93rd Academy Awards: 10 Best-dressed
Monday, April 26, 2021 at 11:13PM ;)
After an awards season full of Zoom ceremonies and no red carpets to speak off, Oscar night was a breath of fresh air. While most stars have spent the past few months attending shows from their homes, that didn't mean there wasn't fashion to appreciate. However, there's something special about the spectacle of the red carpet, something ineffably magical. With that in mind, I decided to explore, list, and rank the best looks of the night. From ingenues to aged thespians, male provocateurs, glamorous goddesses, there was much to appreciate.
First, though, I'd like to make an honorable mention…
Since Zendaya wasn't up for any award, it's natural that the actress chose to forego more ostentatious styles in favor of a breezy slinky look. The simplicity of garment and styling makes it hard to rank her among the ten best looks of the night, but she deserves some praise nonetheless. Walking the carpet as if swept by her own wind machine to add dramatic effect, Zendaya was a dream in her citrusy Valentino and major bling. She also sported one of the most unexpected trends of the night with a midriff-baring design. I preferred her version to the oddly proportioned choices of Best Actress nominees Carey Mulligan, Andra Day, and Vanessa Kirby.
With that out of the way, let's delve into the top ten proper. We start with:
10) Mia Neal
Along with Jamika Wilson, Neal became the first Black woman to conquer an Oscar in the Best Makeup & Hairstyling category for her excellent work in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. Historical achievements aside, the hair designer looked incredible in a structured gown whose sculptural asymmetrical collar made for one of the boldest fashion choices of the night. Best of all, it never looked as if the dress was wearing her despite the tricky design elements. I wish more movie stars would choose risky designs like this, though it's easy to see why classic glam tends to prevail.
9) Marlee Matlin
Case in point, Matlin looked incredible in a very traditional but exquisite design. I've long considered the Children of a Lesser God star to be one of the worst-dressed Best Actress champions on the night of their victory, so it was nice to see her get some sartorial redemption. The Vivienne Westwood gown is draped to perfection, with billowy sleeves and a metallic finish adding just the right amount of opulence to the ensemble.
8) Emerald Fennell
Throughout this season, Fennell has chosen to confront the challenge of promotional fashion by creating quirky characters around which her looks are constructed. Imagining herself as "your pottery teacher who has a business proposition for you that is absolutely not a pyramid scheme," the Academy Award winner delivered a look of floral whimsy with a retro bohemian twist. The Stepford Wives aura is counterbalanced by comfy shoes, poppy makeup, and uncomplicated hair. In some mysterious way, it feels like the perfect look for someone collecting trophies in the name of Promising Young Woman.
7) Viola Davis
Davis never looks bad, though I don't always zing with her fashion choices. This season, the star of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom embraced a taste for dramatic silhouettes and bold palettes, wearing her best ensemble ever when she donned on Lavie by CK for the Golden Globes. This Alexander McQueen design is much more subdued but no less interesting. Pulling back on color and dramatic proportion, Davis opted for a gown that shines through its interplays of structure and soft fabric, the stylized cage-like design of the bodice and the elegant simplicity of an unadorned skirt. It's subtle, but it captures attention and lets the eye travel in search of aesthetic tensions, precise details. Top it off with great hair and matching jewelry, and you have the actress' best Oscar look yet.
6) Alan S. Kim
Sometimes, looking adorable and devastatingly stylish aren't incompatible concepts. Alan S. Kim proves it so, modeling the most perfectly tailored Thom Browne mini-suit I've ever seen. The designer's penchant for stark, sharp, almost rigid tailoring makes the outfit a game of contrasts between wearer and ensemble. Best yet, it manages to circumvent the fate of looking like a school uniform, in part thanks to Browne's trademark use of asymmetric geometrical motifs, like those military-looking stripes in just one sock. Bonus points for Minari producer Christina Oh's chicness in a men's Hanbok-inspired suit.
;)
5) Lakeith Stanfield
While women's fashion tends to change quite often and embrace outward expressions of spectacle, the precepts of masculine formal attire rarely change and lean towards the conservative. That being said, recent trends in red carpet style have opened doors for more freewheeling experimentation on the part of men, and some movie stars have embraced such possibilities. One of them is Lakeith Stanfield, who showed up in a groovy Yves Saint Laurent jumpsuit whose cut hints at 1970s dandyism. He looked cooler than everybody else attending.
4) Colman Domingo
Still, nobody pushed the boundaries regarding what's expected and accepted of men walking down the red carpet than Colman Domingo. Domingo would have been one of the actors nominated for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom in my ideal world, but he didn't let such an inconsequential matter as a lack of nomination stop him from making one hell of an entrance in Versace. As one of the first guests to arrive, Domingo set the stage for a night of glamour, the likes of which we haven't seen since the pandemic started, wearing hot pink and glittery crystal embroidery. Perfectly tailored, wonderfully flamboyant, paradoxically relatively restrained, this look's one for the ages.
3) Youn Yuh-Jung
Sometimes, not even the glitziest glamour can beat modest chicness. Bedecked in Marmar Halim, Youn Yuh-Jung looked perfect as she accepted a well-deserved Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Simple as the design may be, there's a richness of details that elevate it above unmemorable minimalism. The texture of the textile, its stiff heaviness, conveys rectilinear lines to the bodice contrasted by the skirt. The shininess of the body is highlighted by the addition of a stripe of light-absorbing velvet in the form of a belt, while oversized pocket flaps add a necessarily wrinkle to the clean lines. It reminded me of Bette Davis in All About Eve, paired with a perfectly chosen bracelet and a messy hairdo that suitably balanced the strict lines of the outfit. It's brilliant in a severe, understated manner.
2) H.E.R.
Paying homage to Prince while wearing purple-y cobalt blue, H.E.R. truly felt like a music diva shining brightly amidst a sea of serious cineastes. The theatricality of the train and hood is enough to make me fall in love with the Dundas ensemble, but all the details take it to another level altogether. There's the sparkly pattern which suggests an abstraction of leopard print, the interplay of volume between drapery and hairstyle, the sunglasses, the bling, and, above all else, the lyrics to her Oscar-winning song embroidered along the hem of the cape-like construction.
1) Regina King
I knew King would top this list from the moment the show began in a tracking shot following the actress-director as she walked across Union Station towards the Oscar stage. On the red carpet, the Custom Louis Vuitton Gown dazzled, but, on camera, it was positively miraculous. The satin structure covered in 62,000 silver sequins and 8,400 crystals remind one of butterflies taking flight, a gorgeous portrait-worthy framing of King's visage. The choice of a simple hairdo to pair with the attention-grabbing outfit was genius, as is the fit of the whole thing. Looking sexy, powerful, imperious even, King set the standards sky-high for a new decade of Oscar fashion. All that, and she walked the red carpet with the best accessory of the night – dreamy Aldis Hodge in a tight white tuxedo. King's name rings with royal gravity, and her style follows suit. She looked like a queen.
The last time I did something similar to this, you guys didn't particularly appreciate my sartorial taste. Hopefully, my choices are less contentious this time around. In any case, feel free to sound off in the comments.
more from Oscar night
The Ceremony Reviewed
Best Dressed
Best Presenter - Rita Moreno
New Oscar Records
Directing Actors to Nominations & Wins - Some Statistics
Oscar Tweets
Winners List
Reader Comments (57)
In my opinion Amanda Seyfried was the best dressed at the Oscars. Sensational and looked like what it should be: a movie star.
I don't think Marlee Matlin has ever looked so good. It was so lovely to have her at the ceremony. However, I thought how her section was filmed was in poor taste.
Regina looked perfect and Colman's suit fit him perfectly.
I actually thought Viola turned out one of her worst looks.
Zendaya was the Best!
Zendaya, Amanda Seyfried, and Halle Berry.... WO-WO-WO-WOW!!!!!!
BTW, who the fuck invited Jason Derulo to the show? At least I got a laugh out of him falling off the stairs.
My favorite was LaKeith Stanfield and Laura Allen in second.
Reneé Zellweger always looks so classy for me, that haircut fits so good on her.
Amanda Seyfried and Regina King looked like movie stars. The rest of your list, not so much.
I was forgeting to say Claudio, don't content yourself with your choices because of the comments . I appreciate to watch diferent choices than mine.
As we say in spanish: "Para gustos, colores" that means "For tastes, colors"
Cláudio, though I mostly agree, your list is still contentious. ;-)
Of those you picked, I loved Matlin's Morticia look, LaKeith's '70s style, Colman's fuchsia Versace, H.E.R.'s homage to Prince's Oscar look and Yih-jung's pockets.
I'd also applaud Seyfried (stunning), Day (best midriff), Berry (the gown, not the addict makeup/hair) and Dern (feathers!).
8., 7. and 4. absolutely ghastly: 8. too fluttery, billowy, 7. white is not right on a Black woman, especially the cage-like design. 4.that's a Godawful color and trim on a man. 3. better with long sleeves 2. color is great but looks like drapes hanging on a woman. Other selections look good although 5. is slightly weird.
Amanda Seyfried STUNNED me. Just gorgeous.
Oscar red carpet is becoming the Grammy Awards.
yes very sad not to see AMANDA SEYFRIED here. wow wow wow. But i like all of these except for Mia Neal. I had a weirdly visceral reaction against it -- i think it's that the collar is so high in front that I kept literally imagining that it was going to tear her skin at the chin. I wanted to hand her a box of bandaids just in case.
but then i'm somehow who cant wear wool because the slightest itchy fabric is too much. i'm like the princess and the pea with comfort ;)
Seyfried, Bakalova and H.E.R. were the only that looked good yesterday.
The rest - awful. The worst dresses in Oscar history.
Stanfield was the best among men.
Whr is V Kirby??
She looks so chic & cool in tt simple yet dreamy soft pink number.
Day & Mulligan's gold frocks are quite stunning too, but I guess Gold is really NOT a lucky color to wear on Oscar night! Juz ask Glenn Close lol
Halle Berry lavender flowy dress is lovely but her short messy do ruined it!!
Carey was one of my favourite looks in years. Completely stunning.
Agree about Renee, she always delivers.
Something about Regina felt off - just something! Thought Viola looked the best she ever has. But Zendaya wins best dressed by a country mile - simplicity should not be penalised!
Couldn’t with Andra Day - this isn’t the Grammys! And who is styling poor Vanessa Kirby? That hair, that lip, that skin tone and that dress should have been on four different bodies the poor thing.
i was amused by H.E.R.
Cesar Gaytan, the quote is actually "sobre gustos y colores no han escrito los autores", which translate "about tastes and colors the writers haven't written about" and means, in case of good tastes everyone's a good guess.
I really liked Day’s look... she has capital C charisma.. sleek and stunning. I also liked Mulligans dress, it would have looked so good with an Oscar as an accessory :(.
LaKeith Stanfield is my #1... way to push the boundary in a way that's rarely done! H.E.R. is my #2.
Was the writer trying to be contrarian? I don't see how Seyfried doesn't make it into anyone's list, unless you feel she's received enough praise and decided to go with more muted looks.
I love Regina, but something about the way the material of the dress looked on the red carpet irks me, idk it looks, un-ironed?
Just had to add: I saw Amanda Seyfried sitting down several times last night, but never saw her dress up-close... dare I say it looks like the character Gossamer from Looney Tunes?
You picked some unusual looks but Amanda Seyfried was by far the best dressed.
Zendaya was perfection and would be my No.1 but it feels like a bit of a cheat to showcase her above actual nominees and winners, so...
1. Carey Mulligan looked sublime! I don’t care if gold is potentially unlucky when she looked so radiant and glamorous. I loved seeing big, bold dresses on the red carpet after we’ve been deprived of them this season.
2. Chloé Zhao - I thought her choice was so cool and so HER, which is my definition of a successful fashion choice - unique and expressive of the wearer’s personality. The woven detail was gorgeous and the silhouette was so pretty! It looked really fresh paired with the white sneakers. In comparison to the usual Oscar gowns it might seem subdued to some but I thought she absolutely rocked it and looked so iconic holding the shiny Oscar up against the organic textures of her dress and her long braids. Power-dressing is being re-defined in this era where the right sneakers are more coveted than designer stilettos and more modest/re-wearable clothes suggest eco-awareness. The introduction of street-style also goes with a more inclusive, diverse sense of what’s considered high-fashion. I think this outfit could be remembered for ushering in a new sartorial era at the Oscars. No diss on epic gowns - let’s enjoy the variety!
3. Regina King - I echo Claudio’s take x100
You can vote for white people too.
Where is Amanda Seyfried who looked like a an actual movie star and Glenn Close with her serial killer gloves.
I don't share you're taste at all. I see a few atrocities here
however
"I've long considered the Children of a Lesser God star to be one of the worst-dressed Best Actress champions"
do you have a personal top 10? please share!
Seriously? Viola Davis's dress was an absolute mess. She looked much better at the Globe, SAG, Spirit zooms.
Maria Bakalova, Marlee Marlin, Regina King, Lakeith Stanfield, Colman Domingo
LaKeith - Amazing
Colman Domingo - Clownish
there a fine line...
I'd totally wear Domingo's tuxedo. And would totally date him as well.
It's hard for Zendaya not to look great, but even so - beautiful. Also, Alan Kim looks great, and I get not everyone would like it, but I think Emerald Fennell is doing something that's fun.
Loved Amanda and Carey’s looks.
Regina King is so overrated.
Youn, Lakeith, Alan S. Kim, and Mia Neal all look great. I also loved Yeri Han and Mrs. Riz Ahmed.
Leave fashion to Nathaniel please .
Javier -- Judging by these reactions, I guess you're right. Not touching this subject again on TFE. Still, hope you guys don't mind my writing on costume design.
Javier -- i asked Claudio to do this. He knows wayyyy more about fashion than I do. but we all have different fashion tastes so are bound to disagree.
Claudio -- oh come on now. i loved reading this. It helped me to think about why some of the dresses worked (and why i felt differently) I especially LOOOOVED what you wrote about Youn yuh-jung's dress. I was wondering why it was so perfect and here you are describing it in great detail.
mark -- serial killer gloves haha
Jesus -- i love Colman so much and i especially love that he really brings the queer sensibility to the red carpet since his onscreen roles tend to be so super hetero. Still one of the most underrated actors working.
If I am ever up for an Oscar, I would just wear Aldis Hodge.
dtsf - you and me both.
Claudio - I hope you reconsider! I enjoy your analysis of the fashions, and I welcome different perspectives even when I don't always agree.
Today Bjork's swan dress - which became a joke at the 2001 ceremony -, would be a hit. Everyone would say "wow, she nailed it!", "Perfection!", "My personal best!"...
Amanda Seyfried's dress was stunning.
Yuh-Jun Youn's dress was as boring as the movie that she won for.
The list is so trendy. Years from now we will look back and wonder why we liked these clown costumes.
Terrible list. You shouldn't do the fashion list again.
My favorite was definitely Chloe Zhao, followed by LaKeith Stanfield, Angela Bassett and Vanessa Kirby. Also loved Glenn Close’s gloves. But I can’t stand these kids “forced” to make a “cuteness statement” every single year.
@J. I'm not talking about an "official" quote, is just a common and daily phrase that means the tastes are as diverse as colors, for example: most comments points Amanda Seyfried as the"best" dressed and her look is not of my favorites, I don't love the top part of the dress.
I would totally wear what Emerald Fennell wore.
I can't quibble at all with these choices. Maybe shuffle them around, but really, these are all amazing looks. In particular, Viola Davis has never looked better and I appreciate that all the interest is at the top. Maybe she felt she wouldn't be walking up to get that award? I loved a lot of the bright colors. I thought the midriff baring was bizarre just because it was so common. Maybe those of us who didn't gain the Covid 19 wanted to show off?
"Davis never looks bad"
Viola has no clue what she doing in terms of fashion. She hasn't found a style yet. Worst dressed by far.
Youn Yuh-Jung and Lakeith Stanfield look great. Amanda Seyfried was my personal best dressed of the night, and I also loved Daniel Kaluyaa's look.
Zendaya is beautiful, but this looked almost like a beach dress, and I wasn't loving the exposed midriff trend.
Love Viola, but this look did not work for me. I don't care for the silhouette or the design of the bodice, and think she looks better in color. Too white with a matchy-matchy bag; she looked her absolute best when she won for 'Fences.'
If Viola is the black Meryl Streep she can't go showing her boobs like that.
@Cesar Gaytan - There's no such thing as an 'official' quote hahaha I though you didn't wrote the complete saying, I had no idea it is said shorter in some other countries
@Claudio - I'm signing up in the 'reconsider' petition too. We love your writting!
Worst Dressed: Chloe Zhao and Frances McDormand - gunny sacks.