This is it — the pinnacle of awards shows.
After what many are calling the most unpredictable and chaotic awards season in recent memory, the 97th Academy Awards are here to definitively crown the year’s most celebrated films. Ahead of the big night, questions swirled: Will “Anora” finally get the recognition it deserves? Can Emilia Pérez bounce back from the backlash? Can the 215-minute, intermission-warranting The Brutalist really win over the Academy? And will Timothee Chalamet continue with his pursuit of greatness?
One thing we know for sure: the Oscars is the most anticipated parade of red carpet finery. And the stars really delivered with outsized style statements and designer deep cuts.
Read on for our favourite looks from the 2025 Oscars.
Ariana Grande
The “Wicked” star has gone mostly unrewarded this awards season, which makes this big swing from Schiaparelli’s Spring 2025 couture collection all the more satisfying. Taking a page from her equal parts sweet and sharp film character, Grande wore a barely blush gown punctuated by a clam basque and waves of crystal-flecked tulle.
Demi Moore
Silver-y and statue-like Armani Privé feels fitting for “The Substance” star who is poised to pick up her first Oscar (from her first nomination!) in the Best Actress category. Defined by a plunging neckline, nipped-in waist and gathered hip detail, the couture dress was a suitably sparkling pick for Moore’s big moment.
Mikey Madison
A year ago, most of the film world didn’t know the name Mikey Madison. Now, she’s up for Best Actress for her leading role in “Anora”, and showed up in acceptance speech-worthy Dior. The pastel-pink column dress with contrast black bodice is beautifully brought together by a structured bow detail.
Cynthia Erivo
On a night where she could become the youngest EGOT of all time, Cynthia Erivo also became an early best dressed favourite in custom Louis Vuitton that was a nod to “Oz, green and Old Hollywood” as the “Wicked” actress explained. The deep emerald gown made use of sculptural, witchy-inspired elements to wrap up the hit musical’s promo tour.
Selena Gomez
Keeping up with her fashionable ode to Old Hollywood this awards cycle, the “Emilia Pérez” actress opted for a blush-beaded, off-the-shoulder gown by Ralph Lauren for her big red carpet moment. The look is a reference to Sophia Loren, and Gomez enlisted Loren’s original tailor to fit this silhouette-flaunting piece.
Timothée Chalamet
It’s no surprise that Chalamet selected a daffodil-yellow suit — look closely; the pants are leather — for the Oscars red carpet. The playful energy of this custom Givenchy look could well be yet another nod to Bob Dylan, whom he portrayed in “A Complete Unknown.”
Elle Fanning
At what is somehow her first Oscars (doesn’t that seem impossible), Fanning continued in her role as a fashion north star in a 1950s-style toile gown by Sarah Burton — the former Alexander McQueen creative director’s debut design since taking the reins at Givenchy. It was an elegant choice, polished off by an archival Cartier necklace, for the “A Complete Unknown” star.
Zoe Saldaña
Following a slew of high-style looks on this year’s awards circuit, the “Emilia Pérez” star served yet another sartorial ace in maroon Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello. It’s a beguiling blend of a crystal-dotted netting bodice and tiered bubble hems, topped off with the season’s definitive accessory trend: elbow-length gloves.
Lupita Nyong’o
It’s impossible to overstate how effortless the star of “Wild Robot” — nominated in the Best Animated Feature category — looks in her pleated, ivory charmeuse dress. But the making of her custom Chanel gown? Not so simple: Nearly 660 hours of work and over 22,000 embroidered elements went into crafting the frothy outcome.
Colman Domingo
It’s not a best dressed round-up without Colman Domingo, who’s equally known for his acting talent (he earned a second consecutive Oscar nomination for “Sing Sing”) as he is for his style prowess. Tonight, Domingo tapped Valentino’s famously off-beat designer Alessandro Michele to create this cherry-red, love-inspired suit with mismatched black trousers.
