There’s cute and then there’s drop dead gorgeous.
When it comes to celebrities sashaying along the Oscars red carpet, most play it safe with ensembles that are classic, regal and chic. And while that’s not a bad thing, every now and then one of Hollywood’s biggest stars will take things to another level.
We’re talking gasp-worthy designs like Cher‘s iconique black outfit and larger-than-life mohawk headpiece in 1986, in which she won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Moonstruck. The unforgettable number, which consisted of a jewel-adorned bustier, a matching bedazzled skirt and glitzy shawl, was designed Bob Mackie.
“This was one of my favorite outfits,” the legendary star previously told Vogue about the lewk. “I had the idea mostly because the Academy didn’t really like me… They hated the way I dressed and I had young boyfriends so they thought I wasn’t serious.”
She added, “So I came out and said, ‘As you can see, I got my handbook on how to dress like a serious actress.'”
Another OMG fashion moment? Anne Hathaway‘s blush-colored Prada dress. Dubbed the “nipple dress,” the feminine gown was all anyone could talk about. And of course, how could anyone forget the 2001 ceremony when Björk stepped onto the carpet with her swan dress.
OMG, indeed!
With the 2020 Oscars upon us, we can’t wait to see what our favorite celebrities slip into for the special occasion. Until then, take a look at our gallery below to see all of the swoon-worthy style to hit the red carpet.
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Gemma Chan
Perfectly pink! The Crazy Rich Asians star brought bright and bold fashion to the red carpet with her voluminous Valentino gown.
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Cher
Cher didn’t just win an Oscar for her role in Moonstruck, she also won best dressed for her electrifying design and headpiece. Bob Mackie created the legendary ensemble, which consisted of a jewel-adorned bustier, a matching bedazzled skirt and glitzy shawl.
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Geena Davis
Well, hello! The Thelma and Louise alum made heads turn at the 1992 ceremony with her white-hot design, which included an over-the-top train, corset top and long satin gloves.
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Sarah Paulson
Dressed to kill! The American Horror Story alum lit up the room at the 2019 ceremony in a fun and flirty Brandon Maxwell gown.
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Edy Williams
The Hollywood star makes a style statement at the 1986 awards show with her showgirl-like ensemble.
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Taraji P. Henson
Always one to take a fashion risk, the Empire star shut down the red carpet with her daring Vera Wang design.
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Angelina Jolie
An OMG lewk, indeed! The Maleficent actress wowed the crowd at the 2004 event with a halter satin gown that featured a plunging neckline. Designer Marc Bouwer was the mastermind behind the piece.
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Halle Berry
Berry dropped jaws as soon as she entered the room wearing this Elie Saab design, which featured a sheer top that covered her bust with floral embroidery.
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Barbra Streisand
The legend raised the fashion bar very high at the 196 ceremony with her completely sheer two-piece, which glimmered with her statue as it featured all-over sequins.
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Björk
A fashion moment no one will ever forget. All eyes were on Björk at the 2001 ceremony, as she hit the red carpet in a “swan dress” by designer Marjan Pejoski.
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Angela Bassett
The American Horror Story alum made the red carpet her runway. She stunned in a vibrant fuchsia gown that not only had a dramatic shoulder sleeve but a thigh-high slit and billowing train.
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Kim Basinger
The Oscar winner stole the show with an eye-catching dress that featured a half-blazer, half-corset top, larger-than-life bottom and glittery gold details.
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Salma Hayek
Hayek sizzled on the red carpet for the 2017 event with a peek-a-boo dress by Alexander McQueen.
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Nicole Kidman
Despite the late Joan Rivers hating this dress, it was a lewk that got the whole world talking. From its electrifying color, body-hugging silhouette and intricate embroidery, the haute couture Dior gown was just that… haute.
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Madonna & Michael Jackson
The dynamic duo made waves with their flashy ensembles. Madonna exuded old-Hollywood glamour with her shimmery strapless gown and feather boa while the King of Pop donned one of his famous blazers.
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Demi Moore
The Ghost alum left her boring pieces at home and opted for something more risqué and daring.
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Lupita Nyong’o
All that glitters is gold. The Black Panther shined as bright as the cameras at the 2018 show with her gold chainmail Versace dress. The high leg slit and sash-like detail gave it extra oomph.
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Billy Porter
The fashion icon struck a pose for the cameras in a larger-than-life tuxedo gown by Christian Siriano. It’s safe to say all eyes were on him at the 2019 function.
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Kate Winslet
The Oscar winner brought the wow factor to the 2016 show with her mesmerizing silk lamé design by Ralph Lauren. From its black holographic color to the flowy train and curve-hugging structure, Winslet shut it down on the red carpet.
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Cher
The legendary star brought the glitz and the glam to the 1988 ceremony with her showgirl-like number. From her jewel-adorned bustier and matching skirt to the dazzling fringe beads to the see-through material, this is one unforgettable lewk.
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Anne Hathaway
Believe it or not, this blush-colored Prada dress caused an uproar… but that’s what makes it oh-so memorable. Dubbed the “nipple dress,” this feminine design caught everyone’s attention for its interesting structure.
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Tiffany Haddish
The comedian and actress paid homage to her late father by wearing a traditional African gown that was also a nod to her Eritrean heritage. “I’m wearing an Eritrean, authentic princess dress,” she told E! News’ Ryan Seacrest at the time. “And I’m PROUD of it.”
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Lizzie Gardiner
Lizzie gave everyone a run for their money, literally, with her gold credit card-adorned gown.
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Jennifer Lopez
J.Lo hit the red carpet in an intricately embroidered number at the 1998 ceremony. While this isn’t usually the star’s go-to color or style, her risky design certainly paid off!
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Watch E!’s red carpet coverage of the 2020 Oscars Sunday, Feb. 9 starting at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT followed by the Oscars telecast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC! And don’t miss the E! After Party special at 11:15 p.m. ET/8:15 p.m. PT for a recap of the 2020 Academy Awards.
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