Oscars red carpet 2021: Best dressed stars arrive at Academy Awards
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Return of the Oscars red carpet: Carey Mulligan, Margot Robbie, Reese Witherspoon and Zendaya lead the fashion parade at the socially-distanced 2021 Academy Awards (but there’s not a mask in sight)
- The red carpet kicked off early on Sunday afternoon for the highly anticipated 93rd Academy Awards, which had no crowds, fewer cameras and social distance rules due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
- The Oscars telecast was three hours long, with co-producer Steven Soderbergh described the set up being ‘like a movie’ – and marked the first time Tinseltown’s finest have assembled in over a year
- The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hosted the delayed ceremony at the historic Union Station in Los Angeles, California
- The producers treated the Oscars like an active movie set, with an onsite COVID safety team, PCR testing capability and temperature checks on site, but socially distanced movie stars went mask-free on-camera
- In addition, testing was required for attendees, with a recommendation to stick to a low-risk lifestyle for 10 days before the show
Hollywood’s finest assembled for an Oscars red carpet unlike any other last night, as a host of A-List stars posed on a socially-distanced red carpet – without masks – but with no crowds and fewer cameras than ever before, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Stars including Carey Mulligan, Margot Robbie and Reese Witherspoon led the glamorous arrivals at the 93rd annual Academy Awards, which were held for the first time at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, the city’s largest rail station, instead of the usual Dolby Theater.
With just 170 guests in attendance rather than the typical 3,000 the stars still ensured they pulled out all the stops, with the likes of Zendaya wowing in Valentino Couture, Amanda Seyfried turning heads in Armani Prive, Regina King dazzling in custom Louis Vuitton and Vanessa Kirby looking breathtaking in custom Gucci.
The global pandemic meant that not all stars were at Union Station, however, with some British celebrities like The Crown’s Olivia Colman – who looked stunning in a long-sleeve scarlet Christian Dior gown – attending virtually from Academy’s UK hub, the British Film Institute in London, for nominees who were unable to travel.
The red carpet in Los Angeles looked similar to how it did last year except there were far fewer people due to social distancing restrictions in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The producers treated the Oscars like an active movie set, with an onsite COVID safety team, PCR testing capability and temperature checks on site.
In addition, testing was required for attendees, with a recommendation to stick to a low-risk lifestyle for 10 days before the show.
Although the Oscars are designed to celebrate the best in movie talent, this year’s Best Picture nominees failed to win over audiences as they became some of the biggest box office flops of all-time with six of the eight movies raking in a combined total of £28.3 million worldwide – an average of just £4.7 million each.
Promising Young Woman took just £9.1 million following its Christmas Day US release, but was the top earner of the night’s celebrated films, with the pandemic and closing of cinemas playing a role in the poor takings.
Asian-American domestic drama Minari took £8 million while Judas And The Black Messiah £4.4 million, and Nomadland £3.9 million.
Olivia Colman and Anthony Hopkins’ The Father made £2.7 million, with rock movie Sound Of Metal making just £126,956.34 after opening only in Australia and Poland.
Absolute stunner: Promising Young Woman actress Carey, 35, dazzled in a strapless gold ballgown with cut-out detailing along her torso
What a look: Carey flashed her midriff in the stunning gown, which featured a large cut-out
Go for the gold like Carey Mulligan wearing Valentino
Carey Mulligan may have been channeling a fairytale princess with her 2021 Academy Awards look. The ‘Promising Young Woman’ star hit the red carpet in a stunning two-piece gown from Valentino’s latest couture collection.
In brilliant metallic gold, Carey’s dress features a bandeau top and a full, high-waist skirt for amplified drama – a true, modern iteration of a fairytale dress.
Grab attention in your own gold dress like Carey. Unfortunately, we mere mortals won’t be able to get our hands on a couture number exactly like Carey’s, though you can shop similar styles from our edit below.
* PRICES MAY NOT BE AS ADVERTISED
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Fashion! The British beauty hit the red carpet with her husband, Mumford and Sons musician Marcus Mumford
The Oscars marks the first time Tinseltown’s finest have assembled in over a year, for a three-hour show that co-producer Steven Soderbergh described as being ‘like a movie.’
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hosted the delayed ceremony at the historic Union Station in Los Angeles, California where socially distanced movie stars went mask-free while on-camera or seated in the main show room.
Built in 1939, the national historic landmark and its main terminal is 161,000 square feet, creating plenty of room for theatrics on Hollywood’s biggest night.
During normal times, when COVID restrictions haven’t crimped travel, more than 100,000 people a day walk through its halls.
Comparatively the Dolby Theatre, where the glitzy event is usually held, can only seat around 3,300 people which would have created difficulties in putting on an award show amid the pandemic.
But in the spacious station, believed to be large enough to accommodate social distancing requirements with its soaring main hall featuring windows that are 40-feet high, stars have more room to mingle and maneuver.
Spring chic: Margot Robbie donned a Chanel gray and silver gown featuring delicate floral detailing
Silhouette: Margot’s gown had a delicate black trim with spaghetti straps
Delightful duo: Margot – who served as producer on Promising Young Women – posed on the red carpet with fellow producer Josey McNamara
Sticking to a ‘No Zoom’ policy unlike other shows that have taken place this awards season, Academy organizers had a ‘British hub’ in London at the British Film Institute for UK actors who are unable to make it in person, as well as more hubs around the globe.
For the red carpet at Union Station, Carey, 35, dazzled in a strapless gold Valentino Couture gown, with cut-out detailing along her torso and a statement ball skirt.
The Promising Young Woman actress hit the red carpet with her husband, Mumford and Sons musician Marcus Mumford.
All by herself: The stars were socially distanced on the red carpet instead of the typically crowded affair
Meanwhile, Margot, 30, donned a Chanel grey and silver gown featuring delicate floral detailing; It had a delicate black trim and spaghetti straps.
The Chanel ambassador rocked a heavy fringe with her dark blonde tresses pulled back into a low ponytail.
Injecting a splash of colour on the night was Reese, 45, who slipped on a Grecian styled Christian Dior gown, complete with a delicate black belt; The frock consisted of an ombre hued fabric that delicately draped against her frame.
The movie star wore Bvlgari jewelry, including the Magnifica ring with 1 octagonal ruby (10.15 carats), 14 buff top rubies (1.59 carats), and pavé-set diamonds (1.78 carats) and a ring in platinum with 1 marquise cut diamond (5.38 carats), 40 step cut rubies (2.18 carats) and 34 step cut diamonds (1.89 carats).
Glittering: The Euphoria star, 24, showcased her flat midriff in the strapless, cut-out frock by the design house; the brunette stunner paired the astounding frock with over $6 million of Bvlgari jewerly
Zendaya was an absolute goddess in a bright yellow Valentino Couture gown.
The Euphoria star, 24, showcased her flat midriff in the strapless, cut-out frock by the design house; the brunette stunner paired the astounding frock with over $6 million of Bvlgari jewelry.
The former Disney actress donned a necklace with one cushion-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond (6 carats), 18 diamonds (18.18 carats), 693 fancy shape step cut diamonds (49.30 carats), 398 round brilliant-cut diamonds and pavé-set diamonds (61.50 carats), set in platinum.
She also wore a ring featuring one emerald cut, 9.90 carat diamond with two 1.35 carat each baguette diamonds, set in platinum.
Zendaya rounded out her sparkling look with earrings made of 9.4 yellow pear diamonds and two 3.49 carat each pear diamonds, set in platinum.
Amazing: Amanda looked phenomenal in a custom Armani Prive gown that had a plunging V-neckline and a voluminous skirt
Iconic: The star, 35, flashed her cleavage in the low-cut frock, which featured layers of tulle
Amanda Seyfried looked like a classic movie star in custom Armani Prive gown; the crimson frock had a v-neckline and a voluminous skirt.
The actress, 35, wore Forevermark jewelry, including 10.45 carat Premier Gem yellow radiant drop drop halo earrings with a matching 5.03 carat ring.
Regina, 50, wowed in custom Louis Vuitton featuring vertical crystal stripes with voluminous sleeves and a v-neckline.
The dress took 140 hours to make, with over 62,000 sequins and 4,000 crystals; the production of the dress began in January.
Regina styled her brunette hair center parted and sleek with diamond earrings, rings and a bracelet -all by Forevermark jewelry – for pops of sparkle; The diamond drop earrings are 36.10 carats with 4.03 carats stud earrings.
Statement: Regina King stunned in a blue Louis Vuitton gown with vertical crystal stripes that flattered her incredible figure
All in the details: The dress took 140 hours to make, with over 62,000 sequins and 4,000 crystals, with construction on the dress beginning back in January
Pieces of a Woman actress Vanessa, 33, who was nominated in the Best Actress category, looked nothing short of sensational in a form-fitting blush gown, which boasted a dramatic train and sweetheart neckline.
She accessorised her backless floor-length gown with a diamond necklace and wore her platinum locks swept back into a sleek bun, while opting for a dramatic make-up look with a deep red lip.
Vanessa shot to fame in The Crown, and has since been spending time in Hollywood – leaving her able to attend the ceremony in person.
Pretty in pink: Pieces of a Woman actress Vanessa, 33, who is nominated in the Best Actress category, looked nothing short of sensational in a form-fitting blush gown, which boasted a dramatic train and sweetheart neckline
Delicate: Vanessa accessorised her backless floor-length gown with a diamond necklace and wore her platinum locks swept back into a sleek bun, while opting for a dramatic make-up look with a deep red lip
Meanwhile, fellow The Crown star, OIivia Colman had to attend the show virtually – tuning in from the Academy’s UK hub, the British Film Institute in London.
The actress, 47, was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Father opposite Anthony Hopkins, but missed out on the award to Youn Yuh-jung.
She had come dressed to win in a scarlet Christian Dior gown with a high neck and pleated hemline for the socially-distanced event.
Radiant in red: Fellow The Crown star, OIivia Colman had to attend the show virtually – tuning in from the Academy’s UK hub, the British Film Institute in London
Here come the boys: Olivia was joined in the London hub by Gary Oldman, who was nominated for Best Actor for Mank and Lakeith Stanfield, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Judas and the Black Messiah
She was joined in the London hub by Gary Oldman, who was nominated for Best Actor for the third time for his role in Mank. The actor, 63, looked dapper in a black suit with a light blue vest and a black bow tie.
Lakeith Stanfield was another famous face at the London screening where he arrived on the red carpet in a black blazer and matching trousers.
The actor, 29, also sported a white shirt with a large collar along with a black belt and a pair of sunglasses.
Lakeith was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at this year’s awards for his role in Judas and the Black Messiah, but lost out to his co-star Daniel Kaluuya.
Low key: The Oscars red carpet in Los Angeles was quiet this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The red carpet seen just before the show kicked off
What a dress! Laura Dern donned a long sleeved Oscar de la Renta gown that had a black torso with a white feathered skirt
Meanwhile, back in Los Angeles, Laura Dern wowed as she donned a long sleeved Oscar de la Renta gown that had a black torso with a white feathered skirt.
Maria Bakalova, 24, donned a stunning Louis Vuitton gown; the white frock had a plunging neckline and a tulle skirt. The dress features 100 meters of tulle.
Viola Davis donned a cut-out white Alexander McQueen gown, adding diamond jewelry by Forevermark and a crystal accented clutch.
Glamorous: Maria Bakalova donned a stunning Louis Vuitton gown; the white frock had a plunging neckline and a tulle skirt. The dress features 100 meters of tulle
Angela Bassett wowed in bright red custom Alberta Ferretti number with statement sleeves and a caped detailing along the back.
The 62-year-old star added Christian Louboutin heels and a Judith Leiber clutch.
The Black Panther actress wore Chopard jewelry, including a 14.04 carats bracelet. She also wore a ring featuring an oval shaped pink tourmaline (14.62 carats), 2 half-moon diamonds (totaling 1.36 carats) and diamonds (1.02 carats), set in platinum.
Halle Berry sported a short haircut and a purple strapless Dolce & Gabbana gown with a large bow detail in the center and a sheer skirt; The actress added Christian Louboutin heels and Ridano jewels.
She arrived on the red carpet with boyfriend Van Hunt, who donned an Etro suit with a David Yurman broach and Christian Louboutin dress shoes.
Lady in red: Angela Bassett wowed in bright red custom Alberta Ferretti number with statement sleeves and a caped detailing along the back
Lovely: The actress wore Chopard jewelry, including a 14.04 carats bracelet. She also wore a ring featuring an oval shaped pink tourmaline (14.62 carats), 2 half-moon diamonds (totaling 1.36 carats) and diamonds (1.02 carats), set in platinum
Unique: Celeste Waite chose a red and black patterned custom Gucci silk crepe gown with a fringed accent; Her heels and ring were also Gucci
Closer look: The star carried a purse in the shape of a heart from Gucci’s Fall 2021 Aria collection runway
New haircut: Halle Berry sported a short haircut and a purple strapless Dolce & Gabbana gown with a large bow detail in the center and a sheer skirt
Working it: Halle looked phenomenal as she twirled around in her gown
Closer look: Halle’s hair featured very short bangs with an angled overall cut
Lovebirds: Halle arrived with her boyfriend, musician Van Hunt, with the couple putting on a smitten display together
Glenn Close chose a sparkling midnight blue and black patterned tunic with black trousers and pointed classic heels, adding silky gloves. She wore Armani Prive; the custom look took three weeks to make.
The 74-year-old movie star wore Kwiat set of pendant earrings with pear shape diamonds (33 carats) featuring pear shape diamond drops (11 carats each) as well as a Fred Leighton three stone Burmese sapphire and diamond ring.
Riz Ahmed and his wife Fatima Farheen Mirza hit the red carpet for their red carpet debut after tying the knot at the end of 2020.
Riz and Fatima met at a New York café while he was prepping for his Sound of Metal role.
Newlyweds: Riz Ahmed and his wife Fatima Farheen Mirza hit the red carpet for their red carpet debut after tying the knot at the end of 2020
Promising Young Woman director Emerald Fennell looked incredible in a soft green, purple and gold Gucci gown with ruffle details all over as she debuted her baby bump on the red carpet.
Andra Day flashed her derriere in a Vera Want Haute with Tiffany and Co. jewels. Vera worked with a welder on this dress because it is completely made of metal, according to reports.
Leslie Odom Jr arrived with his wife Nicolette Robinson. Nicolette is wearing a black taffeta ball gown with a leg slit and bow details by Zuhair Murad.
The couple welcomed their second child – a baby boy named Able Phineas or ‘Abe’ for short on March 25, 2021. They are parents to three-year-old Lucy.
So cute: Riz and Fatima met at a New York cafe while he was prepping for his Sound of Metal role
Glamour: Promising Young Woman director Emerald Fennell looked incredible in a soft green, purple and gold gown with ruffle details all over. She is wearing Gucci
Gorgeous: The director, 35, sported lavender eye shadow for a spring touch as she cradled her baby bump
During the ceremony Nomadland triumphed as the drama earned Best Picture in addition to a historic win for Frances McDormand as Best Actress at perhaps the most bizarre Academy Awards ever.
McDormand, 63, howled as the Chloe Zhao directed film won Best Picture and before she won the top honor for an actress for the third time.
The cry – which mimicked a wolf – was meaningful as it was a tribute to Michael Wolf Snyder who was the sound mixer for Nomadland and tragically died by suicide at the age or 35 last month.
The award show – which was celebrating its 93rd annual event – broke tradition as Best Picture was not announced last as McDormand explained in her brief speech before howling: ‘We give this one to our wolf.’
What a cheek! Andra Day flashed her derierre in a Vera Want Haute with Tiffany and Co. jewels. She worked with a welder on this dress because it is completely made of metal, according to reports
Lovebirds: Aaron Sorkin, 59, pictured on the red carpet with 56-year-old supermodel Paulina Porizkova, who donned a silky gold dress. The Oscars marked the new couple’s red carpet debut
McDormand scored the win over Viola Davis for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Andra Day for The United States vs Billie Holiday, Vanessa Kirby for Pieces of a Woman, and Carey Mulligan for Promising Young Woman.
Nomadland also faced heavy competition for Best Picture including: The Father, Judas and the Black Messiah, Mank, Minari, Promising Young Woman, Sound of Metal, and The Trial of the Chicago 7.
Nomadland follows a woman (McDormand) in her sixties who, after losing everything in the Great Recession, embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad.
Good looking duo: Leslie Odom Jr arrived with his wife Nicolette Robinson. Nicolette is wearing a black taffeta ball gown with a leg slit and bow details by Zuhair Murad. The couple welcomed their second child in March
Glitz: Minari director Lee Isaac Chung arrived with his wife Valerie Chung, who looked lovely in a patterned gold Simone Rocha gown. Minari star Steven Yeun chose a custom Gucci tuxedo, with his wife Joana Pak wearing a coordinating gown
Overseas: Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher on the red carpet in Sydney, Australia at a screening of the Oscars. Sacha is in a Ralph Lauren Purple Label suit while Isla donned a Dior gown with Bvlgari jewels
Old school Hollywood: Isla exuded classic Hollywood glamour in her black dress with diamond jewels and red lipstick
Zhao also made history as she became the first woman of color to ever win Best Director. The 39-year-old filmmaker also became the first Chinese woman and second woman to ever win an Oscar for directing.
She beat out a field including: Thomas Vinterberg for Another Round, David Fincher for Mank, Lee Isaac Chung for Minari, and Emerald Fennell for Promising Young Woman.
As Best Picture was not announced last, it made for a very awkward moment as it ended with a bit of an upset after Anthony Hopkins beat the late Chadwick Boseman to win Best Actor, but Hopkins, 83, was a no-show at the ceremony.
Last year’s winner Joaquin Phoenix announced the award and awkwardly said: ‘The Academy congratulates Anthony Hopkins and accepts the Oscar on his behalf’.
Elegant: Actress Marlee Matlin chose a glittering gown with a cape detail; she is wearing a custom made sustainable Vivienne Westwood gown at the Oscars. The gown is made from vegan textile made with TENCEL Luxe filaments, incorporating archival Westwood fabric
Sleek: Tiara Thomas and Diane Warren both chose white suits for the awards show, with Tiara opting for a racy version while Diane opted for a sparkling element
Handsome: British actor Daniel Kaluuya chose a Bottega Veneta suit with Cartier jewelry
Winner! Chadwick scooped the Best Actor gong for his role in Judas and the Black Messiah (pictured) a biographical drama about the betrayal of Fred Hampton (played by Kaluuya), chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in the 60s
Anthony won the coveted gong for his role in The Father, becoming the oldest person ever to win an acting Oscar.
Before that Youn Yuh-jung became the first ever Korean to win an acting award as she earned Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in Minari.
Yuh-jung, 74, beat out white the impressive field including: Maria Bakalova for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Glenn Close for Hillbilly Elegy, Olivia Colman for The Father, and Amanda Seyfried for Mank.
Earlier in the night, Daniel Kaluuya was ecstatic as he earned Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his work on Judas And The Black Messiah.
The 32-year-old London native beat out an impressive field including castmate Lakeith Stanfield, Sacha Baron Cohen for The Trial of the Chicago 7, Leslie Odom, Jr. for One Night in Miami…, and Paul Raci for Sound Of Metal.
Looking good: Brad Pitt chose a bow tie with his classic suit, adding a man bun
Suited and booted: Lil Rel Howery arrives at the Oscars in a velvet black blazer with matching shirt and bow tie
Ready to roll: Paul Raci, left, in a black suit and Liz Hanley Raci in a teal gown
Emerald Fennell took home the first Oscar of the night in the Best Original Screenplay category.
The 35-year-old actress, writer, and director was honored for her work in Promising Young Woman as she was also nominated for Best Director.
Fennell faced stiff competition including: Judas and the Black Messiah’s Shaka King and Will Berson, Minari’s Lee Isaac Chung, Sound of Metal’s Darius Marder and Abraham Marder, and The Trial of the Chicago 7’s Aaron Sorkin.
H.E.R. made history as the first ever non-production Oscar winner of Filipino descent as she won the Best Song award for Fight For You. She is half-Filipina and half-Black.
Strike a pose: Trent Reznor with his wife Mariqueen Maandig who looked phenomenal in a floor length sequinned gown, while Minari star, nine, wore Thom Browne; looked adorable at the event with mom Vicky Kim
Striking: Leslie Odom Jr. rocked a gold suit, complete with a matching button-up beneath; while Questlove donned gold crocs with his stylish look
Taking the stage, she gushed about how ‘grateful’ she was to not only win, but to be part of a ‘important, important story’ like Judas And The Black Messiah.
Producers, led by filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, promised a reinvented telecast, with the Oscars this year were molded to look more like a movie, Soderbergh said.
The show was shot in 24 frames-per-second (as opposed to 30), appear more widescreen and the presenters – including Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Reese Witherspoon, Harrison Ford, Rita Moreno and Zendaya – were considered “cast members.”
Change of venue: Hosting this year’s ceremony at Union Station allowed for social distancing
What a difference a year makes: The socially distance red carpet seen on Sunday afternoon
Another angle: The normally buzzing awards show – and the last one before the end of awards season – appeared deserted just before the show began