Oscars 2025: Who stole the show on the red carpet?

The sun may have set on yet another movie awards season, but amidst the celebrations one big question remains: who truly triumphed on the Oscars red carpet?

At the Academy Awards, fashion is nearly as important as the films themselves, and Hollywood's biggest stars strutted down the red carpet in a stunning array of eye-catching outfits ahead of Sunday’s ceremony in Los Angeles.

From bold colours to poignant messages, the Academy Awards delivered some unforgettable looks.

Wicked stars deliver spellbinding style

Ariana Grande channelled her inner Glinda in a dreamy pale pink gown from Schiaparelli’s Spring-Summer 2025 collection, though she changed before joining Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo to open the show. 

Erivo embraced Elphaba green in a custom Louis Vuitton creation, complete with oversized shoulders and a striking collar. While she missed out on the Best Actress award, Erivo certainly took home the prize for Best Nails.

“Cynthia Erivo is a true fashionista who understands how beauty also plays into the overall look," said Julee Wilson, Cosmopolitan's beauty editor-at-large. "I’m always impressed by her otherworldly nails. Tonight they were obviously an homage to ‘Wicked,’ a full set of black, gold, and emerald-hued stiletto nails handcrafted by Mycah Dior.”

Mikey Madison is pretty in pink

Last year’s Palme d’Or winner at Cannes Anora reigned supreme on the Oscars stage. Its star Mikey Madison, who also won the best actress award for her performance, charmed on the red carpet.

Madison made her Oscar debut last night, and the Anora star wowed in a chic, ladylike look. She stepped onto the red carpet in a pink and black Dior gown with a bow at the bodice, accessorised with a Tiffany & Co. necklace.

Demi Moore leads metallics trend

Metallics sparkled across the carpet, with Demi Moore (a frontrunner forThe Substance, but who eventually lost out) in a seductive silver Giorgio Armani Privé gown while Mindy Kaling glimmered in an Oscar de la Renta dress.

Emma Stone went sleek with a metallic nude number, while Selena Gomez dazzled in a Ralph Lauren pink crystal-studded creation.

"The Oscars red carpet style really leaned into old Hollywood glamour,” said Brooke Bobb, fashion news director for Harper's Bazaar.

Lupita Nyong’o made a pearl-studded statement in a custom Chanel gown adorned with over 22,000 pearls. Whoopi Goldberg turned heads in a metallic blue Christian Siriano number, spotted on the runway at New York Fashion Week. 

Who were the best-dressed men?

Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet made a typically bold fashion choice in a custom Givenchy soft yellow trouser leather and short jacket leather combo, while Jeff Goldblum added a floral touch with an orchid on his Prada tuxedo.

Mario Lopez stood out in a midnight navy dinner suit, while director Jon Chu kept things understated yet stylish in an olive dinner jacket. Derek Guy, a menswear expert, lauded Chu's choice of timeless tailoring, saying, "The quality of the tailoring is always going to be more important than gimmicks."

Red wasn’t just the colour of the carpet

Red remains an enduring trend at the Oscars, with stars like Zoe Saldaña donning a maroon Saint Laurent gown with a crystal-embellished bodice, paired with sheer black opera gloves. She accessorised with a striking Cartier necklace featuring emerald, onyx, and diamonds, with a panther motif from the brand’s High Jewelry collection.

Storm Reid also embraced red in a bright, short dress with a dramatic long cape.

Many celebrities stuck to classic black, including Marlee Matlin, who wore a stunning Yara Shoemaker Couture creation, and Coco Jones, who turned heads in a sleek custom Coach design crafted from vintage fabric. 

Miley Cyrus embodied rock chic in black McQueen, complete with shredded tulle and sequin detailing.

Yasmin Finney also opted for black, with tall black feathers adorning the top of her dress. Fernanda Torres, star of I’m Still Here, made a statement in a body-hugging Chanel Haute Couture gown featuring black feathers. 

Dress to express

The Oscars also saw some powerful political statements. Swedish singer and actor Kayo Shekoni highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Congo, displaying the words “free Congo” on her black heel. 

Writer Peter Straughan showed solidarity with Ukraine, sporting a Ukrainian flag pin, as did the team behind best documentary nominee Porcelain War. 

Meanwhile, actor Guy Pearce wore a dove-shaped pin embossed with “Free Palestine”, showing his ongoing support and solidarity with Palestinians.

Get the lowdown on the results and viral moments of the Oscars here.