The 85th annual Academy Awards were broadcast live on Sunday night from Los Angeles to nearly 1 billion people worldwide. The show was hosted by Seth MacFarlane, who was a mediocre host, as foreseen by William Shatner, who reprised his role as Captain Kirk during MacFarlane’s opening monologue.
Sunday’s telecast was a celebration of music in films over the years and featured performances from Adele, the cast of “Les Miserables,” and a tribute sung by Barbra Streisand. Preceding the telecast, the who’s who of Hollywood walked the most famous red carpet in the world dressed in intricate metallic gowns, soft pastels, and even bright jewel tones.
Jessica Chastain was the first star to arrive on the red carpet in what was one of the night’s best looks. She stunned in a strapless copper Armani Prive gown that offset her trademark red tresses. Her custom gown was overlaid with thousands of crystals set in a diagonal pattern to add curves to her petite frame, and featured a sweeping train.
Chastain exuded the essence of Hollywood glamour from today and yesteryears by accessorizing her stunning ensemble with vintage Harry Winston jewelry and classic Veronica Lake waves.
It was no surprise that Anne Hathaway walked away with an Oscar for her role as Fantine in “Les Miserables,” but the fact that she showed up to the Academy Awards in a Prada gown was a different story. Up until hours before she was set to hit the red carpet, Hathaway was set to wear a gown by close personal friend, Valentino, but instead arrived wearing her replacement dress.
Her pale pink satin column gown looked more like a couture apron than an ensemble worthy of the Oscars, as the back featured crisscrossing straps and tie closure at the waist. The darts at her bust line were just another negative feature that contributed to her gown’s unflattering silhouette. Hathaway’s Tiffany necklace and diamond studs were simply stunning, but the best part of her ensemble were the strappy vegan Giuseppe Zanotti sandals that completed her look.
Best Actress winner Jennifer Lawrence made quite a statement in her voluminous Dior Haute Couture gown on her walk down the red carpet. As the face of Dior, she was expected to attend the Oscars in one of his creations, as she has done so many times during this year’s award show circuit.
As beautiful as her gown was, it seemed more appropriate for a cathedral with its drop waist, long train, and rose embroidery. It proved to be too much dress for Lawrence to handle, as evidenced when she went to accept her award and tripped up the stairs leading to the stage.
The beaded pewter Calvin Klein dress that she wore to the Vanity Fair after party was much more age appropriate and stylish than the Dior gown she wore to the ceremony. It featured thin straps, sweetheart neckline, and a flattering figure-hugging silhouette.
Jennifer Aniston made her triumphant return to the Oscars in a gorgeous red Valentino gown accessorized with a red Salvatore Ferragamo clutch and Fred Leighton chandelier earrings and diamond bracelets. Even at the most glamorous event of the year, Aniston was the epitome of California cool with effortless blonde tresses and a sun-kissed complexion that looked chic with her extravagant gown.
Wearing a red gown with a full skirt was an unusual choice for the star who tends to choose black and white dresses, and the risk definitely paid off. She stepped outside of her comfort zone and tried a new color and silhouette and became the talk of the town.
Every trophy that was handed out went to a deserving performer, including two of the night’s most talked about fashion stars.
Although Jessica Chastain didn’t take home an award on Sunday night, her red carpet ensemble was as good as gold. Never before has the star looked so glamorous and old Hollywood chic.
Anne Hathaway walked away with an Oscar and the unfortunate title of worst dressed celebrity. Her gown was unbelievably unflattering and was a terrible choice of dress to wear on the night that she won her first Oscar.
