Florence Pugh shines in teal on the red carpet. Photo courtesy BBC
Florence Pugh shines in teal on the red carpet. Photo courtesy BBC

Red carpet features and flops at the Oscars 2020

As actors, actresses and directors are praised for their successes in film, the Hustler’s Life staff hones in on what’s most important at the Academy Awards: fashion!

To many, the Oscars exist solely to honor the most talented directors, actors and actresses in film. However, the real competition starts hours before any speeches are given or winners announced. The Oscars’ red carpet gives way to its own brand of award ceremony, in which the world’s most famous stars showcase their most extravagant looks in the hopes of dazzling millions of viewers. Every year, celebrities are split between those who leave audiences speechless and those who are subject to ridicule for their fashion failures. Read on to catch up with the best of the best of the stunning ensembles and unfortunate flops broadcasted on last night’s Oscars:

Florence Pugh dresses to impress in a stunning Louis Vuitton gown. Photo by David Fisher

“Little Women” star Florence Pugh led the carpet goers in best dressed. Her stunning bold turquoise ruffled Louis Vutton gown and her matching strappy heels made her stand out for all the right reasons. Her ensemble was fun and daring yet both classic and flattering in its style. This “Best Supporting Actress” nominee struck the perfect note with her Oscars look.

Saoirse Ronan’s quick gown doesn’t quite hit the mark with its asymmetrical design. Photo by Jordan Strauss

Florence Pugh’s “Little Women” costar, however, was not as successful in her fashion choices. Dressed in Gucci, Saoirse Ronan’s confusing gown looked incohesive and poorly pieced together. The textured lavender skirt clashed with the more serious looking ruffled top. This outfit did little to highlight Ronan’s natural beauty and looked as if it couldn’t decide exactly which tone to strike at this year’s red carpet.

Natalie Portman stages a silent protest in her Dior cape and gown. Photo courtesy Getty Images

The feminist, the fashion guru, the icon. Natalie Portman made strides for women everywhere with her stunning cape-gown combo, customized by Dior. Embroidered along its hem were the names of female directors snubbed (yet again) in this year’s Oscars ceremony. Among the women were directors Lorene Scafaria (“Hustlers”), Lulu Wang (“The Farewell”), Greta Gerwig (“Little Women”), Mati Diop (“Atlantics”), Marielle Heller (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”), Melina Matsoukas (“Queen & Slim”), Alma Har’el (“Honey Boy”) and Céline Sciamma (“Portrait of a Lady on Fire”). Not only did Portman totally stunt on us and confirm that 38 is the new 20, but she used her voice to advocate for female professionals everywhere. 

Laura Dern’s Emporio Armani dress lacked form and flattery. Photo by Kevin Mazur

First things first, Laura Dern won my heart with her performance in “Big Little Lies,” so I feel a little guilty admitting that her fashion look made my “flop” list. Pink and black might work for Eloise at The Plaza Hotel, but it definitely doesn’t work for Dern. Apart from the girlish color scheme, the lace tassel situation she has going along the neckline is giving me big tablecloth vibes. The designer, Emporio Armani, has created stunning looks for countless actresses in the past, but I’m not sure the vision matched the outcome on this one.

Billy Porter strikes again in a visually stunning custom two-piece and towering Jimmy Choo heels. Photo by David Fisher

Time and time again, Billy Porter stands his ground at the Academy Awards, showing the red carpet what modern glam really means. He wore a custom two-piece by designer Giles Deacon and spared no expense on his 24-carat gold bodice, which was blinding both metaphorically and literally. Some could argue that his flowing silk maxi skirt was gaudy with its pattern, but I think it elegantly complemented the metallic tones of the upper half of the ensemble. Also, just look at his Jimmy Choo heels. Anyone who can walk in those and still look like a beast deserves a spot on my list.

Billie Eilish sticks to her quirkiness in a Chanel two-piece suit. Photo courtesy CelebMafia

In accordance with her typical style and character, popstar Billie Eilish took an unconventional approach to her Oscars red carpet outfit. Chanel, which typically dresses stars in timeless, form-fitting dresses, clothed Eilish in a more masculine pant-suit adorned with labels. Though this look doesn’t reflect what’s typically expected at the Academy Awards, Eilish’s risky choice was perfect for her funky, young and more contemporary look, making it a fresh addition to other stars’ more standard outfits.

Kristen Wiig may have gone a little bit too far out of the box with this Valentino Haute Couture red carpet look. Photo courtesy Getty Images

Kristen Wiig simply needed to do less. This presenter looked as though she was drowning in her electric red ruffled Valentino Haute Couture gown. Since stepping onto the red carpet in this disaster, Wiig has made internet headlines, being likened to looking like a piece of lasagne. Unfortunate, but also not far-off.

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About the Contributors
Charlotte Edmunds, Former Staff Writer
Charlotte Edmunds ('22) can be reached at [email protected].
Eva Pace, Former Life Editor
Eva Pace ('22) is the former Life Editor for The Vanderbilt Hustler. She is studying Computer Science, Architecture and Business and can be reached at [email protected].    
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