the 2020 awards.
© Steve GranitzJennifer Lopez, 2019
Jennifer Lopez turned heads in her reflective mirror gown and swooping side part for the 91st Annual Academy Awards.
© Frazer HarrisonSaoirse Ronan, 2018
Saoirse Ronan looked cuter than ever in her blush pink strapless gown with a giant bow accent at the 90th Annual Academy Awards.
© Dan MacMedanMargot Robbie, 2018
In 2018 Margot Robbie inspired a whole new wave of modern brides with her white busier gown complete with silver beaded accents.
© Frazer HarrisonEmma Stone, 2017
In 2017 Emma Stone stunned in a form-fitting beaded tiered gown in a shimmery gold hue.
© Kevin MazurLady Gaga, 2015
In 2015 Lady Gaga wore one of her most incredible red carpet ensembles to date. She paired her extravagant pearlescent gown with long red leather gloves and a red hair accessory.
© Jason LaVerisLupita Nyong'o, 2014
Lupita Nyong'o looked incredible in a baby blue plunge neck gown at the 86th annual Academy Awards.
© Jeffrey MayerJennifer Lawrence, 2013
Jen Law stunned on the Oscars red carpet in 2013. The actress wore a strapless nude-toned gown, a delicate diamond choker necklace, a large diamond ring and a pair of simple earrings.
© Donato SardellaEmma Stone, 2012
Emma Stone looked stunning in a deep red, high-neck gown with a giant neck bow for the 84th Annual Academy Awards.
© Jeff KravitzJennifer Hudson, 2011
Jennifer Hudson glowed in a vibrant orange plunging necklined gown with waist ruched detailing back in 2011.
© Brian ToCameron Diaz, 2010
Queen of the silver screen Cameron Diaz donned a red lip look with a strapless beaded silver gown for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards.
© Jeff KravitzSarah Jessica Parker, 2009
In true Carrie Bradshaw fashion, Sarah Jessica Parker chose a mint green strapless gown with an oversized accent belt for the 2009 awards.
© Jeff KravitzAnne Hathaway, 2008
Anne Hathaway sported a fiery red one-shoulder gown with floral embellishments to the 2008 awards.
© Jeff KravitzNaomi Watts, 2006
Naomi Watts wore an elegant one-shoulder, nude-toned organza gown in 2006.
© Carlo AllegriBeyoncé, 2005
Beyoncé donned a form-fitting strapless black velvet gown to attend the 2005 Oscars.
© Jeff KravitzNicole Kidman, 2003
In 2003 Nicole Kidman kept things sleek in a strappy sheer gown and metallic heels.
© Jeff KravitzJennifer Lopez, 2002
Jennifer Lopez donned a coquette-core baby pink strapless gown, complete with tiny bow embellishments for the 74th Annual Academy Awards.
© Jeff KravitzBjork, 2001
In 2001 Bjork made fashion history on the red carpet, stepping out in her now iconic swan dress.
© KMazurGwyneth Paltrow, 1999
Gwyneth donned the chicest baby pink Ralph Lauren gown back in the late 90s and we're still thinking about it.
© Ron GalellaCindy Crawford, 1991
A young Cindy Crawford rocked the most glamourous red plunging neckline gown to attend the 63rd Annual Academy Awards.
© Jim SmealCher, 1988
In 1988 Cher proved her undisputated style status in a sheer sequin adorned gown.
© Silver Screen CollectionAudrey Hepburn, 1965
Audrey Hepburn donned a seriously chic white sabrina neckline gown with matching long white gloves and a clutch bag.
© Darlene HammondElizabeth Taylor, 1961
Elizabeth Taylor celebrated her win for best actress in a yellow-bodiced dress with a white skirt and red rose accent belt at the 1961 Oscars.
