The 89th Academy Awards came to a Miss Universe-esque ending as “Moonlight” won Best Picture after “La La Land” was initially declared the winner. But before Hollywood’s finest could be seated in Dolby Theatre, the ORANGE Style team was captivated and confused by some of the looks they saw while live-tweeting the red carpet.
Here are the staff’s picks for best and worst dressed from the night.
Editor’s Note: “best” looks are on the left, and “worst” looks are on the right.
Avery Long
Best: Brie Larson in Oscar De la Renta
Larson looks like a modern-day Vampira in this velvet Oscar de la Renta gown. This inky yet slinky creation is definitely a winner.
Worst: Charlize Theron in Dior
The Forever 21 clearance section is a tough area to navigate. My guess is that Theron became disoriented and hurriedly bought this ensemble before retreating to a nearby Auntie Anne’s.
Itohan Osagie
Best: Janelle Monáe in Elie Saab Couture
Everyone was surprised to see Monáe sporting something other than a tuxedo to the red carpet, and like her Hidden Figures co-stars, she slayed us all, hands down. In her dark, embellished dress, Monáe still exuded her playful and fun personality, proving she doesn’t need to be in a pantsuit to make a statement.
Worst: Halle Berry in Atelier Versace
Berry usually rocks the red carpet without a hitch, but this year the Academy Award-winning actress arrived to the show in an underwhelming dress and an unforgettable hairstyle. With many distracted by Berry’s curly do, it was easy to overlook the questionable contraption wrapped around her gown.
Kristina Nguyen
Best: Brie Larson in Oscar de la Renta
The combination of the dark velvet and swirly hemline added an exciting element to an otherwise classic-looking dress. Her structural stunner looked like an architectural work of art, cementing her well-deserved position on the best-dressed list.
Worst: Scarlett Johansson in Azzedine Alaia
Though many hoped she would’ve learned her lesson after donning a floral Dolce & Gabbana tablecloth at the 2011 Oscars, it seems like Johansson made even less of an effort at this year’s red carpet. The studded belt did nothing to distract from the giant octopi that seemed to be swallowing the starlet alive.
Liam Alteneder
Best: Sunny Pawar
Sunny Pawar came and out-flexed the entire red carpet at this years Oscars. The eight-year-old child actor came dressed to the nines in a black and white tuxedo and finished it off with some black, green, and yellow sneakers. The perfect combo of dapper swag and youthful style.
Worst: Terrence Howard in La Perla
Terrence Howard came to the Oscars in some kind of kimono/pajama-top hybrid, but whatever it was, it landed him as my worst dressed of the evening. Something about a baggy tuxedo blazer matched with a fabric belt doesn’t scream stylish.
Thalia Carrillo
Best: Brie Larson in Oscar de la Renta
Larson put a twist on the classic, little black dress—literally. Her smooth, velvety black gown draped so elegantly and uniquely, easily giving her the best dressed wow-factor.
Worst: Scarlett Johansson in Azzedine Alaia
It appears as if somewhere between hair and makeup, Johansson’s gown was stolen and she was forced to wear her grandmother’s drapes. That is the only logical explanation for this look. I just know Scar Jo wouldn’t hurt us like this intentionally.
Samantha Favela
Best: Brie Larson in Oscar de la Renta
Brie Larson captured Hollywood glamour and elegance in her black velvet Oscar de la Renta dress. With dramatic ruffles, the perfect red lip and a deep v-neck, Larson certainly brought drama to the red carpet.
Worst: Teresa Palmer in Vivienne Westwood
Teresa Palmer’s vibrant and silver dress had a lot of potential, but unfortunately, the dress just wasn’t flattering, and the belt didn’t help.
Alexis Green:
Best: Janelle Monáe in Elie Saab
Looking like the queen she is, Janelle Moneáe decided to take a break from her classic suits and grace us with this incredible Ellie Saab gown. The look is like a piece of regal fine art. With every intricate detail on the dress and a crown upon her head, Monáe was showstopper that dominated the red carpet.
Worst: Dakota Johnson in Gucci
Johnson is usually one to watch on the red carpet, but this look completely missed the mark. Taking cues from the golden award figurine, the actress managed to find a dress that is both boring and busier than finals week. From the long sleeves and high neck to the awkward apron flap, this dress just doesn’t work and ages the youthful actress.
Katharine Noe
Best: Hailee Steinfeld in Ralph & Russo Couture
Hailee Steinfeld absolutely stunned in this lavender Ralph & Russo Couture gown. The sheer material and cut out back kept the look youthful and fresh, while the halter neck and floral pattern kept the dress classic and sophisticated. The simplicity of the accessories allowed the attention to be placed on the incredible detailing of the dress. A perfect choice for a young actress like Steinfeld.
Worst: Janelle Monáe in Elie Saab
Janelle Monáe’s look of the evening was certainly a difficult one to miss. Monáe arrived in a dramatically decorated Elie Saab Haute Couture gown. I am typically a big fan of Saab’s creations, though I feel there was too much going on here. I think the look would be entirely different and more successful if they had run out of embellishments halfway through.
