Unforgettable Fashion Moments at the Academy Awards: Cher, Angelina Jolie, and More

The Academy Awards, a night dedicated to celebrating cinematic excellence, has also become one of the most anticipated events for fashion enthusiasts. Each year, Hollywood’s elite gather at the Dolby Theatre, showcasing not only their acting talents but also their stunning wardrobe choices. The Oscars are a parade of glamorous attire, and the fashion that graces this red carpet often leaves a lasting impression.

Numerous iconic looks have emerged over the decades, becoming synonymous with the stars who wore them. This article takes a closer look at some of the most memorable outfits from the Oscars, highlighting how these fashion statements transcended time.

Audrey Hepburn: A Timeless Elegance

Audrey Hepburn has long been celebrated as a fashion icon, and her elegance truly shone when she won her first Academy Award for the film Roman Holiday in 1954. Hepburn donned a beautiful white lace Givenchy gown, featuring a flared skirt and a cinched waist adorned with a delicate belt. This exquisite look not only marked a significant moment in her career but also initiated a lasting partnership with designer Hubert de Givenchy, who dressed her in several of her classic films including Sabrina and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Rita Moreno: A Historic Fashion Statement

Rita Moreno made history in 1962 when she became the first Latina actress to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in West Side Story. Her acceptance of the award in a stunning sleeveless black dress with a gold and black skirt was unforgettable. Fast forward to 2018, and Moreno graced the Oscars red carpet again in a modernized version of that same gown, now strapless, paired with striking black opera gloves. Reflecting on the emotional significance of the piece, she remarked, “This is a 56-year-old gown that I wore when I won my Oscar in 1962. It’s been hanging in my closet and I go and stroke it now and then. I just love — it was an amazing night.”

Cher: A Defiant Glamour

In a bold fashion statement, Cher created a buzz at the Academy Awards with her eye-catching two-piece ensemble designed by Bob Mackie. The outfit featured a black, jewel-encrusted bra, a low-rise skirt with side slits, an embroidered shawl, and an impressive feather headpiece. Cher later revealed in the documentary Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion that this unforgettable outfit served as a symbolic response to the Academy for overlooking her for a nomination.

She expressed, “And I walked out and I said, ‘As you can see, I did receive my academy booklet on how to dress like a serious actress.’ This was kind of my ‘f— you’ moment to the Academy because, you know, all you have to judge me on is my work, not my life.” This bold moment exemplified how fashion can intertwine with personal expression and artistic defiance.

Nicole Kidman: Haute Couture Meets Celebrity

Nicole Kidman turned heads during the 1997 Oscars in a striking yellow gown designed by John Galliano for Christian Dior. The look, which featured a high neckline and an intriguing back slit, was met with mixed reactions from critics, sparking memorable quotes from fashion commentators. Kidman has remarked, “I have the one John Galliano actually fitted and made for me. My daughters will inherit that dress.” This moment not only highlighted her fashion acumen but also contributed to the evolution of Hollywood’s relationship with haute couture.

Celine Dion: Breaking Convention with Style

At the 1999 Oscars, Celine Dion made a daring fashion choice donning a white suit jacket worn backwards alongside wide-legged trousers and a pointed white hat. Standing out amid a sea of gowns, Dion stated, “I was the only one with pants in a backward suit from Galliano, and if I would do this today it would work. It was avant-garde at the time.” Her groundbreaking choice challenged traditional concepts of formal wear and expanded the realm of evening attire.

Bjork: The Swan Dress that Stole the Show

Bjork’s unforgettable appearance in 2001 saw her wearing what became known as the Swan Dress, a design that has sparked countless discussions in the fashion world. This avant-garde outfit featured a jewel-encrusted bodysuit complete with layers of white tulle that mimicked a swan’s form. In hindsight, Bjork recounted her whimsical touch, explaining she left eggs on the red carpet as an intentional act of humor and surprise.

Halle Berry: A Moment in History

Halle Berry’s appearance at the 2002 Academy Awards marked a watershed moment in the history of the Oscars. Wearing a stunning red Elie Saab gown, Berry became the first Black woman to win the Best Actress award. Her historic win, coupled with the elegance of her floral-embroidered dress, solidified her place in Oscars history. The gown remains displayed at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, a testament to its significance.

Angelina Jolie: The Leg that Launched a Thousand Memes

In 2012, Angelina Jolie caused a stir when she posed in a striking strapless black gown with a daring thigh-high slit that showcased her leg. As she confidently showcased the slit, social media erupted with memes and jokes featuring her leg, leading to a viral phenomenon. Jolie later responded to the unexpected media frenzy, indicating it was simply about choosing a dress she loved and enjoying the night without overthinking.

Jennifer Lawrence: The Stumble That Became Iconic

When Jennifer Lawrence won the Best Actress award for her performance in The Silver Linings Playbook at the 2013 Academy Awards, she notably tripped on her way to the stage in her elegant strapless white Dior ballgown. Joking about the incident, Lawrence quipped, “You guys are only standing up because I fell and you feel bad.” This genuine moment, paired with her stunning gown, made it an unforgettable night in Oscar history.

Emma Stone: A Wardrobe Malfunction with a Twist

At the 2024 Academy Awards, Emma Stone showcased a beautiful mint-green Louis Vuitton dress adorned with a peplum detail while accepting her Best Actress award for Poor Things. In a moment of lightheartedness, Stone disclosed that the back of her dress had broken, acknowledging the dress’s malfunction with humor. This candidness, coupled with her style, presented a relatable moment for audiences and underscored the unpredictability of red carpet events.

Fashion as a Reflection of Art

The Academy Awards remain a showcase of talent, artistry, and creativity, with fashion standing at the forefront. Every dress and ensemble tells a story, and these iconic moments illustrate how attire can elevate a performance or define a star. As we look back on the stunning styles of the past, we also anticipate the bold and beautiful fashion choices that await in future ceremonies. The Oscars will continue to be a platform where cinema and fashion converge, creating unforgettable memories for years to come.