The Oscars are back! Last night's Academy Awards looked quite a bit different from the what we're used to, but it was still an incredible night for Hollywood's elite. It was a historic night for women in the film industry—most notably, Nomadland director Chloé Zhao became the first woman of color to win the award for best director—and it was the first time many of us have been able to see a true red carpet in over a year. And wow, the fashion did not disappoint!
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The 2021 Oscars was the first major award show of the year that was held all in-person rather than mostly virtual. While there was a red carpet for arrivals, it was a more limited experience than in the past. It seemed there were some celebs who simply chose not to attend, but media presence on the red carpet was also smaller, to keep social distancing in place. Oh, and there were no sweatshirts allowed!
Another defining aspect was that while the Oscars are usually held in February, this year's event was in April. This year, the fashions were simply different. Stars stepped out in brighter, lighter, more revealing gowns that seemed to signify the spring season and the new beginnings that so many people have been looking forward to. There was so much optimism apparent on the Oscars red carpet this year, that we couldn't help but smile. Take a look at our favorite Oscars 2021 red carpet looks below.
Angela Bassett was a vision in red.
Actress and producer Angela Bassett made a huge statement on the red carpet in an off-the-shoulder puff-sleeve red gown with a mid-thigh slit by Alberta Ferretti. It was a classic silhouette, with sleeves that added instant wow factor.
Carey Mulligan embodied the Oscar.
British actress Carey Mulligan looked stunning in a two-piece gold ensemble by legendary designer Valentino. The gold fabric of her gown was a near exact match for the iconic Oscar award statuette itself.
Regina King gave us butterfly vibes.
Actress and director Regina King brought loads of personality to the Oscars red carpet in a custom Louis Vuitton gown in a shade she described as "Carolina Blue." The stunning gown was encrusted with tens of thousands of sequins and looked like a spring butterfly.
Zendaya is fashion.
Euphoria actress Zendaya was the picture of style in this yellow gown by Valentino. She was one of the youngest stars to grace the red carpet and her look definitely embodied her youthfulness and showed off a true love of fashion.
Halle Berry was fairy-like.
It was very clear that actress Halle Berry was in love with her lilac-hued Oscars gown. The flowy gown was designed by Dolce & Gabbana and had total fairy vibes. Although Halle's styling was just a bit off—her hair and makeup choices in particular—the gown itself was beautiful.
Viola Davis stepped out.
Acclaimed actress Viola Davis made a bold fashion choice for her first red carpet appearance in a while in an incredible white Alexander McQueen gown with a cutout bodice. The dress was perfectly fitted and lined with a soft mesh that was an exact match for her gorgeous complexion.
Andra Day isn't shy.
And with a body like that, we wouldn't be either. Actress and singer Andra Day looked every bit the entertainer in this sexy custom Vera Wang gown that apparently required a professional welder to create.
Rita Moreno brought the Hollywood glam.
Iconic Puerto Rican actress and EGOT winner Rita Moreno served up the night's most classic dose of Hollywood glamour in a deep burgundy taffeta gown with a short velvet jacket.
Reese Witherspoon went classic.
Actress and filmmaker Reese Witherspoon chose a classic style gown with an offset neckline by Christian Dior. The gown's deep red color and the choice to accessorize with a knotted leather belt, is what gave it a more edgy feel.
Laura Dern turned heads.
Actress Laura Dern definitely turned heads in her long-sleeve feathered gown by Oscar de la Renta. It was exactly the type of over-the-top fashion we've all missed seeing so much over the past year.
Nicolette Robinson was a vision.
Hamilton actor Leslie Odom Jr. undoubtedly looked amazing in his gold suit, but it was his One Night in Miami star wife Nicolette Robinson who stole the moment. Just one month postpartum, she showed up at the Oscars in an off-the-shoulder black gown with a sweetheart neckline and sky-high slit.
Garrett Bradley's look made a statement.
Filmmaker Garrett Bradley, whose documentary Time was nominated for an Oscar this year, sported a red carpet look that seemed to honor indigenous people. Her dress was designed by Alexandre Vauthier.
Amanda Seyfried went all out.
Actress Amanda Seyfried also went for a bold look with this red Armani Privé gown. It totally reminded us of Oscars past. The sculpted red tulle number made lots of impact on the red carpet this year.
H.E.R. stayed true to herself.
Musician H.E.R. showed up to the 2021 Oscars wearing exactly what we would have expected from her. She wore a cobalt blue, hooded, lace ensemble by Dundas, which she said was inspired by the outfit the late artist Prince wore to the Oscars in 1985.
Vanessa Kirby went soft and pretty.
English actress Vanessa Kirby chose a gown by Gucci in the softest shade of pink satin and paired it with deep red lip, totally modernizing her overall look. She was also super on-trend with the cut-out bodice detail.
