The stars played it safe at this year’s Oscars, and it was the younger generation who made the biggest statements with their choice of fabulous frocks
THERE WERE very few surprises and even fewer chances taken at the 84th Academy Awards in Los Angeles. Although some dresses drew gasps and others drew awestruck sighs, there was very little to either surprise or delight – we really felt the absence of chance-taking stars such as Björk or Tilda Swinton. As usual, there are hits and there are misses, but unlike other years, there will be no full marks and there will be no out-and-out lambasting. Hollywood played it safe, and, as usual, it was the audience that suffered.
JESSICA CHASTAIN
In custom Alexander McQueen, Chastain was the night's out-and-out winner on the sartorial front. The cut, colour and daring pattern were perfect on her - and she accessorised with a rumoured $2 million worth of diamonds and, as a delightful foil, totally relaxed hair and make-up. Now that's how to do red-carpet dressing.
KELLY OSBOURNE
Not technically walking the red carpet, the Fashion Policepresenter wore vintage-inspired Badgley Mischka in gothic black with turquoise jewelled accents. With capped sleeves, a high neckline and a fishtail hem, the dress could have come off as quite prim. But it was exactly the right fit for Osbourne'ss body and contrasted beautifully with her violet hair. She looked the picture of young, cool sophistication.
MILLA JOVOVICH
Jovovich's one-shouldered jewel-encrusted Elie Saab couture was the first show-stopper of the night, perfectly teamed with vintage curls and classic red lips. It was sleek, it was sexy and it was utterly perfect for the night that was in it.
OCTAVIA SPENCERThe best supporting actress winner wore Tadashi Shoji to accept her award – and it was a wise choice. The sequined gown (so many gowns were sequined, it was like a disco at sunset in LA) was body-skimming and figure-flattering, and Spencer looked comfortable and relaxed.
MICHELLE WILLIAMS
Several times throughout the evening, Williams dipped from the “hit” to the “miss” category, but she deserves a slap on the back for her ability to divide critics. Her coral Louis Vuitton gown had a lot going on – diamante detailing, peplum, lace and a fishtail – but, somehow, the diminutive Williams pulled it off. It doesn’t hurt that she came with her bestie Busy Philipps, and appeared to be having the best time ever – sure, you’re never fully dressed without a smile.
SHAILENE WOODLEY
Woodley wore Valentino couture to this, her first Academy Awards ceremony. On the red carpet, she said that this – presumably meaning this palaver, this theatre – is just "a part" of her life. She is meanwhile "studying to be an herbalist". But we forgive her; this frock was just on the right side of daring, with its high neckline, interesting bust detail and empire line that entirely avoided Downtonterritory. Kudos.
. . . and the walks of shame
GLENN CLOSE
Close, in a 1980s-inspired, Dynasty-appropriate number, was the biggest flop of the evening – and we're not just talking about her sloppy, sagging fishtail. A disappointing show from one of showbusiness's grand dames.
STACY KEIBLER
It was the night after Christmas and all through the house lay remnants of Christmas Day’s chocolate binge – well, fear not, because Clooney’s main squeeze can repurpose your foil wrappers into the shiniest dress you’ve ever seen. It didn’t help that her over-lacquered hair matched her dress – Kiebler’s was one of the night’s missteps.
NATALIE PORTMAN
Portman, as the face of Dior, had her pick of the archives for her 2012 Oscars dress - so why she chose this picnic-appropriate spotty strapless number will forever be beyond us. Cut the hem by a couple of inches and she could be going for a summer bike ride.
ANGELINA JOLIE
Along with Brad Pitt, Jolie arrived quite late - and, by that stage, the photographers and waiting fans had built themselves up into quite a frenzy. But Jolie, in Versace, would provide no great thrill - as per usual, it was a black dress and a striking red lip for the queen of restrained class. With one small difference; this year, Jolie couldn't quite keep her leg within her thigh slit, taking a tip from Lea Michele's school of over-posing.
KRISTEN WIIG
Wiig is now three out of three for nude dresses at awards ceremonies, each one more boring than the last. This J Mendel dress was like the least imaginative of wedding dresses: strapless, with a nipped-in waist and long, fluffy tulle layers. Things weren’t helped by Wiig’s undone hair and minimal make-up – it all just looked too lackadaisical.
MERYL STREEP
Streep is famed for her wildly eccentric red-carpet choices – this year was no exception, with a gold Lanvin number that let her down in every way possible. The colour was garish and slightly vulgar, given its resemblance to the statuettes themselves; the fit was oversized and unflattering; and the length was slightly too long, giving the impression of an oversized, ill-fitting wraparound sack. Not ideal.
