Best (and Worst) of the Red Carpet

The stars turned it out for the 96th annual Academy Awards red carpet. From lots of color to bold fashions on both women and men—finally—we’re breaking all the best (and worst) looks this year.

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Barbie might have been snubbed with Oscar nominations, but the cast certainly dominated the red carpet. Ryan Gosling wore custom Gucci; America Ferrera stunned the red carpet in a perfectly fitted Versace dress; Simu Liu wore a broach!

Because the worst looks is always more fun, let’s save that for last, shall we?

Colman Domingo wore a classic double breasted suit with a bootleg pant, something you never see on the red carpet. And he went ham on the broaches and every button is crystalized. Just so good!

America Ferrera turned it out in Versace and well, she shut down the red carpet.

Emily Blunt looked amazing in cream. And her husband, John Krasinski, matching her in a cream suit. Wow, I just want them to invite me over for dinner. Adopt me!

Billie Eilish went unconventional for the red carpet in a custom Gucci look inspired by classic Chanel. Some will hate it, but I love a weird Oscars red carpet moment.

Lupita Nyong’o wore an Armani Prive blue dress to honor the dress she wore ten years ago when she won her Oscar for 12 Years a Slave. She was stunning.

Ryan Gosling brought the Kenergy in a custom Gucci suit that’s both modern and classic. He also wore bright socks because, as Nathan Lane said in The Birdcage, “One does want a hint of color.”

Gabrielle Union looked stunning and was literally shining on the red carpet.

Sandra Huller made a statement in a bold look that also somehow was classic.

Simu Liu leaned into the alt-tux style that is both classic and new. He also wore a broach and more men need to be wearing broaches.

Let’s check out some of the iconic dresses to walk the red carpet this year.

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But it wasn’t just the women turning it out on the red carpet. Nope, finally the men are bringing the color and run. You know what? It’s about damn time.

Even though there were a number of classic tuxes, a ton of men went bold not just with color but also style. A few standouts include Colman Domingo, Ryan Gosling, Simu Liu and many more.

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But it wouldn’t be a red carpet if there weren’t a few duds, am I right? The worst looks of the night include…

Listen, I know people are going to hate me for this, but Emma Stone’s dress was horrible. The color looked horrible on her, and the peplum was oversized in a way that just made her look weird. Not here for it.

Dwayne “The Work” Johnson looked like he was going to a costume party.

BFFs Jamie Lee Curtis and Jodie Foster. I hate, hate, hate to do this, because I love them, but the looks were just meh. That said, who cares? They’re perfect in every other way.

I expected more for Kirsten Dunst. She looked fine, but the dress looks old in a bad way.

Bradley Cooper showed up in a black tux, not tie, and an opened white button up shirt. Honestly he looked like some big CEO showing up for the backyard BBQ.

Danielle Brooks is amazing, but the dress isn’t it. However, her nails were everything. She also added the number “26” to her nails to commemorate that she is the 26th Black woman nominated for Best Supporting Actress. (How has there only been 26? That’s appalling.)

I’ll be breaking down more of Oscars night with my recap and so much more, so make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter For the Culture so that you don’t miss a thing.