Oscars 2020: Red Carpet Looks REVIEWED

Article by Vanessa Silvera  

Still can’t get enough of this year’s Oscars red carpet looks? This slideshow singles out of some of the best (and worst) ensembles from the 92nd Academy Awards.

 

BEST 

#1: Regina King

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Actress and director Regina King stuns in a soft pink, one shouldered Versace gown. The diamond-encrusted bodice and jewelry add a touch of sparkle to what would be an otherwise muted ensemble. Her flawless execution of sophistication, elegance, and Hollywood glamour earn her a top spot among the best dressed of the night. 

#2Charlize Theron

It wouldn’t be the red carpet if there weren’t at least one LBD. Wearing a custom made Dior, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, and open-toed black stilettos; Theron puts the ‘class’ in ‘classic.’ However, she spices it up with a thigh-high slit and flowing train reminiscent of a wedding dress. Or, rather, an anti-wedding dress. 

#3: Billy Porter

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Porter once again turns heads and overturns gendered fashion norms in this Kensington Palace inspired gown. Last year, he had made headlines for his iconic tuxedo dress, challenging the notion that dresses are exclusively women’s clothing.  Designed by Giles Deacon, the gown is partitioned into a golden-feathered sleeveless bodice and a full-length skirt in a bright, bold colored print. 

#4: Joaquin Phoenix 

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Sharp, sleek, and sustainable. Phoenix checks off the three S’s by following through on his promise to re-wear the same black Stella McCartney tux he had worn to previous award ceremonies including the BAFTAs, the Golden Globes, and the SAG Awards. All black tuxes basically look the same anyways, right? 

#5: Janelle Monae 

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My personal favorite? Janelle Monae in Ralph Lauren. The hooded long-sleeved silver gown has generated some split opinions on social media with some of its users drawing comparisons to The Wizard of Oz’s Tin Man or a Jedi from Star Wars. Despite this, I stand by it. Yes, she looks like an intergalactic princess, but she also looks out of this world. 

ON THE FENCE

Natalie Portman

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Okay, I have conflicting feelings about this one. On the one hand, Portman delivers and seamlessly incorporates a feminist message into her gold and black ensemble. Embroidered on her custom Dior cape are the names of women directors snubbed of a well-earned nomination due to industry sexism. Nonetheless, it comes across as hypocritical on her part since Portman’s production company has employed just one female director: herself.  Think it’s time to walk the walk, sis.     

 

WORST 

#1: Sandra Oh

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Oh, no. I’m not mad, just disappointed, but I suppose not everyone can deliver on all occasions. Oh wears a plunging shimmery pale pink dress by Elie Saab adorned with enormous puffy tulle sleeves and skirt. While I think the idea was there, the end result was too much: the dress was wearing her instead of the other way round. Even by just removing the tulle sleeves, it could’ve been a solid look. 

#2: Timothée Chalamet

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This is actually not a bad look, but I don’t know if it’s only because Timothée somehow manages to look good in everything. However, let’s not digress. Wearing a navy blue Prada tracksuit-suit to the Oscars is a bold choice and very in character, but my issue is, is it red carpet enough? 

#3: Kristen Wiig

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How do I begin to unpack this one? Wiig pulls up wearing this monochrome red number from the Valentino Spring 2020 haute couture collection and simply put, it’s ridiculously extra. The skirt, flanked on each side by a double layer of ruffles, has way too much fabric and does little to flatter her figure. Last I checked, you’re supposed to walk on the red carpet, not wear it! 

#4: Blac Chyna 

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Where are the fashion police when you need them? Chyna opts for a revealing gown with an ultra-low neckline and thigh-high slit, leaving little for the imagination. While her confidence is admirable, the overall look fell short. The combination of her large leg tattoo on display, bizarre hair and makeup, and the blue fringe shoulder pads had me wondering what she did to make her stylist hate her so. 

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