The Most Iconic Dresses in Oscars Red Carpet History

The black velvet Atelier Versace gown is famous for its dramatic leg slit, which spawned countless memes and its own Twitter account. This look became a pop culture phenomenon and defined an unforgettable moment in Oscar history.

This delicate white lace Givenchy dress marked the beginning of one of the most famous collaborations between an actress and a designer. Its elegance and femininity defined Audrey's style and became an instant classic that has stood the test of time.

Marion Cotillard looked like a haute couture mermaid in this Jean Paul Gaultier gown covered in white and silver scales. The intricate and sculptural design was the perfect choice for the night she won the Oscar for her portrayal of Edith Piaf.

A completely sheer sequined pantsuit that caused quite a stir at the time. It was a bold and liberating statement that defied red carpet conventions.

Designed by John Galliano, this chartreuse silk gown with oriental-inspired embroidery was a daring and visionary choice. It changed the perception of red carpet fashion, introducing bolder colors and designs.

This nude Armani Privé gown, adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals, was a work of art that Cate Blanchett wore with ethereal elegance. Its cost and exquisite craftsmanship make it one of the most luxurious and memorable dresses in Oscar history.

A spectacular and daring design with a tulle bodice embroidered with flowers and a wine-colored taffeta skirt. This dress made history along with her emotional acceptance speech when she became the first African American woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress.

The black velvet dress wasn't memorable in itself, but rather for the daring side slit that revealed her entire right leg. The actress's pose went viral, creating an iconic pop culture moment.

A dazzling dress covered with over 168,000 Swarovski crystals, featuring long sleeves, an open back, and a hood. It was a galactic and futuristic look that represented the ultimate spectacle.

The unforgettable swan dress is undoubtedly one of the most controversial and talked-about in Oscar history. Loved by some and hated by others, it secured its place in pop culture forever.

Her white and silver dress, with a pattern that resembled fish scales, was a work of haute couture art. The design, inspired by a mermaid, was as unique and memorable as her performance in 'La Vie en Rose'.

A voluminous strapless dress in pale pink made her look like a fairytale princess. It became even more famous when she tripped over it while going up to collect her award, a moment that immortalized it.

The pleated baby blue dress with a deep V-neck made her a fashion star. The color, she said, reminded her of Nairobi, and her ethereal movement on the red carpet was simply magical.

A gold dress with fringe and beading, inspired by the 1920s, reminiscent of the Oscar statuette. It was the perfect look to crown her victory for 'La La Land,' full of glamour and movement.

This iconic two-piece ensemble with a feathered headpiece was a bold and extravagant statement. Cher wore it as a way to rebel against the Academy's dress code, creating an unforgettable moment.

The pink taffeta dress she wore to accept her Oscar became an instant 90s fashion icon. Its simplicity and princess-like elegance have made it one of the most remembered and emulated.

A sculptural red dress with a dramatic bow at the neck, designed by Nicolas Ghesquière. It is a perfect example of modern haute couture on the red carpet, combining elegance and avant-garde style.

This vibrant yellow dress with a cut-out at the abdomen was a breath of fresh air and audacity. The glow-in-the-dark design cemented her status as one of the biggest fashion icons of her generation.

This white lace dress, adapted by Givenchy from the design for the film 'Roman Holiday,' is the epitome of elegance and timeless charm. It cemented the relationship between the actress and the designer, marking a milestone in fashion history.

The ice-blue satin gown she wore when she won the Oscar for 'The Country Girl' is considered one of the most beautiful and expensive in the history of the awards. Its design and color perfectly reflected her Hollywood royalty status.

This long-sleeved, high-necked navy blue dress appeared conservative from the front, but revealed a completely bare back. It was a lesson in elegance, sensuality, and surprise.

Breaking all gender barriers, Porter appeared in a tuxedo that transformed into a voluminous velvet skirt. It was a powerful statement of style, individuality, and artistry on the red carpet.

Designed by John Galliano, this chartreuse satin gown with intricate, oriental-inspired embroidery was a bold and daring choice. It is considered a turning point in red carpet fashion, demonstrating the power of haute couture.

Julia Roberts accepted her Oscar for 'Erin Brockovich' in an elegant vintage Valentino gown in black velvet with white details. This look was not only sophisticated, but it also started the trend of wearing archival designs on the red carpet.

The black velvet Atelier Versace gown is famous for its dramatic leg slit, which spawned countless memes and its own Twitter account. This look became a pop culture phenomenon and defined an unforgettable moment in Oscar history.

In an era dominated by ball gowns, Jane Fonda broke the mold by accepting her Oscar in a black wool tuxedo by Yves Saint Laurent. Her choice was a statement of power and modernity, defying the conventions of women's fashion on the red carpet.

The Elie Saab dress with its embroidered mesh bodice and burgundy taffeta skirt made history the night Halle Berry became the first African American woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress. Its bold and sensual design is one of the most celebrated of all time.

No list of iconic dresses would be complete without Björk's infamous 'swan dress', designed by Marjan Pejoski. Loved and hated in equal measure, this surreal design is undoubtedly the most avant-garde and talked-about look in awards history.

The pastel pink Ralph Lauren dress that Gwyneth Paltrow wore to accept her Oscar is one of the most memorable in history. Its simplicity, elegance, and soft color created an iconic image of a modern princess.

This pale pink Atelier Versace gown with a fitted bodice and voluminous feather skirt is pure red carpet fantasy. Penélope's choice was a resounding success, cementing her status as one of Hollywood's most elegant actresses.

Inspired by Hollywood's Golden Age, this gold Givenchy Haute Couture gown with fringe and beading was the perfect choice for the night Emma Stone won for 'La La Land'. The design perfectly captured the glamour and magic of cinema.

Grace Kelly embodied Hollywood elegance in this ice-blue satin gown designed by the legendary Edith Head, which she wore to accept her Oscar. The look became synonymous with her regal and timeless style, and was one of the most expensive of the era.

The vibrant saffron-colored Vera Wang dress worn by Michelle Williams is one of the most memorable for its bold color choice and pleated details. Combined with a bold red lipstick, it created an unforgettable look that garnered critical acclaim.

This voluminous pale pink Dior haute couture gown is famous both for its beauty and for causing Jennifer Lawrence to fall while accepting her Oscar. Despite the stumble, the dress is considered one of the most spectacular of the decade.

Although she wasn't nominated, Cindy Crawford stole the show when she accompanied Richard Gere in this form-fitting red Versace dress with a plunging neckline. The design epitomized the boldness and glamour of the 90s supermodel era.

From the front, Guy Laroche's long-sleeved, midnight blue dress appeared conservative, but its completely open back transformed it into an icon of sensuality and elegance. It is remembered as one of the most spectacular backless dresses in history.

Cher has always defied fashion norms, and this two-piece Bob Mackie ensemble with a striking feathered headpiece is her red carpet masterpiece. The look proved she wasn't afraid to be the center of attention and make a style statement.

Charlize Theron literally shone when she accepted her Oscar in this Gucci dress completely covered in rhinestones and featuring an elegant open back. Her glamorous and sexy look evoked the splendor of classic Hollywood, cementing her status as a style icon.

This nude Armani Privé gown, adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals, was a work of art that Cate Blanchett wore with ethereal elegance. Its cost and exquisite craftsmanship make it one of the most luxurious and memorable dresses in Oscar history.