My review is a bit rushed this year, because I have to travel in the morning, but I wrote most of my reviews while watching the red carpet event. Most of my reviews are based more on what the celebrity looked like onscreen instead of in pictures. As we all know, the lighting and angle of photographs can offset the entire look. I do have pictures attached though for those of you who didn't get the chance to see them on TV.
As always, I take into account the entire look, including dress, hairstyle, make up, and accessories. And I steer clear of all reviews before writing mine.
I guess the trending topic in all reviews this year will be "train". It seemed like the fad this year on the red carpet, and for the most part, they were very pleasing to the eye and added the right touch to the dresses!
First of all, this year didn't offer much when it came to fashion. As far as colors go, there were a good variety of colors tonight, whereas usually I've seen one color be repeated over and over. The styles of the dresses, other than the trains of course, also varied greatly. I will say; however, that there were few dresses tonight that just screamed "WOW"! On the other hand, other than Kristen Stewart's nightmare of a number, there were very few unimpressive dresses. (Kristen is not in my review, but you can find her dress here).
I will save my best dressed and worst dressed for last, so here goes, starting with these very talented nominees.
I will say that I had so much anticipation in seeing Jennifer Lawrence tonight. She is a sparkly gem, and she usually gets everything right. If you remember my review in 2011, she was one of my best dressed, and she hadn't even made a name of herself as a style icon yet. Tonight, I was just really disappointed in her gown. I loved her highlighted hair pulled back into a simple bun, her perfect make up job, and I even loved the top of the gown down to the drop waistline. I shouldn't have looked any further. The rest of her gown looks like a lampshade. Even the brocade design gives the impression of something that sits on my nightstand, instead of on one of the most stylish actresses performing today.
A ruffled beauty! If you know me, I have never been a big fan of ruffles, especially when there are as many as there are on Amy's dress, but I absolutely loved this pale gray, strapless, Oscar de la Renta gown. The full skirt and train could have been excessive had it not been for the understated bodice. Her diamond jewelry really complimented the gown! Unfortunately, Amy's messy updo knocked this whole look down a notch or two. Overall, I'm still impressed!
How cute is Quvhenzhane Wallis? Although, I thought this dress looked too old for her age, it was still a beautiful dress and she had an overall adorable look. Starting with her curly updo and crystal headband, down to her shiny ballet slippers, she was impeccably dressed. The blue gown, with it's black tulle overlay and crystal embellishments was Oscar-worthy for sure. Her wrap added a nice touch, and anyone who has been following this talented little actress knows she would show up with her puppy purse. Now THAT'S age appropriate!
Procrastinators unite... three hours before showtime! Yes, Anne Hathaway picked out her dress three hours before stepping onto the red carpet, and it shows! Remember your child's first ballet recital outfit.. in the NINETIES? This blush Prada satin gown reminded me of that. Even though it had a unique back, the rest of the dress looked like it came off the rack at your local retailer. I can't believe that Anne could go so wrong.
Age appropriate? Yes! Emmanuelle Riva looked very elegant in this caped, turquoise gown. Her stylish hairstyle, choker necklace, and bracelets added just the right touch to bring this from simple to elegant.
Mermaid gone wrong? This top 3/4 of this crimson gown was completely beautiful and had a nice fit for Jackie Weaver. I really liked the sheer top with its red sequined design and the crisscrossed sash across her waist, but her half up, half down hairstyle and the mermaid skirt, that made her look shorter than she is, ruined the look.
If you cross an angel with a rockstar, you get Charlize Theron on the red carpet tonight. This was a super edgy look for her, and how many actresses, other than she and Halle Berry can pull off this hairstyle? I thought the white gown with the slit neckline, beaded peplum, and simple train was stunning!
This deep, metallic blue gown was made for Jennifer Hudson! The bateau neckline, and fish scale-like appliques over sheer sleeves and upper chest gave this gown a very unique look. Jennifer's bangs and her matching clutch were a nice touch, but her straightened extensions were overkill.
Legally wrong! Have we not seen Reese in a similar, unflattering dress before? This tuxedo type dress, with its roll over black neckline, satiny finish, and messy train was extremely unflattering. Reese's vintage curls and make up were perfection, however.
Adele had to redeem herself after the floral nightmare she wore to the Grammys. She certainly did that tonight. This Jenny Packham number with its simple bodice and skirt, black on black embellishments, and sheer sleeves draped so nicely on Adele's frame. I like that she has a half updo, and as always, her smoky eyes are quite entrancing.
Artistic knockout! Naomi Watts shines in this charcoal, metallic, asymmetrical Armani gown. She certainly has the shape to pull this gown off, and the caped sleeve vs. the cutaway shoulder added a very unique touch to this otherwise simple design. Naomi's wavy updo was my favorite of the night!
You cannot fully appreciate the beauty of this gown unless you see it onscreen! My mouth dropped when I saw Amanda in this Alexander McQueen masterpiece! This taupe dress had such an amazing halter neckline. The chocker at the top flattered her face and shoulders, as did the perfectly placed keyhole. I adored the way this dress draped her body so gracefully. The leaf appliques on the sheered overlay were beautiful as they appeared to be falling from top to bottom. Amanda's voluminous updo and understated jewelry were exactly what this look called for. Can Amanda ever get it wrong? I don't think so! She was my very close second when it came to picking best dressed.
This is one of those love/hate kind of dresses. And guess what? I love it, and I hate it! This Miu Miu number had a pale pink bodice that was adorned with everything from my daughter's craft drawer. Even though the top was a little busy, I still found this to be an interesting dress. The coral color worked great with Kerry Washington's skin tone, and the simple bow belt and train added just the right of normal to this dress.
Sheered Sally! This red dress, with its jewel neckline, long sleeves, and ruffled skirt and train was age-appropriate for Sally Fields, and the sheered sleeves and panels added a touch of youth to this look. Sally's teased updo was so "Sally". This was an overall good choice for her.
It's Christmas in February! As beautiful and glamourous as Zoe Saldana is, I was not very impressed with this pale gray gown. The top of the dress resembled a Christmas ornament I bought this year, and I'm not sure a silver buckle belongs on a ball gown. I did like the side bow at the waist, and the layered skirt and train. Zoe's hairstyle and drop earrings were elegant, and as always her make up was immaculate.
First of all... HOLY COW this girl can sing! And obviously Samantha Barks knows how to dress too. This low cut black Valentino gown was so simple, but yet so comely! Her gold statement necklace was the essential focus of her entire look.
Catherine Zeta-Jones looked much better onscreen than she does here in this photo. She is always so becoming in whatever she wears. The camisole neckline was flattering, as was the fitted bodice and the gold, metallic appliques over the blush sheer fabric. Catherine's classy hairstyle and gold, chandelier earrings added to the glamour of this entire look.
Octavia Spencer! You go girl! What a flawless blush dress! This one-shouldered tulle dress with a beaded bodice flattered her frame and is a show stopper! Octavia completed her look with bright lipstick, stunning diamond earrings, and a neatly styled updo.
This was SUCH a surprising look for Jennifer Aniston! NOT!!!! As always, Jennifer Aniston takes no risk and plays it safe with a simple gown and decade-old boring beach hair. The Valentino gown would have looked so much better on someone who wasn't so bo bo bo boring!
AND here are my picks for best and worst dressed!
The worst dressed gong goes to.... Helen Hunt!
I wasn't expecting Helen to stun me, as she has never stunned me in the past, but seriously? This wrinkled satin mess was something she must have pulled out from the back of her closet. Having such thin hair should make someone want to get a hairstylist to help with styling on such an important night, but methinks she did this herself in the limo ride over. Her regal necklace was the only thing that saved her from being shoved off of the red carpet for embarrassing the Academy!
I am so thrilled to review my best dressed choice of the night! Here is the amazing Jessica Chastain!
Is it just me, or did this golden goddess just step out of old Hollywood? Jessica Chastain took us back in time with this alluring Armani dress. Everything about Jessica's look was tied together so well, including her red, wavy hair, red lipstick, and gold sequined mesh dress. I don't believe I have ever seen a more exquisite redhead in all of my 42 years. I definitely haven't seen one like this on the red carpet. I have a feeling that Jessica will be on many best dressed lists this year!
Every time I do a review, I am eager to hear your comments. Agree, disagree, or add your own personal review! Pictures are from cbs.com, and you can also go here for excellent coverage of red carpet arrivals!
