The Best Oscars Red Carpet Looks of All Time

Hailed as Hollywood’s biggest night, the annual Academy Awards have become a pillar of pop culture. With a near-century-long legacy, the prestigious soiree celebrates the silver screen, reflects the cultural mood of the moment, and, of course, serves as a playground for boundary-breaking fashion. Much like the transportive power of film, the Oscars red carpet is a hub for imaginative sartorial world-building.

Over the years, it has been filled with gorgeous gowns, to be sure. But at its best, it’s also been delightfully weird, unexpected and conversation-sparking. In 2001, Björk turned heads in a now infamous swan dress. Since the ’70s, Diane Keaton has been eschewing the norms of feminine frocks in menswear suits. Back in 1998, Sharon Stone caused a stir when she showed up in an oversized T-shirt from Gap — which was reverently referenced by Zendaya over a decade later.

With the 97th Academy Awards taking place on March 2, we’re in store for a fresh set of memorable style moments on the 2025 Oscars red carpet. And this year, the leading nominees also happen to have distinct aesthetic reputations. Timothée Chalamet has fancied frilly scarves while promoting A Complete Unknown. Sing Sing star Coleman Domingo continually pushes the boundaries of menswear through opulent overcoats and accessories. Cynthia Erivo, fresh off a viral Wicked press tour, is expected deliver some method-dressing magic. Mikey Madison, who has emerged as a style star since her acclaimed performance in Anora, will also be someone to watch.

In anticipation of the grandiose annual event, we’ve rounded up the best Oscars red carpet moments of all time, below.

Prev

Next

Photo by Mirek Towski/FilmMagic

1/53

Björk in Marjan Pejoski at the 73rd Academy Awards, 2001