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Oscars red carpet 2021: The biggest fashion moments from Hollywood’s brightest stars

Headshot of Lily Hoffmann
Lily HoffmannThe West Australian
Amanda Seyfried makes a RED carpet statement this morning.
Camera IconAmanda Seyfried makes a RED carpet statement this morning. Credit: Chris Pizzello/AP, Chris Pizzello

Trust the Oscars to stage the first real red carpet fashion moment since the pandemic began.

In a controversial move from the show’s producers, Hollywood A-listers were advised, nay forced, to attend in-person at this year’s night of nights — that is, if they plan to make any kind of fashion statement.

Producers, who are promising a “movie, not a television show” have even demanded a dress code. In a letter penned to attendees by the 93rd annual Oscars director Steven Soderbergh, the dress code was defined as “a fusion of inspirational and aspirational, which in actual words means formal is totally cool if you want to go there, but casual is really not”.

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Talk about laying down the law.

And with zoom acceptance speeches also off the table, so too is the need for “at home styling,” a service so many Hollywood darlings have become accustomed to.

While celebrity stylist Wayman Bannerman, who dressed Regina King for both the Emmys and Critics Choice Awards, is mourning his Instagram stage because it gave creative teams the ability to “manipulate lighting, angles and backgrounds,” those desperate for true in-person glamour will not be disappointed.

So, let’s delve into this red carpet fantasy land while it lasts as we wrap up the best dressed of 2021.

Margot Robbie

Australia has officially landed on the red carpet. Robbie, our unofficial Oscars delegate, just walked the red carpet and with bangs, no less. Her slightly tussled tresses complimented this shimmering ensemble perfectly. Can I also just say what a relief it is to be including Robbie once more on the best dressed list? It has been a while…

Margot Robbie arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Union Station in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, Pool)
Camera IconMargot Robbie arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Union Station in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, Pool) Credit: AP

Carey Mulligan

British actress Carey Mulligan — up for an Academy Award for her performance in Promising Young Woman — owned the red carpet in this shiny gold two piece.

Carey Mulligan, left, and Marcus Mumford.
Camera IconCarey Mulligan, left, and Marcus Mumford. Credit: Chris Pizzello/AP

Maria Bakalova

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm star Maria Bakalova looked stunning in her deep cleavage, white princess gown.

Maria Bakalova
Camera IconMaria Bakalova Credit: Chris Pizzello/AP

Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen

Speaking of Borat, Australia's sweetheart Isla Fisher and husband Sacha Baron Cohen have got in on the red carpet fun all the way from Sydney.

Regina King

Previous Oscar-winner Regina King looked ready to take flight in this beaded blue creation.

Regina King arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Union Station in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, Pool)
Camera IconRegina King arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Union Station in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, Pool) Credit: AP

Amanda Seyfried

Yassss. This is the show stopping red carpet look I have been WAITING for. Fashion lovers rejoice, we have someone who understands extravagance in the best way.

Amanda Seyfried makes a RED carpet statement this morning.
Camera IconAmanda Seyfried makes a RED carpet statement this morning. Credit: Chris Pizzello/AP, Chris Pizzello

Andra Day

I think she may have gotten confused and dressed as an Academy Award, not for the Academy Awards, but I will let it slip because she looks fire.

The United States Vs Billie Holiday star turned heads in this cut-out gold gown, but the devil was in the details thanks to her perfect accessorising.

Andra Day knows how to accessorise.
Camera IconAndra Day knows how to accessorise. Credit: Chris Pizzello/AP

Riz Ahmed and Fatima Farheen Mirza

Talk about a red carpet debut! Venom star Riz Ahmed is in attendance with his STUNNING wife -- and in that beautiful hue of blue, it was hard to look away.

Riz Ahmed, left, and wife Fatima Farheen Mirza.
Camera IconRiz Ahmed, left, and wife Fatima Farheen Mirza. Credit: Chris Pizzello/AP

While sure, this look is conservative, the illusion cape also makes it chic as hell.

Ahmed is nominated for best performance by an actor in a leading role and to make this debut even cuter, the pair met in a café while the British actor was preparing for his role in Sound of Metal.

Also, the Oscars are being held at various places, including Union Station for the first time -- where Reese Witherspoon and Zendaya have just arrived.

Zendaya

Okay, THIS is what the show producers meant when they called for “a fusion of inspirational and aspirational”. I can’t even. Zendaya is looking every bit the glamorous movie star in this show-stopping, yet ethereal, yellow gown.

I mean, even the sweet Californian breeze knew it — giving her that effortless wind-swept look.

I am calling it very early here, but, best dressed is hers.

Zendaya is a favourite to take out red carpet best dressed.
Camera IconZendaya is a favourite to take out red carpet best dressed. Credit: Chris Pizzello/AP

Reese Witherspoon

I did debate whether to include my beloved Reese on the best dressed list this year. While I can see she is playing it safe with this ensemble, it’s belted and that’s funky, so I will let it pass.

Reese Witherspoon.
Camera IconReese Witherspoon. Credit: Chris Pizzello/AP

Vanessa Kirby

This is classic Oscars fashion and it’s weirdly refreshing to see something so elegantly familiar after the year we have collectively had.

Vanessa Kirby.
Camera IconVanessa Kirby. Credit: Chris Pizzello/AP

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