The Oscars red carpet lived up to its name this year, with the crimson colour being the hue of choice for many stars, including Rosamund Pike and Dakota Johnson. Even Selma star David Oyelowo rocked a burgundy suit, complete with matching vest and bow tie.
The other theme of the night similarly befitted the glitzy event. Embellishment, in the forms of sequins, beading, and pearls, dominated the gowns of everyone, from Felicity Jones to Lupita Nyong'o. The men made a commendable effort to shine as well, veering beyond the usual line-up of black tuxedos, with navy suits, white jackets and light grey and blue ensembles.
One strange Oscar accessory has already become the subject of Internet memes. Singer Lady Gaga's red leather gloves, which resemble those worn for dishwashing, have been inserted into several cleaning memes. But it would not be Gaga without a little dose of weird.
BEST-DRESSED
REESE WITHERSPOON: The Best Actress nominee for Wild looks modern, romantic and effortlessly chic in this powder blue off-the-shoulder Tom Ford gown.
ROSAMUND PIKE: The Gone Girl actress wowed the crowd in an embellished, scalloped red number from Givenchy Couture. The gown emphasises her tiny waist and lets her English Rose beauty shine.
EMMA STONE: The Birdman actress stylishly does her own thing in a lime green, long-sleeved embellished gown from Elie Saab Couture.
JULIANNE MOORE: The five-time Oscar nominee capped her red-carpet parade with this sequined, strapless Chanel number with black-and-white rosettes. She looks glamorous and every bit the winner.
WORST-DRESSED
KERRY WASHINGTON: What would Scandal's chic Olivia Pope have to say about her real-life alter ego Kerry Washington's peplum Miu Miu dress? Nothing good, it would seem. The drab, dishwater colour and random embroidery make this gown one to skip.
KEIRA KNIGHTLEY: The Best Supporting Actress nominee for the Imitation Game looks washed out in this nude colour Valentino Couture gown. The quirky embroidery looks messy.
SCARLETT JOHANSSON: What on earth? While the emerald hue of this Atelier Versace halter-neck gown is pretty, the embroidered collar looks like it exploded, and not in a nice way. Combined with Johansson's shaved rocker hair, the look is unflattering.
ZOE SALDANA: Saldana, an actress with decent fashion chops, looks like she just gave up here. The blush Atelier Versace gown is completely lacklustre and the bodice - with its overlaid thin straps - looks like a bra.
JURY'S STILL OUT
FELICITY JONES: The Best Actress nominee looks regal here, but is the grey Alexander McQueen gown too much? The voluminous satin skirt and busy top - while intricate and beautiful up close - give off a tryingtoo- hard vibe.
LUPITA NYONG'O: This Calvin Klein Collection gown is covered in pearls from head to toe, making it texturally fascinating. But somehow, the cut-out and the way the pearls clump up in the bodice feel a bit off.
GWYNETH PALTROW: From certain angles, this pale pink one-shouldered Ralph & Russo dress looks modern and striking. But from other angles, it looks too tight and cartoonish. Does the oversized bloom scream sculptural chic or oversized corsage?
MARION COTILLARD: The Best Actress nominee did her duty as a Dior brand ambassador with this white, sleeveless Dior Couture gown, but did the brand do right by her? The perforated gown features a back that has been compared to fabric caught up in duct tape.
