In addition to celebrating outstanding achievements in film, the Academy Awards also pay tribute to the world of high fashion by recognizing the top fashion houses and the celebrities who dazzle on the red carpet in their exquisite creations.
Held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the 88th annual Academy Awards show on Sunday night kept up with this high fashion stakes tradition as stars strutted the red carpet in dazzling designer gowns.
Regrettably, for every shining star, some fashion misses left a bit to be desired this year. Despite some notable fashion moments, a few lackluster looks failed to capture the same level of attention and admiration.
The 88th annual Academy Awards celebrated the year’s best films and fashion, with stars donning designer gowns on the red carpet, including classic white gowns, which were a staple at the event, but while some stars shone, others had non-shining fashion moments (Credit: Brian To / WENN / FayesVision)
Contrasting elegantly with the red carpet of celebrity events, white gowns have been a staple at the Academy Awards for years, and 2016 was no different.
Adding an element of old Hollywood charm, these classic white gowns never fail to turn heads, and this year a range of stars in white fought for attention.
From Rooney Mara to Lady Gaga, frumpy to fabulous, and everything in between, the white gown trend is here to stay.
Who do you think wore the winning white look for the evening? Here are the contenders:
1. Olivia Wilde in Valentino Haute Couture
Olivia Wilde looked absolutely stunning in a cleavage-baring Valentino Haute Couture gown at the 2016 Oscars (Credit: Brian To / WENN / FayesVision)
Perhaps the most interesting and revealing style of gown for the evening, Olivia Wilde’s pleated and open-back gown was a sight to behold.
A plunging and wide neckline put the actress’s decolletage on full display, while the unfinished straps draped over her shoulders and gave the illusion of ruffled wings.
Unique and sexy, this empire-waisted gown was a bold choice for Olivia, who styled it further with a metallic choker, pearl-embellished clutch, pearl and diamond earrings, and a braided side bun.
Olivia Wilde’s choker was a standout accessory at the 88th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 28, 2016 (Credit: Brian To / WENN / FayesVision)
2. Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture
Rooney Mara turned heads in a stunning sheer white gown by Givenchy Haute Couture at the 2016 Oscars (Credit: Brian To / WENN / FayesVision)
Despite not winning an Oscar, Rooney still shone on the red carpet in this lacy and ruffled gown with a peek-a-boo cutout on the abdomen.
Though the look seemed slightly old-fashioned and borderline frumpy, we admire her courageousness for the unique skin-baring design of the gown.
We’re unsure how we feel about the dress, but she certainly completed the look with a bang by adding bold, sultry makeup and pulling her short locks into a tight, edgy topknot.
Rooney Mara topped off her cool look with a daring ‘do that added even more drama to her ensemble at the 88th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 28, 2016 (Credit: Brian To / WENN / FayesVision)
3. Priyanka Chopra in Zuhair Murad
Priyanka Chopra’s bustier mermaid dress, adorned with delicate flowers, was a true showstopper at the 2016 Oscars (Credit: Brian To / WENN / FayesVision)
Although the naked dress style is a little last season, we can’t help but admit that this Bollywood actress looked incredible in this Zuhair Murad creation.
With a mesh backing, floral embroideries, and pearl embellishments, this figure-hugging fishtail gown was an elegant choice for Priyanka.
A silver belt highlighted her hips, and jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz added an extra sparkle to her ensemble. She finished her look with a low ponytail and a slick of deep red lipstick.
Priyanka Chopra in an unforgettable white strapless gown from Zuhair Murad at the 88th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 28, 2016 (Credit: Brian To / WENN / FayesVision)
4. Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell
Lady Gaga opted for a stunning strapless white jumpsuit with a long skirt attachment from her stylist-turned-designer Brandon Maxwell’s fall line (Credit: Brian To / WENN / FayesVision)
Lady Gaga stole the spotlight in this gown and pantsuit combination from Brandon Maxwell by channeling her inner Marilyn Monroe with a modern edge.
Ruffled layers spill out on both sides from the waist of this white gown and split down the center to reveal a surprising set of sleek white pants highlighting the singer/actress’s long legs.
Despite the elegance factor of her ensemble, we weren’t impressed with the unflattering cleavage display from the gown’s wide sweetheart neckline.
The rest of her look was on point, however. She complemented the classic display was some Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and wore her platinum locks brushed back in soft curls at her shoulders.
Lady Gaga completed the look with glamorous old Hollywood curls at the 88th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 28, 2016 (Credit: Brian To / WENN / FayesVision)
5. Megalyn Echikunwoke in Prabal Gurung
At the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Chris Rock’s date Megalyn Echikunwoke looked stunning in a white Prabal Gurung gown (Credit: Brian To / WENN / FayesVision)
Though she denies having anything more than a friendship with the host of the evening, Chris Rock, there’s no denying the two have been quite cozy lately.
Regardless of who she spends time with, Megalyn dressed to impress at the Academy Awards in this sexy mesh cutout dress.
The 32-year-old actress wore a bold design featuring a unique thigh-high slit through a draped skirt, mesh-covered side cutouts and shoulder cutouts, and see-through butterfly sleeves.
Classic with a dramatic edge, this look was fierce on the talented star, and she turned up the heat even more with sultry brown eye makeup and a messy high ponytail. Her 3-strapped gold sandals added some glam to her overall effect.
Megalyn Echikunwoke looked stunning in a white dress at the 88th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 28, 2016 (Credit: Brian To / WENN / FayesVision)
6. Isla Fisher in Marchesa
Isla Fisher wore a stunning white embellished Marchesa gown, which served as the inspiration for her fresh-faced makeup at the 2016 Oscars (Credit: Brian To / WENN / FayesVision)
We hesitated to add this gown to the white dress category, but the classic style and monochromatic hues fit well enough with the others.
Always pretty, Isla Fisher looked sweet and elegant in this embellished floral off-shoulder gown highlighting her trim figure from a metallic-belted waistline.
Feminine and classy, this gown was lovely to look at but, unfortunately, didn’t do much else for the actress. We would have preferred to see her in a more youthful look, as this style seems more appropriate for some of the elder Hollywood stars.
Isla styled her amber locks in a curled updo and added some color with a slick of bright pink lipstick.
Isla Fisher with soft pink lips and shimmery eye makeup at the 88th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 28, 2016 (Credit: Brian To / WENN / FayesVision)