These Are the Most Iconic Oscars Dresses of All Time

At the Oscars, the fashion is just as important as the films.

Over the years, the annual ceremony's red carpet has transformed into a runway, as Hollywood's biggest and brightest stars pull out all of the style stops. 

Case in point? Halle Berry cemented herself as a fashion icon at the 2002 Academy Awards when she slipped into a risqué Elie Saab gown that featured strategically placed floral embroidery to cover her chest. In addition, she made history as the first Black woman to win the Best Actress Award. So, not only did her dress push the boundaries, but she also broke industry barriers in the process.

Then there's Gwyneth Paltrow, who proved that a simple, structured design can instantly command a room. For the 2012 event, she stunned in a white asymmetrical gown by Tom Ford. Pairing the elegant look with a floor-length cape added just the right amount of drama.

Other A-listers such as Zendaya, Gemma Chan, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga are a few that always bring their fashion A-game, often taking exciting risks with their looks. 

So, before our favorite stars dress to impress at the 2023 Oscars on March 12 in the heart of Hollywood at The Dolby Theatre, keep scrolling to see all of the fabulous fashion moments to hit the red carpet in years past.

The actress' Oscar win was unforgettable for many reasons. She was the first Black woman to win the Best Actress Award, which she won in 2002 for Monster's Ball. In addition to her historical win, her dress became iconic and put designer Elie Saab on the map.

Lupita always turns heads on the red carpet, but this custom baby blue Prada gown took the grand prize. This marked the first time she won the Best Supporting Actress award for her debut film 12 Years a Slave.

The Goop founder shut down the red carpet in 2012, wearing a swoon-worthy cape dress. And it's safe to say Tom Ford outdid himself with this look.

The silver screen siren of the Golden Age of Hollywood dazzled in an ostentatious sequins gown. As if that weren't glamorous enough, she accessorized with a large and lustrous tiara, white fur and gloves.

Perfectly pink! The Crazy Rich Asians star made a grand entrance with her bright and bold Valentino design.

For the ceremony, where she nabbed her first Oscar, Mother Monster arrived in a breathtaking Alexander McQueen gown that she paired with an estimated $30 million Tiffany's necklace. 

The Euphoria star always turns heads on the red carpet but she pulled out all of the stops for the 2022 ceremony.

The actress, who took home the Best Actress award for Million Dollar Baby, stunned in a simple, yet striking Guy Laroche design that featured a plunging open-back. 

The Watchmen actress knows how to make a statement with a simple but sophisticated look. Her 2019 style is all the proof you need.

One word: Glamourous. The legendary actress always knew how to drop jaws, and this design was no different.

Never one to stick to the basics, the Moonlight actress dropped jaws in an Elie Saab Haute Couture gown, which was adorned with intricate beading, lace set with feathers and an over-the-top tulle train.

Of her many appearances at the Oscars, Kate Hudson's 2014 look stands out from the rest, thanks in part to this caped and beaded Atelier Versace gown. 

Diana Ross sizzled at the 54th Annual Academy Awards in a glittering red gown and lush white fur shawl.

The country singer turned heads in her bubblegum pink Giambattista Valli number at the 2019 event.

The Pose alum proved why he reigns supreme on the red carpet, wearing a larger-than-life Christian Siriano design.

The Oscar-winning actress stunned in this electrifying hot pink gown by Michael Kors. In addition to her bright dress, she accessorized with a matching flamingo pink clutch and statement jewelry pieces.

The actress always shuts down the red carpet, and this powerful red gown by Balenciaga was no different. The high-neck and sleeveless design made it an instant classic, but the dramatic bow and striking color took it to the next level.

The Roma actress brought a fashion fantasy to the red carpet with her dreamy and whimsical Rodarte design.

The actress wrapped herself in gold, wearing a dazzling strapless gown at the 2019 ceremony.

Chrissy Teigen channeled old-Hollywood glamour in this periwinkle Zuhair Murad gown. 

For the 2015 affair, JLo made sure all eyes were on her as she stunned in this glitzy Elie Saab dress.

The Oscar-winning actress may have taken home the award in 2001 for Erin Brockovich but her satin vintage Valentino gown stole the show. The black and white number was from the brand's 1982 collection.

The A Star is Born actress looked effortlessly elegant in a white pantsuit dress by Brandon Maxwell.

Wearing a custom Atelier Versace design, the Guardians of the Galaxy actress stunned in a blush-colored, body-hugging gown.

To celebrate CODA's success, the actress wore a stunning gold dress from Dolce and Gabbana.

The Frida alum stunned on the Oscars red carpet in a vibrant ocean-blue Atelier Versace gown.

The Aussie actress exuded old-Hollywood glamour in her full-length, long-sleeve gown.

The Oscar winner graced the 2015 red carpet in a beautifully pearl-beaded gown by Calvin Klein. 

Debbie Allen wowed the crowd with her performance at the 54th Annual Awards and her eye-catching lavender gown.

The actress made a rosy entrance with her blush-colored Atelier Versace gown, which featured a chiffon bodice with an organza tulle train.