The 98th Academy Awards delivered the kind of night Hollywood waits all year for. Big wins, emotional speeches and the familiar electricity of cinema celebrating itself on the industry’s grandest stage. Yet long before the envelopes were opened, another spectacle had already taken hold outside the theatre. The red carpet once again proved that the Oscars are as much about fashion as they are about film.
For a few hours, the conversations shifted from performances and trophies to silk, embroidery and the subtle drama of a perfectly cut gown. Priyanka Chopra Jonas stepped out in Dior and instantly set the tone for the evening. Anne Hathaway returned to the carpet with the kind of Valentino glamour she wears effortlessly. Chanel made more than one memorable appearance as well, from Nicole Kidman’s elegance to Teyana Taylor’s bolder interpretation of the house.
Before the night crowned its winners, these were the looks that had everyone watching just as closely as the ceremony itself.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas in Dior
Priyanka Chopra Jonas brought one of the night’s most striking looks in Dior. The strapless white gown was clean and sculpted through the bodice before falling into a soft drape, with a high slit that revealed black heels as she moved down the carpet. Feathers trimmed the hem, giving the dress a sense of motion that photographs beautifully. She completed the look with a spectacular Serpenti Illusio necklace from Bulgari, a high jewellery piece inspired by the house’s iconic snake motif.
The necklace took more than 1,300 hours to make and is reportedly built from 235 individual elements. At the centre sits a 14 carat Madagascar sapphire, surrounded by diamonds, emeralds and onyx, giving the piece its rich, layered look.
Anne Hathaway in Valentino
Anne Hathaway delivered one of the evening’s most romantic moments. Her Valentino mermaid gown hugged her figure in smooth black, then unfurled into a cascade of delicate floral details that danced across the fabric.
It was cinched at the waist with a thick black belt. The silhouette was classic but the floral motif softened it, creating a balance between sharp tailoring and poetic embellishment. Hathaway finished the look with chandelier earrings and a striking necklace from Bulgari.
Teyana Taylor in Chanel
Teyana Taylor made one of the night’s most memorable entrances in custom Chanel. The gown played with sheer panels, feathers and plenty of texture, all built around a strong, sculpted silhouette.
The fringe and feathers added drama without feeling overdone. It was bold, confident and very much in line with Taylor’s fearless approach to red carpet style. She accessorized with Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Rose Byrne in Dior
Rose Byrne leaned into timeless elegance with a black Dior gown that featured intricate floral embroidery. The strapless silhouette curved into a mermaid shape, sculpting the body before widening at the hem.
Paired with a single stone necklace, the effect was understated but undeniably refined.
Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton
Emma Stone chose Louis Vuitton for the evening, stepping out in a gown covered in intricate hand embroidery. From the front, the look felt quite classic with a square neckline and soft cap sleeves. The surprise came at the back, where the dress dipped into a deep plunge that added a subtle edge to an otherwise elegant silhouette.
Nicole Kidman in Chanel
Nicole Kidman brought effortless glamour in a pale pink Chanel gown. The strapless silhouette fit close to her body before opening into soft, feathered, peplum details at the waist and hem. Subtle sequins adorned the gown, giving the dress a gentle glow. It was elegant, airy and unmistakably Kidman – classic red carpet style done flawlessly.
Also Read: The History Of The Oscars: How Hollywood’s Most Prestigious Award Began
Elle Fanning in Givenchy
Elle Fanning leaned into ethereal minimalism. Her silver Givenchy gown paired a structured corset bodice with fluid fabric that seemed to float around her. Her leaf-motif diamond necklace from Cartier added just enough sparkle without interrupting the clean lines of the dress. The entire look felt delicate, almost otherworldly, which has become something of a signature for Fanning on the red carpet.
Gwyneth Paltrow in Giorgio Armani Privé
Gwyneth Paltrow went for understated glamour in an ivory silk Giorgio Armani Privé gown. It was simple but perfectly cut, hugging her figure without any fuss. But the surprising detail, and the one we loved most, was the side slit that went all the way up. She paired the daring ensemble with delicate Tiffany jewels.
Jessie Buckley in Chanel
Jessie Buckley brought a burst of colour in Chanel. Her half red-half pink gown came with a structured silhouette. It was a nod to classic couture with contemporary elements. The palette alone made it one of the most memorable looks of the evening.
Kate Hudson in Giorgio Armani Privé
Kate Hudson delivered her trademark red carpet glamour at the 2026 Oscars in Los Angeles, wearing Giorgio Armani Privé.
The jade gown from the spring 2026 collection featured a plunging sweetheart neckline and a peplum waist, detailed with intricate stone and crystal embroidery.
Also Read: Inside Rs 3 Crore Oscars Gift Bag: Luxury Villa Stay, Spa, Facials To Gourmet Treats
Isha Ambani in Valentino
Isha Ambani, who made her debut at the Oscars, wore a vintage strapless Valentino gown in black and cream, adorned with delicate floral embroidery, from the designer’s Fall/Winter 2006–2007 Haute Couture collection.
A glittering diamond choker and matching Lorraine Schwartz earrings completed her ensemble.
