10 Best Oscar Dresses of the 21st Century (PHOTOS)
Photographers cover the red carpet arrivals to the 85th Annual Academy Awards at the Hollywood & Highland Center on February 24, 2012 in Hollywood, California.
Roll out the red carpet! Who are you wearing, darling? Blow a kiss to the 360 camera — we want to see you at every angle! Ah yes, it's award season and the mother of all award shows — the 89th Academy Awards — will air this Sunday in all of its self-congratulatory glory. But thankfully, one of the few things that never gets old is the sartorial pageantry! (And kudos to a more diverse nominee pool - ahem).
In honor of Hollywood's biggest night, we look back at some of the most glamorous gowns that have hit the red carpet in the new millennium.
Halle Berry (2002)
Va va voom! With her pixie cut and to die-for figure, Halle Berry took gorgeousness to the next level with her risque Ellie Saab dress. Nabbing an Oscar for her role in Monster's Ball, she was the first black actress in history to win an Oscar and the first winner to wear a dress by a Lebanese designer.
Halle Berry arrives at the 74th Annual Academy Awards March 24, 2002 at The Kodak Theater in Hollywood, CA.
Michelle Williams (2006)
Speaking of the perfect pixie, Michelle Williams was glowing in her yellow canary dress designed by Vera Wang. The dress, along with Williams' shy disposition, was sweetness that just made you wanna chirp.
Michelle Williams arrives at the 78th Academy Awards held at the Kodak Theatre.
Nicole Kidman (2007)
Take a bow. A very tall one. Nicole Kidman's ravishing scarlet-red Balenciaga dress with its centerpiece giant bow made for great drama against her flawless porcelain skin.
Nicole Kidman attends the 79th Annual Academy Awards held at the Kodak Theatre on February 25, 2007.
Penelope Cruz (2007)
For all you princess dress lovers, Penelope Cruz provided all the pomp and feathers you could ever hope for in this romantic Versace strapless gown.
Penelope Cruz arrives on the red carpet for the 79th Annual Academy Awards on February 25, 2007.
Marion Cotillard (2008)
La Vie en Mermaid. Who said fishscales couldn't be gorgeous? Winning Best Actress that night for La Vie en Rose, Marion Cotillard pre-stunned us in this daring Jean Paul Gaultier mermaid dress.
Marion Cotillard arrives at the 80th Academy Awards held at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.
Jessica Chastain (2012)
Like Jessica Chastain herself, the strength and beauty of this Gothic regal gown by Alexander McQueen made a huge statement on the red carpet. Why do redheads have all the fun?
Jessica Chastain poses on the red carpet at the Hollywood & Highland Center Theatre during the 84th Academy Awards on February 26, 2012.
Gwyneth Paltrow (2012)
If she had another cupping session, we wouldn't have known it. Queen Goop Gwyneth Paltrow made a daring choice with this modern Tom Ford structured look, with heroic cape in tow. Ace.
Gwyneth Paltrow at the 84th Annual Academy Awards show at the Hollywood and Highland Center on February 26, 2012.
Lupita Nyong'o (2014)
Could she have looked sweeter? 12 Years a Slave actress Lupita Nyong'o won big with this powder-blue Grecian Prada gown with pleats. Oh, and she also won her Best Supporting Actress Oscar that night, too. Double gorge.
Lupita Nyong'o arrives on the red carpet at the 86th Academy Awards on March 2nd, 2014.
Cate Blanchett (2016)
Sporting a new shorter 'do, Cate Blanchett lived up to her fashion plate reputation when she appeared in this whimsical, floral seafoam gown by Armani Prive.
Cate Blanchett attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards on February 28, 2016.
Naomi Watts (2016)
Naomi Watts took ombre to another blinding level with this color-intense, holographic dress by Armani Prive. Watts' then-longtime main squeeze Liev Schreiber was the one who actually picked out this stunner. The man's got taste, what can we say?
Naomi Watts arrives at the 88th Annual Academy Awards on February 28, 2016.
