It has been more than a decade since we watched Parasite win big, a bearded Eminem perform “Lose Yourself,” and Timothée Chalamet (in Prada) and Margot Robbie (in Chanel) be totally normal celebrities on a totally normal red carpet during the 2020 Oscars. (Yes, the past 12 months equals one whole decade — that’s how panny math works.) Last year’s award show was one of the last moments of normalcy before everything changed, and after a string of awkward and glitchy shows that took place via livestream, we’re back with the Academy for a slightly delayed 2021 Oscars live show.
On Sunday, 170 of Hollywood’s finest joined together at Los Angeles’ Union Station for a night of movies, physical company, and, of course, gowns — beautiful gowns. (No masks, though — at least not when guests are on-camera.) For the closing event of the 2021 award season, celebrities funneled a year’s worth of sartorial dreams into one big-time look. Maria Bakalova, who’s nominated for Best Actress for her role in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, set the tone for a night of stunning all-white looks in a custom Louis Vuitton gown covered in crystal beading. One Night In Miami director Regina King awed in another custom Louis Vuitton number with crystal details, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom lead Viola Davis chose a cut-out gown by Alexander McQueen, and Promising Young Woman‘s Emerald Fennell channeled a “pottery teacher” in Gucci. But wait, there’s more.
Click ahead for all of the best-dressed attendees on the 2021 Oscars red carpet.
Regina King in Louis Vuitton
Is it just us, or does Regina King look like she’s wearing Louis Vuitton wings?
Celeste Waite in Gucci
Celeste Waite’s checkered-and-beaded gown has stolen our hearts.Photo: Chris Pizzelo-Pool/Getty Images
Emerald Fennell in Gucci
According to Promising Young Woman writer and director Emerald Fennell, this Gucci look is evoking “Susan the pottery teacher,” who has a business opportunity for you “which is absolutely not a pyramid scheme.”
Nicolette Robinson in Zuhair Murad
The draping, the high slit, the off-shoulder styling — this Zuhair Murad gown on Nicolette Robinson has a little bit of everything.Photo: Chris Pizzelo-Pool/Getty Images.
Maria Bakalova in custom Louis Vuitton
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm‘s Maria Bakalova went Old Hollywood classic for her first in-person red carpet in crystals, diamonds, and an extra deep V by Louis Vuitton.
Tiara Thomas in custom Jovana Louis
When at the Oscars, an all-white, feathered suit is a must. Photo: Chris Pizzelo-Pool/Getty Images.
Lakeith Stanfield in custom Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello
Best Supporting Actor nominee Lakeith Stanfield channeled the era from Judas and the Black Messiah with this ’60s-style custom jumpsuit by Saint Laurent. Photography by: Campbell Addy.
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