Hollywood’s brightest stars dazzled at the 2025 Oscars red carpet — from ethereal couture to bold, dramatic statement
On Sunday night, Hollywood brightest stars graced the red carpet at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for the 9th Academy Awards, celebrating the year’s finest in film. The evening was a spectacle of glamour, with celebrities donning stunning gowns and dazzling diamonds that left me in awe. This year Oscar’s, there was drama, elegance, and jaw-dropping fashion moments we’ll be talking about for weeks.
Here are my top picks for the best-dressed of the night — from Ariana’s exaggerated peplum to Cynthia’s emerald dress!
Ariana Grande in Schiaparelli
Ariana Grande by Christina House via Getty Images
Ariana Grande stole the show as my absolute best-dressed of the night — no surprise, considering my love for Schiaparelli. Her custom haute couture look from the Spring/Summer 2025 collection was simply breathtaking.
Daniel Roseberry designed the gown with impeccable craftsmanship, blending artistry and elegance. The sculpted pale pink satin bustier flowed seamlessly into a clamshell-inspired peplum — drawn from an Alberto Giacometti lamp, no less! — while the voluminous tulle skirt shimmered with 190,000 crystal sequins, rhinestones, and cut beads. Paired with De Beers diamonds and Jimmy Choo heels, Ariana embodied ethereal perfection.
Cynthia Erivo in Louis Vuitton
Cynthia Erivo by Frazer Harrison via Getty Images
Cynthia Erivo doesn’t just attend the Oscars — she commands them. This year, she made a bold statement in a dramatic emerald green velvet Louis Vuitton gown, a clear homage to her Wicked character, Elphaba.
But this was far from just another green dress. The high neckline, exaggerated sleeves, Dracula-esque collar, and oversized bow turned it into an unforgettable fashion moment. And the details didn’t stop there — her nails, designed by Mycah Dior, featured intricate gilding, including a miniature clock in honour of Oz. Pure magic.
Doja Cat in Balmain
Doja Cat by Frazer Harrison via Getty Images
Leopard print at the Oscars? Bold. Pulling it off with this level of glamour? Iconic. Doja Cat stunned in a custom Balmain gown inspired by a 1953 Pierre Balmain design — an absolute masterpiece.
Crafted by 46 artisans, the dress featured thousands of micro-sized gold glass tubes, meticulously assembled over 5,600 hours. She elevated the look with dazzling Messika diamonds and a sultry Old Hollywood hairstyle, exuding the allure of the world’s most glamorous international jewel thief — in the best way possible.
Colman Domingo in Valentino
Colman Domingo by Angela Weiss via Getty Images
Colman Domingo is redefining menswear, and I am absolutely here for it. At the 2025 Oscars, he delivered a masterclass in style with a custom Valentino ensemble that was equal parts sleek and statement-making.
His red shantung silk double-breasted jacket, accented with bold black lapels, paired flawlessly with black wool trousers and a matching red shantung silk guru shirt. Another undeniable win for Domingo, who continues to push the boundaries of men’s fashion. If this is his Oscars look, I can’t wait to see what he brings to the Met Gala.
Lupita Nyong’o in Chanel
Lupita Nyong’o by Angela Weiss via Getty Images
Chanel’s ambassador took a deep dive into the archives, reviving a stunning 1991 Chanel creation for a true vintage moment. Adorned with pearl embellishments, shimmering details, and dramatic tassels, the gown was nothing short of opulent.
While the intricate design leaned into extravagance with its pearls and tassels, the delicate pearl accents in her hair added an unexpected, fashion-forward edge.
Raye in Vivienne Westwood
Raye by Robyn Beck via Getty Images
Raye in Vivienne Westwood? Pure perfection. She embodied old-school Hollywood glamour with her red ensemble, bring together a timeless, elegant, and effortless look. No gimmicks or excessive styling — just Westwood brilliance at its finest. The Marilyn Monroe energy was undeniable, and I loved every moment of it.
Zoë Saldaña in Saint Laurent
Zoë Saldaña by Angela Weiss via Getty Images
Zoë Saldaña embraced the empire waist trend in a custom Saint Laurent silk gown, and the result was breathtaking. The deep crimson colour, the crystal-accented bodice, the tiered silk skirt — everything about it was regal.
And let’s not forget the Cartier Panthère Versatiles necklace, a convertible high-jewellery masterpiece featuring emeralds, diamonds, and onyx. This was luxury at its finest.
Ava DuVernay in Louis Vuitton
Ava DuVernay by Michael Buckner via Getty Images
Ava DuVernay is a master at bringing understated elegance to the red carpet. Her grey silk crêpe Louis Vuitton gown was effortlessly chic, complemented by a quilted clutch and David Yurman jewellery. She’s proven time and time again that you don’t need embellishments to make a statement.
Whoopi Goldberg in Christian Siriano
Whoopi Goldberg by Michael Buckner via Getty Images
Whoopi Goldberg doesn’t hit the red carpet often, but when she does, she makes it count. This midnight blue Christian Siriano gown was a revelation. The glossy, latex-like texture, the off-the-shoulder volume, and the cinched corset bodice, it was giving Sister Act, but make it high fashion. A total slay.
The 2025 Oscars’ red carpet was one for the history books, from ethereal couture to bold, dramatic statements. Ariana Grande gave us haute couture fantasy, Cynthia Erivo delivered theatre-level drama, and Doja Cat proved that leopard print can be red carpet royalty. Who was your best dressed for the night?
