Emily
Discover the Oscars’ Most Divisive Red Carpet Ensembles
At the Oscars, the red carpet becomes a canvas for celebrities to make bold fashion statements, express themselves, or create wearable works of art. These controversial dresses at the Oscars serve as powerful expressions in the world of fashion, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. As celebrities step onto the red carpet, their daring fashion choices are captured for eternity on the internet, sparking both criticism and admiration for their audacious style.
Join us as we delve into the world of the Oscars’ most contentious celebrity outfits!
1. Uma Thurman
Back in 2004, Uma Thurman made a memorable selection for the Oscars by wearing a Christian Lacroix dress that featured an expansive skirt, complemented by a dirndl-style vest. The ensemble was highlighted with a blue satin belt elegantly cinched at her waist.
2. Zendaya
At the 2015 Oscars, Zendaya made a dazzling appearance on the red carpet in an exquisite white gown designed by Vivienne Westwood, exuding sheer elegance. Yet, it was her decision to wear dreadlocks that led to Guiliana Rancic’s controversial remarks about her hairstyle.
3. Anne Hathaway
In 2013, Anne Hathaway had a fashion moment that generated considerable buzz, thanks to her Prada dress, which unintentionally emphasized chest darts. This incident understandably made her self-conscious about her upcoming fashion selections.
4. Gwyneth Paltrow
In 2002, Gwyneth Paltrow garnered attention at the Oscars by donning Alexander McQueen’s boldly sheer dress, braless. Her audacious fashion choice ignited controversy and raised eyebrows.
5. Halle Berry
Back in 2002, Halle Berry made a stunning entrance on the red carpet in a creation by Elie Saab. Her ensemble featured an intricately embroidered, entirely sheer bodice adorned with flowers. This iconic look became synonymous with her Best Actress win for ‘Monster’s Ball.’
6. Cher
Oscar-winner Cher made a memorable appearance on the 1998 red carpet in a dazzling gown designed by Bob Mackie, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
7. Taraji P. Henson
In 2018, Taraji P. Henson dominated the Oscars red carpet in her remarkable Vera Wang outfit, which included a thigh-high slit that left an enduring mark.
8. Celine Dion
Celine Dion’s journey as a fashion icon came with its share of criticism, notably when she wore her Dior tuxedo backward, pushing the boundaries of conventional fashion.
9. Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron’s 2010 Oscars dress by Dior featured a distinctive rose-adorned design that captured everyone’s gaze, even if its full significance might not have been immediately grasped by all.
10. Demi Moore
Demi Moore deserves credit for her bold ’80s fashion choice, crafting a gown-and-pants combo dress herself that showcased her daring style.
11. Edy Williams
Edy Williams was known for embracing the different and unusual in her fashion choices. Among her most controversial looks was a ‘bikini’ made of pearl strands, paired with a white thong.
12. Barbra Streisand
13. Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman made a statement on the 2020 red carpet with her custom Dior gown, which was embellished with the last names of female directors who were overlooked by the Oscars. While it garnered admiration, it also drew criticism from Rose McGowan, who perceived it as insensitive.
14. Faith Hill
In 2002, Faith Hill aimed to live up to her nomination with a rainbow pastel Versace gown, inspired by “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
15. Marjan Pejoski
Marjan Pejoski’s swan dress, reminiscent of Bjork’s iconic 2001 look, garnered attention when she seemingly took the avian theme to the next level, even posing as if she were laying an egg on the red carpet.
16. Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie caused a stir at the 2012 Oscars in a black Versace gown, primarily because of her daring leg-revealing poses, which photographers found to be growingly repetitive.
17. Matt Stone and Trey Parker
Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the masterminds behind ‘South Park,’ approached the 2000 Oscars red carpet with a comical touch. They sported sandals and parodied famous celebrity outfits, shining a spotlight on the quirks of high fashion.
18. Jennifer Lawrence
In 2013, Jennifer Lawrence left a lasting mark at the Oscars in a Dior Haute Couture strapless cream-colored gown. However, her unforgettable moment was momentarily overshadowed when she famously stumbled on the stairs while ascending to accept her Best Actress award for “Silver Linings Playbook.”
Which dress from this list do you find the most controversial? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.