Last Updated on March 15, 2023
The 95th Academy Awards ceremony went off without a hitch (or a slap) in Los Angeles this weekend, and the stars were shining bright in their finest couture.
While there was no shortage of high fashion on the champagne carpet, we have a list of stars who shined exceptionally bright. Here are our favorites.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is known for her unapologetic fashion preferences on the red carpet, from the unforgettable meat dress to Armani Couture. However, at this year’s Academy Awards, the “Best Original Song” nominee donned a black Versace dress that the fashion world only had a first glimpse of when Gigi Hadidi modeled in it on the runway of the 2023 Donatella Versace show, held in Los Angeles a week before the Oscars. While Lady Gaga’s theatrics on the red carpet are mostly performance art, this Versace dress perfectly expressed her beauty and personality without her having to utter a word. Besides, the surprise low-cut back exposed everything and gave her the characteristic cheeky look she’s known for.
Pedro Pascal
Pedro Pascal shared his red carpet moment with Salma Hayek, whose dress perfectly complimented his dapper look in a black Zegna tux with a white flat, high-collar, button-down shirt. According to Twitter, fans kept shouting “daddy” at the actor as he posed, which shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering his dashing looks. Pascal isn’t coy when taking fashion risks on the red carpet. With this not-so-traditional button-down style, he gave an exciting twist to a rather classic look.
Salma Hayek
Salma Hayek added a fiery pop to this year’s Oscars as she posed on the champagne carpet in a copper sequined Gucci dress featuring a halter neckline, keyhole cutout, and fringed skirt. She accessorized her already-stunning look with Boucheron jewels and a sparkling silver Gucci clutch. Her outfit was reminiscent of a picturesque sunset that fades into yellow before the night sky takes over. Not only did the legendary actress capture the same beauty with this burnt orange gown, but she also radiated it in full fashion with every step she took.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry is not new to the Academy Awards, and she understands that one rule of thumb: “wear something glamorous that makes a significant fashion statement.” The Oscar-winning actress clearly knows how to do that, as she slayed on this year’s red carpet with a gorgeous angelic white-haltered gown by Tamara Ralph with a midsection cutout, thigh-high slit, and a flowing skirt. However, the noteworthy aspect of her look was the glittering pink rose crystal floral jewelry that lined her neck and hip. She balanced her flower-accented look with simple gold hoops, rings, and heels.
Angela Basset
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” actress Angles Basset was a Best Supporting Actress nominee in this year’s Academy Awards, and befitting her role as Queen Ramonda, Basset arrived on the red carpet looking regal in a custom-made purple Moschino gown that, according to her, “it’s light, it’s royal purple, the color of royalty.” The flowing dress featured a mermaid hem and full sleeves that Ms. Basset accessorized with her soft wavy hair and a dazzling serpent Bulgari necklace.
Janelle Monae
Gone are the days when people were wary of taking fashion risks at the Oscars. While some choose to go for the expected, others prefer something more unique, lively, and playful. The latter clearly describes Janelle Monae, who wore a cheerful and flirtatious custom Vera Wang gown with a pop of bright orange skirt and a plunging black crop top that stood out on the colorless carpet. The look bottled the kind of fun style fans have come to love about her; “I represent myself,” she told a red-carpet interviewer.
Malala Yousafzai
The 2023 Academy Awards ceremony was special to Malala Yousafzai as it marked her debut as an executive producer on the film “Stranger at the Gate.” Excited, she was one of the first arrivals on the red carpet, and as expected, she set the bar high as she shone brightly in a silver sequined Ralph Lauren hooded gown, an emerald floral ring by Santi Jewels, and earrings by Fred Leighton. Yousafzai is not only a formidable educational activist, but she also has a powerfully striking style, particularly when swaddled in glistening sequins.
Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan attended the Oscars to support his Hollywood peers and present an award, and his look was nothing but glittering. The Creed III director and star showed up in a custom double-breast Louis Vuitton tux with a satin lapel, a black bowtie, and two rare diamond brooches by Tiffany & Co. in the jeweler’s highly coveted Bird on a Rock collection – one in 18-karat yellow gold and platinum casing and another 18-karat yellow gold with a beautiful green tourmaline of 58+ carats, accented with pink sapphire and diamonds. Brooches like the ones adorned by the Black Panther star vary in price, ranging from $67,000 to $100,000 per piece, depending on the stones included. In short, Michael B. Jordan knows how to put his money where his mouth is.
Michelle Yeoh
From what we’ve seen of Michelle Yeoh’s previous Oscars campaigns, she isn’t afraid to reinvent her style. This year, she stepped out of her comfort zone with an angelic look in a Dior Couture gown, which she accessorized with a beautiful tiara-like headband – the kind of look most girls in their childhood dream of wearing when they’re all “grown up.” It was, therefore, befitting that Yeoh made history in this angelic dress several decades after what many would mistakenly characterize as her “prime.” For onlookers, it felt like a dream come true.
Rihanna
Expecting her second child, Rihanna appeared at the Oscars in an Eagles T-Shirt and a large sequined hat, which was apparently indifferent to many. However, it left fans feeling a pang of disappointment as they thought RiRi denied them another red carpet moment. But this was Rihanna’s first Oscar nomination for her work on the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” Original Song, and she wouldn’t disappoint. The “Run This Town” hitmaker made a second appearance on the red carpet, this time in a gorgeous, belly-bearing black Alaia look with all the bells and jingles that included thigh-high slits, leather detail around her neck and chest, and a perfectly round belly.