Well, that wasn’t so terrible, was it? Law Roach, he might just be exaggerating…
Thank goodness for the Afters.
Dishing up another red carpet review, this time we’re at the 96th Academy Awards, sharing our thoughts on some of the best and worst looks from Sunday's show. Maybe you feel like we overlooked someone? That’s because we probably did. After all, not everyone can be chosen. If that were true, their stylists would be receiving accolades left, right and centre, and this ceremony is all about those talented actors.
To the looks.
Emma Stone
While Bella Baxter would never allow peplum to ruin her chances of taking home 'Best Dressed' on Oscars night, Emma Stone on the other hand, is all for it. *Sigh*
That bit of fabric likened to a loud and capricious aunt at family gatherings who, despite years of hints about her insufferable nature, insists on attending all the functions—we gotta ask, why girl?
True, the sea foam colour and show-stopping necklace looked gorge on Stone, but the rest of the look was just no fun. Adding insult to injury, the dress broke mid-show, confirming our claims that peplum is an unseamly thing, best left buried in the archives.
Somewhere, in an alternate reality, this is Emma Stone pleading with Nicolas Ghesquière to please release her from her LV contract.
Zendaya
This was an effective look—nice without demanding too much attention. Fair play to Zendaya, who, despite not being a nominee, kept things very simple yet very chic.
Save the show-stopping looks for when your name is buzzing for reasons other than slaying or serving. Her performance in Challengers may be the role that truly defines her acting career. 'Zenslaya, the thespian.' We can picture it perfectly.
Margot Robbie
Barbiecore's demise, at last! Yet, Margot's post-pink demeanour has taken a somber shift. Her hair, aiming for a carefree surfer vibe, fell short. The exposed chest proves distracting. Where are the jewels, please? The lone bangle mirrors Barbie's Golden Globe win—more of an afterthought than a statement. How unfortunate.
America Ferrera
If there's one thing Barbie girls serve, it's body. Hats off to Versace for getting that right. Curves cascade in all the right places, glam exudes fab; America simply epitomised perfection in pink.
Lupita Nyong'o
Lupita Nyong'o dazzled (hang on, hold the applause) in a shambolic sequinned gown. See that feathered Peplum waist? Exactly. Despite the wince, we adore how her red carpet looks are consistently captivating, and this one serves as a reminder that she rarely disappoints when it comes to giving us something, even if that something is not always to our taste.
As for what her future onscreen performances will give, only time will tell. She graced the red carpet alongside Mark Zuckerberg Joseph Quinn, her new co-star in the upcoming film A Quiet Place: Day One. Because, you know, we're just short on apocalyptic films these days.
Ariana Grande
The dress of a thousand duvets. Yes, that is Ariana Grande wearing the rolled-up bedsheets of her ex-beaus, Pete Davidson and Dalton Gomez, at least, that's what this look is giving.
It's as if she said, "I'm the eternal stem of these superfluous beings (men)," providing a reminder of life's fleeting nature akin to a flower petal. Grande, renowned for her playful carpet appearances, earns a few points for embracing the occasion with something fun to look at. Good for her.
Billie Eilish
We hope Little Miss Eyelash was carrying all her secrets to success in that purse, because what was the reason? Buttoned up and seemingly auditioning for a Chanel contract, the Best Song winner donned houndstooth—a patterned misstep that quickly fades from memory when we notice her sporting a ceasefire pin.
For that, she earns five stars.
Florence Pugh
There's always something off with Florence's looks and it's almost always got to do with her hair. It's unflattering, forever distracting us from the main show: the dress. What a shame. This sculpted and beaded look by Del Core is quite stunning. The raised straps were both weird and cool. Something we found lacking in this Schiaparelli dress worn by Emily Blunt.
Emily Blunt
Oh, Emily. This dress is giving a wrestling singlet vibe that's desperate to make ‘surreal core’ happen. Daniel Roseberry, we speak to you directly: it's not going to happen babe, especially with those straps.
NEXT.
Carey Mulligan
Carey, if you insist on stepping on our necks this way, then we won’t stop you. Rocking up to the red carpet in a Balenciaga gown from the 50s, Mulligan has devoured each and every look this award season. Furthermore, we love that the opera gloves almost always have a moment with Balenciaga, which truly elevates the look rather than weighing it down. Bravo!
Sandra Hüller
Not Carey stepping off a neck for a sec so that Sandra could have a go. Our cervical spines are disintegrated. This look is divine, so much so that it's what the internet would dub "Mother." This is exactly the kind of slayage we want to see from Schiaparelli.
Exactly.
Da’vine Joy Randolph
A sequinned lewk we can get behind. This dress boasts the perfect shimmer, with sleeves that are dramatic albeit fitting for an Academy Award winner. While the fit could have been a touch more severe, overall it brought a much-needed splash of joy (pun intended) that was lacking on the carpet. Fab!
Laverne Cox
Ladies, gents, esteemed guests plus all the gays & girls, behold: her. The icon, the legend, the doll. Only thing missing from this vision is Laverne Cox’s name sealed in an envelope for a truly gag-worthy role. Her agents need to get to work and swiftly.
Vanessa Hudgens
Using the Oscars red carpet as a prime opportunity to get out the house and debut her baby bump in Vera Wang; Vanessa, darling, where (and how) have you been hiding this whole time?
Colman Domingo
Colman ‘never misses’ Domingo. It’s looooove every time he hits a carpet. He's so chic, so effortlessly swag. Barry Keoghan, it’s time to hit this daddy up and ask him to lend you his notes. The flared pant, the boot. Someone give this man's stylist a raise!
Bradley Cooper
Speaking of flared trousers, Bradley Cooper, sir, we see you. A fun fit for a man who brings his mum as his plus one over his beard girlfriend, Gigi Hadid. Nice to see Bradley coming out… of his shell.
Jennifer Lawrence
Wait, has Madame Tussauds started loaning out wax figures? And while we're on the subject, that’s one dress that could've certainly used a better print. That is all.
Greta Lee
Jonathan Anderson, there is nothing re-Greata Lee about this look (get it?). Naturally, Greta wore THE A/W 2024 dress. It's perfection and perfectly captures her vibe: a modern actor with a flair for cool aesthetics. She is the moment. No, she is the epitome of the moment.
Andrea Riseborough
We also admire Loewe's approach to selecting cool stars and artists, dressing individuals who excel in their craft. It’s as though the brand prioritises those who deserve recognition for their talents. Andrea Riseborough is a prime example, and we appreciate her choice of the peculiar tartan dress. Imagine if she’d paired it with the asparagus bag, though? Nevertheless, girl ate.
Dropping the mic with some tasty bites from the Vanity Fair red carpet: Margot dimly shone as a showgirl, while Pamela, divine as ever, seemed to be running late. Opting out of makeup and hair, she said, "F*ck it, I'm wearing my shower curtain tonight," when she should've gone for Margiela Couture, instead.
Emma Stone abandoned the peplum for an abandoned fishnet, and Anya Taylor-Joy, well, she looked ethereal in custom Miss Sohee.
Also, Barry, sweety, get a grip.