The Oscars sends A-list actresses into a spin every year, as they're forced to pick from the dozens of beautiful dresses sent to them by designers, pluck from treasure chests of bling and make the potentially career-defining decision - up or down? - as their makeup, handbags, jewellery and hair are also forensically scrutinised by the world's fashion police.
Last night's red carpet stunners included The Help duo Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis who, despite being relative newcomers to the red carpet scene, have had lots of practice this season with all the attention their Deep South drama has enjoyed.
Red carpet regular Angelina Jolie got her look spot on, keeping it simple in black but sending the cameras into a frenzy after showing a bit of leg, a pose that was mocked mercilessly by the Oscar-winning screenwriters of The Descendants when they arrived on stage to collect their gongs.
Meanwhile, Michelle Williams glowed in tangerine and J-lo rocked a gorgeous golden number.
SLIDESHOW: Check out all the best dressed stars below...
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The Oscars sends A-list actresses into a spin every year, as they're forced to pick from the dozens of beautiful dresses sent to them by designers, pluck from treasure chests of bling and make the pot...
The Oscars sends A-list actresses into a spin every year, as they're forced to pick from the dozens of beautiful dresses sent to them by designers, pluck from treasure chests of bling and make the pot...
Anyone who saw The Iron Lady was not surprised by Meryl Streep's Best Actress Oscar win. Virtually a female Zelig, Streep morphed herself into the former British prime minister, capturing the politician's every mannerism.
Viola looks beautiful mainly because she is dressed so different. The color of her dress against the hue of her skin is very complementary. She has a beautiful smile and her hair looks great (not a cookie cooker like the others). Glenn Close looked great too.
Peaceisnecessary: Viola looks beautiful mainly because she is dressed so different.
Natalie Portman, beautiful, understated elegance in Dior Gown, without gimmick.
Gwyneth Paltrow, flat straightjacket of a dress , cold and uninteresting plus awful jewellry.
sashaduck: Natalie Portman, beautiful, understated elegance in Dior Gown, without gimmick.
What was with Jolie & The Leg? Saw red carpet photo--same awkward pose as on stage. It looked like a mid-life crisis, "I've still got it" attempt.
I am NOT a Joliephobe at all-- I felt sorry for her. She looked tired and gaunt, and seemed to me to be really struggling to appear animated and engaged during her presentation.
Even my husband commented, and he is a definite Angelaphile.
I hope it was just one of those nights and not something serious.
patianneb: What was with Jolie & The Leg? Saw red carpet
Do you comprehend "NOT a JoliePHOBE" (phobe indicating fear or dislike or hate) ...
or what an "AngelaPHILE" might be (phile indicating like or love)? Did you comprehend the context of my statement? "Context" meaning the full comment.
You're welcome to your opinion of Ms Jolie, appearance or otherwise...as to your comment regarding either my comment or intent, you are boring.
patianneb: Do you comprehend "NOT a JoliePHOBE" (phobe indicating fear or
i guess it takes all kinds,but i did not find jolie at all best dressed she is so gaunt looking the grim reaper comes to mind with all that black and what was all that leg posing going on. big miss is she was going for sexy.
kckitty43: i guess it takes all kinds,but i did not find
Stacy Keibler's dress was not at all deserving of best dressed. If it had not of had that rose know on it, it would have been sweet. And Michelle Williams dress was really bad. J Lo's was nothing spectacular... actually, very few on this best dressed list is correct. Different strokes for different style boards.
rlpl02: Stacy Keibler's dress was not at all deserving of best
Michelle Williams needs a stylist to help her. Very surprised she wore a necklace because she so rarely wears jewelry of any kind. So tired of that fake sweet demure look.
CastleDawn: Michelle Williams needs a stylist to help her. Very surprised
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The Huffington Post UK First Posted: 27/02/2012 07:25 Updated: 27/02/2012 11:10