As I touched down in Nashville, Tennessee, after spring break, the event on everyone’s lips was the Oscars. 

On campus, award season is not just about film — it is a social sport. Watch parties, group ballots, predictions and heated debates over “snubs” that somehow feel personal. Everyone suddenly becomes a critic. Everyone has a take. 

For people like me, though, the awarding began way before the first notecard was read. It happened on a 900-foot nylon red carpet. Seeing the fits and fashions of Hollywood’s stars was my bread and butter. The Oscars carpet is not just a pre-show tradition — it is a runway, a battlefield and, occasionally, a crime scene. While others were busy predicting Best Picture winners, I was locked in on silhouettes, textures and who clearly ignored their stylist’s better judgment. 

So, while the internet argues over who deserved a statue, I’m here to hand out a different kind of award: Best Dressed.  

Here are the looks, in no particular order, that actually deserved a standing ovation at the 2026 Oscars. 

Chase Infiniti in custom Louis Vuitton 

Chase Infiniti in this lilac column gown with this ruffle bustle placed on her hip is the epitome of spring. This is Infiniti’s first award season for her role in “One Battle After Another,” and she checked all the boxes for me. The styling of this outfit is also superb, with a diamond choker from De Beers London jewelry and long mermaid boho braids that perfectly complement her dress. 

Demi Moore in custom Gucci  

Demi Moore hit the carpet in custom Gucci: black and green feathers border her gown, where they come to a gorgeous green scaled waist that fits her perfectly (as custom should). Moore carries the bird motif to this carpet; she wore Schiaparelli’s Bird of Prey dress to the 2026 SAG awards, and for consistency, I applaud her. The choice to go strapless and minimal on the jewelry highlights the drama of the ostrich feather shooting upward from her neckline. I hope to look this good 40 years into my career. 

Chloé Zhao in custom Gabriela Hearst 

Chloé Zhao steps onto the carpet in such a statement. This metallic gray paired with the matte black and sheer black material, the tiered ruffles cascading down her gown, the oversized sleeves finished with a lettuce hem and all of that topped by a traditional dark lace veil — this look is a masterclass in detailed garment making. Here she mourns, some speculating the rumored failed Buffy reboot, and all I have to say is I have never seen death look so chic. 

Jayme Lawson in custom Loewe 

Jayme Lawson hit the red carpet dressed in this cobalt blue gorgeous dress composed of 3D-printed, hand-painted beads made in Paris, with coral beads from India and a plunging back. It is a feat of modern fashion and a stunning color on her skin. Here, the styling also complements her looks perfectly: a high slick back bun swept away from her face, no bracelets or necklaces to let that bustle and neckline shine, and the expensive David Yurman quadruple stacked earring. The “Sinners” star proved that she is indeed a triple treat: she can act, sing and serve a look.  

Audrey Nuna in custom Thom Browne  

Audrey Nuna proves she was not lying when she said she was “gonna be golden.” She shines in this extravagant custom look by Thom Browne (one of my favorite fashion houses). Her structured jacket glimmers with gold embroidered sequins that drip down to an explosion of fabric: a black silk moiré skirt atop a horsehair petticoat with the zigzag seam subtly showing. Again, they say the devil is in the details, and here Nuna’s gold chrome dipped ball nails by @marielleco takes the cake! If this were a ranking, she’d be close to the top. These are the fashions I want to see on a carpet. 

Beca Michie in Georges Chakra SS 05 couture 

Model and influencer Beca Michie rounds out my list with the only non-custom look on this list, in 2005 Georges Chakra. What she lacks in originality, though, she makes up for in beauty. Perhaps I am partial to the fashion of the early aughts, but this dress has not left my mind since I first saw it. The ivory gown hugs her effortlessly. The lattice embroidered corset tied on the same side as the sheer tulle shoulder draws your eye down to that elegant silk skirt, which leads to the fluid train and back up to her exquisite makeup. People criticize the media for allowing influencers to be on the carpet, but if this is what they produce, I say open the doors! 

 Admittedly, it was hard to pick what stars to include on this list. These celebrities have elaborate teams, from stylists to hairdressers, whose whole goal is to get them placed on the infamous Best Dressed list. I shortened it to six, but that does not mean I did not love more looks. Here is a rapid-fire round of some of my honorable mentions. 

Lewis Pullman in Saint Laurent 

Lewis Pullman is wearing a suit directly from the Fall 2026 runway opting out of the new Saint Laurent tuck. I love the mixing pinstripe and the neck scarf poking out of the collar. 

Zendaya in Louis Vuitton 

Zendaya is wearing a custom one-shoulder, floor-length brown Louis Vuitton gown, only seen presenting Best Director with her co-star in “The Drama,” Robert Pattison. She fuels rumors of her marriage with long term partner Tom Holland, sporting a thin gold band beneath the diamond ring she wore to confirm rumors of engagement at the 2025 Golden Globes. 

Miles Caton in Amiri 

Miles Caton looks dashing in a custom full plum Amiri suit. Perfectly tailored, gold-toed shoes, no notes!