Oscars 2021 Red Carpet Fashion Photos: The Best, Worst, & Wackiest

BEST: The first Black woman to ever win Best Actress, Halle Berry brought her fashion A-game for a year of unprecedented diversity at the awards. Her brand-new baby bangs and bob were the night's riskiest hairstyle, and it paid off.

BEST: How does Zendaya manage to top herself every time? The actress and Bulgari brand ambassador was the perfect balance of youth, sophistication, boldness, daring, and beauty.

WACKIEST: We're all for sustainable fashion, but Bjork's swan dress is something we never thought we'd see on the red carpet again. Laura Dern's feathery concoction was a honker of a bad fashion decision.

BEST: Commanding in shades of red, Reese Witherspoon exuded the confidence of the Hollywood player she is.

BEST: In a flock of bold red gowns, Angela Bassett was queen. Only a woman of her presence could shine through those voluminous sleeves, but instead of distracting they served only to frame her beauty.

MEH: After a year out of the spotlight, we expected more from Margot Robbie. 

BEST: The look of love is always in fashion! Model Paulina Porizkova and Aaron Sorkin made their big debut as a couple, and both have never looked better.

BEST: Bold in blue and her trademark shades, H.E.R. exuded sophistication.

WORST: She's a legend, but Rita Moreno should've left the teddy bear jacket back in quarantine.

WACKIEST: Makeup artist Eryn Krueger Mekash's popcorn purse was a cute nod to the industry, but her apparently moth-eaten shoulders were a big question mark.

MEH: Film editor Shira Hochman's all-black ensemble was a bit of a snooze.

BEST: Set director Karen O'Hara is used to staying in the background, but the rich jewel tones of her velvet column gown and shawl deserve to be noticed.

BEST: A gorgeous color choice by set designer Diana Stoughton, who received her first nomination for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

BEST: It's fitting that Jamika Wilson came wearing the color of royalty! She would end the night as the first Black woman ever to win an Oscar for Makeup & Hairstyling.

WACKIEST: Garrett Bradley's kelp-like earrings tangled up an otherwise polished - if casual - look.

WACKIEST: Maybe we should call this a "Best," since wacky is probably what Mank makeup head Gigi Williams was going for.

WORST: Vanessa Kirby of The Crown and Pieces of a Woman was totally unrecognizable and washed out in pale pink paired with heavy makeup.

BEST: New mom Amanda Seyfried embraced Hollywood glam in a fire-engine-red Armani, a nod to her nomination for the Old Hollywood tale Mank. 

BEST: Regina King is the winner and everyone else can go home. This ice blue Louis Vuitton by Nicholas Ghesquière is breathtaking, bold, and beautiful - everything red carpet glamour is about. Best of all, the gorgeous gown still allows for radiant King to shine.

WORST: Andra Day was gorgeous in gold, but the gown's fit could have hugged her curves better.

MEH: Even Borat star Maria Bakalova looks bored by her cupcake gown.

BEST: The most nominated Black actress ever, Viola Davis looked like the icon that she is in white Alexander McQueen.

WORST: Love the color, but Borat producer Erika Rivinjoa's dress looks more like a lampshade.

WORST: Producer Mollye Asher's ruffles, straps, belt, necklace, and bling somehow managed to make a classic LBD into a messy clutter.

MEH: Borat star Jena Friedman was sleek but forgettable in a white sheath and updo.

BEST: Golden girl! Carey Mulligan was luminescent in glowing Valentino haute couture, with a crop top and unfussy hair keeping it modern.

BEST: While not everyone's taste, "Hear My Voice" singer Celeste Pemberton's look was achingly on trend: from her argyle beading to the Gucci heart minaudière just spotted on the runway.

WACKIEST: Costume designer Trish Somerville's two-in-one gown was more confusing than couture.

WACKIEST: Marlee Matlin was a dead ringer for Helen Hunt - or a Disney sorceress - in her flowing butterfly sleeves.

WACKIEST: No, we are NOT ready for the dress-over-pants look to return, Glenn Close.

WORST: Is Nomadland director Chloe Zhao dressed for the red carpet or a day at the Farmers Market? She took one of her film's stars, "Swankie," as her guest.

BEST: Very niiiice! Borat Subsequent Moviefilm producer Nina Pedrad was ravishing in red and tousled curls.

BEST: One Night in Miami star Nicolette Robinson somehow managed to look comfortable, authentic, and still ultra-gorgeous and glam in her black gathered gown. Well done!

MEH: Director Madeline Sharafian is elegant but lacking wow factor in a plain burgundy dress and understated jewelry.

BEST: Promising Young Woman director Emerald Fennel is ethereal in pink and green.

BEST: Minari stars Yuh Jung Youn and Yeri Han proved how the smallest details can bring a dress from basic to beautiful, in unique and modern looks.

BEST: The first Black woman nominated for an Oscar in Hair & Makeup, Mia Neal of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom was strong, confident, and singularly spectacular in fun separates.

WACKIEST: Promising Young Woman producer Ashley Fox is making us dizzy with too many layers of ruffles - on her dress and on her head.

BEST: The post-pandemic era has arrived! Colman Domingo of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom ushers in a new era of fashion in a stunning hot pink suit with just a touch of gold accents. Perfectly tailored and incorporating texture, it's a home run.

WACKIEST: Is it a cape? Is it a corset? Is it a feather duster? (And where are her hands?!) Singer Tiara Thomas started out strong with elegant hair and makeup, but devolved into a bit of a mess from the shoulders down. 

WORST: Truly "in the arms of the one who loves you," Diane Warren! We love a strong red carpet suit, but the glitzy turtleneck and bracelet overload is a bit much.

MEH: Singer Zaria made a splash in creamy satin with sparkles, but it felt like we'd seen it before.

WACKIEST: Two Perfect Strangers co-directors Martin Desmond Roe and Travon Free proved they spend maybe a little too much time together in these color-coordinated ensembles. No one will ever do it better than Destiny's Child, so please don't try.

WACKIEST: Paul Raci is nominated for Best Supporting Actor in the Amazon movie The Sound of Metal, and he definitely took a cue from his rocker character! The black nails, flowing mane, and chunky tie bar and lapel pin were all a sly take nod to rock 'n' roll, but maybe just pick one next time!

BEST: Thank you, Ariana Debose, for this bright splash of sorely needed joy, optimism, and freshness. The thirty-year-old singer and dancer is set to break through in a big way tonight with the debut of the trailer for her new film, West Side Story, and she came dressed for the occasion.