Red Carpet Glam
By Natalie Emmer and Emily Thungkaew
Photos by special permission from ABC/Rick Rowell
Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick arrive at the Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2009 presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. (ABC/All photos by RICK ROWELL)
Last night the stars came out to strut their stuff on the red carpet for the 82nd annual Academy Awards. While the ceremony itself honors the best of the best in filmmaking, it’s the fashion that always captures our attention and last night’s display was exceptionally captivating. Architectural shapes, metallics, soft pastel and off-white hues were among the hottest trends for the evening as Hollywood’s leading ladies seemed to stray from “safe” evening wear, opting instead for stunning, statement gowns.
It’s funny that for a group of A-listers, we couldn’t help but describe most of their fashions as a list of B’s: bold, beautiful and breathtaking. After careful and painstaking deliberation (we can only pick five?!), here are our top Oscar fashion picks for 2010 – from best to better!
5. Penelope Cruz.
Emily: The Spanish-born actress was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Nine. She literally shut the red carpet down in a gorgeous crimson Donna Karan gown, accented with sparkling diamonds.
Natalie: Gorgeous, as always. I don’t think I have ever not been blown away by a Cruz red carpet fashion.
Emily: Though she may have gotten some negative critique for this gown, I thought her look was breathtaking. The crisscross bodice and watercolor pattern alone had me singing her praises in my living room! Rachel filled the dress perfectly and carried herself with poise and grace.
Natalie: Rachel McAdams looked phenomenal in Elie Saab. The pink, blue and green floral print stood out against the sea of shimmer and solids, and the body-hugging bodice emphasized the gown’s dramatic drape.
Emily: Sarah Jessica looked stunning! Initially I was put off by the awkward strap that wrapped around her neck, but was attracted to the incredible jeweled detail on the chest and back of her yellow gown. SJP rarely makes poor fashion choices, and last night was no exception.
Natalie: Vintage Chanel Couture. Absolutely breathtaking. The exquisite cut, the pastel yellow color and those ornate metallic accents, all perfectly accessorized with a stack of bangles and small floral earrings. L-O-V-E S-J-P.
Emily: The dress was extraordinary in its cut, color and volume. It was as if a delicate bubble floated around her while she glided down the carpet (or maybe it was the fact that the gown took up about five square feet). Jenny from the block was the definition of elegance – from her perfectly coiffed hair down to her perfectly polished toes. Now if she could only get rid of that creepy husband of hers …
Natalie: J. Lo’s asymmetrical, iridescent pale-pink Armani Privé fit her like a glove and epitomized Oscar glamour. Armani said the dress was inspired by the romance and mystery of the moon.
Emily: When Cameron emerged on the red carpet in a standout gown by Oscar de la Renta, I let out a slight shriek– no words could form in my mouth. With only minimal jewelry, the dress took center stage as a work of art, shimmering with every graceful hair tuck and handshake.
Natalie: Cameron Diaz glowed in her champagne-hued De la Renta tulle gown. I loved the intricacy of the design – the ribbon hemline made for a perfect finishing touch, as did her vibrant rouge lips!
But these are only five of the best dressed women of the night. With all that amazing couture on display, we feel the need to recognize a few honorable mentions : Meryl Streep looked positively elegant in white gown by Chris March, Anna Kendrick was romantic and soft in Elie Saab and Zoe Saldana glowed in a very provocative, very purple Givenchy.
What are your picks for best (and worst) dressed at the Oscars this year? Leave a comment on this story – either about the story itself or about your most outstanding Oscar moment. You could win a pair of tickets to see ” A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine” at the Skylight Opera Theater!
While SJP’s gown was interesting, the entire package was disappointing. Her makeup was spotty and cast weird shadows on her face, making her look really old. And I am not a fan of that huge bun on the back of her head. I do agree with the choice of Meryl Streep, always elegant and how I hope I could look in another 10 years! What about Sandra Bullock and best director Kathryn Bigelow. Both understated, but amazing. Bigelow was statuesque in her steel gray column.
I thought that Kathryn Bigelow’s dress deserved credit. The sleek design looked elegant and I would say that is my #pick over Cameron Diaz