The Academy Awards showcase the very best the industry has to offer to the world of film. But it’s time to call in the Fashion Police to investigate this year’s style hits and misses. So, let’s take a dive into the outfits of the Oscars with the five best and worst looks from the red carpet. 

Best 

5 – There’s nothing I hate more than the inevitable onslaught of men wearing plain black suits to events and that’s why I’m so thankful for Colman Domingo. When it comes to fashion (and acting of course) this man never misses. He wore a gorgeous red Valentino suit jacket with wrap tie, black lapels, and black suit trousers. This effortlessly stylish look has made me even more excited to see what he brings to the table as one of this years’ Met Gala co-chairs. 

4 – Before performing in the James Bond tribute, singer-songwriter Raye served old Hollywood glamour in a beautiful Vivienne Westwood dress. The corseted, off the shoulder dress was complete with a sparkling silver and ruby necklace. 

3 – Fellow James Bond tribute performer and K-Pop star Lisa turned heads in a stunning Mark Gong tuxedo. This black and white number played on the traditional suit style, adding a certain femininity with its floor length silhouette. 

2 – Actress Storm Reid stunned in a gorgeous Alexandre Vauthier gown. The red mini dress was paired with a matching flowing, frilled cloak, creating a fun and playful look, perfect for the red carpet. 

1 – And finally, actress Lupita Nyong’o donned my favourite look of the night. She looked ethereal in a simply stunning Chanel look. The A-line white dress was complete with delicate pearl beaded spaghetti straps and netted bodice. This gave the illusion of an exposed bra which was also a very popular trend of the night. 

Worst 

5 – Now, I have very mixed feelings about Best Actress winner Zoe Saldana’s look. I love the rich burgundy colour and the netted, diamante top, however, it’s the silhouette of the skirt that I just cannot get past. The strange bubble layers awkwardly dividing her frame into three sections ultimately did nothing for this look. 

4 – Best Supporting Actress nominee Ariana Grande wore her final Glinda inspired dress (until the sequel), designed by Schiaparelli and De Beers. The nude, structured bodice and champagne, glittering skirt created the effect of what I can only describe as a lampshade. 

3 – Unfortunately, Zoe Saldana cannot escape the scrutiny of the Fashion Police as her after party look also falls onto my worst dressed list. Saint Laurent paired a long sleeve, scoop neck, black top that was just too casual for the Oscars, with a nude, ruffled, high-low skirt which ultimately reminded me of intestines. I’m almost certain this was not the response they were hoping for, but here we are. 

2 – While I applaud legendary actress Whoopi Goldburg for taking a fashion risk at a largely formulaic event, this Christian Siriano dress was simply not the way to go. This wet look, latex ballgown (words I am convinced should never be put together again) was just too strange, and while metallics were certainly trending on the red carpet this year, this vinyl look just missed the mark. 

1 – Finally, actress Sarah Paulson gave us undoubtedly the worst look of the night. My initial reaction was quite literally ‘mutated red blood cell.’ This puffy Marc Jacobs dress served more globules than glamour with giant padded blobs on her shoulders, behind, and hemline. At least she could take a nap on those pillows during Adrien Brody’s ‘record breaking-ly’ long acceptance speech. 

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons