The Academy Awards have always been more than a celebration of cinema. Long before the envelopes are opened and the speeches begin, the red carpet delivers its own kind of storytelling, one told through couture, tailoring, and the unmistakable drama of fashion at its most theatrical.
At the 2026 Oscars, the industry’s biggest stars arrived not only to celebrate the films but to make statements in silk, satin, sequins, and impeccable tailoring. Designers from the world’s most revered fashion houses, from Louis Vuitton to Chanel and Dior, and even emerging designers like Christian Siriano, turned the carpet into a global runway, dressing actors, directors, musicians, and cultural icons in looks that balanced elegance with individuality.
Choosing the evening’s standout style moments is never simple. With dozens of celebrities arriving in custom couture and archival masterpieces, narrowing the field requires a careful eye for craftsmanship, originality, and presence. Still, some looks simply refuse to be ignored.
The 20 Best-Dressed Stars at the 2026 Oscars
Audrey Nuna
K-pop Demon Hunters star Audrey Nuna, whose song Golden took home the award for Best Original Song, delivered one of the evening’s most dramatic fashion moments. She arrived in a striking black and gold Thom Browne ball gown, a look that balanced theatrical glamour with couture precision.
Ava DuVernay
Legendary filmmaker Ava DuVernay brought quiet authority to the red carpet in a custom Louis Vuitton creation. The look reflected her signature elegance, sophisticated, commanding, and effortlessly polished.
Chase Infiniti
One Battle After Another star Chase Infiniti embraced soft glamour in a lilac Louis Vuitton dress that felt both fresh and romantic. She completed the look with beautiful boho braids, a styling choice that added a personal, modern touch to the delicate ensemble.
Chris Evans
Dapper as ever, Chris Evans made a compelling case for classic menswear in Giorgio Armani Privé. With immaculate tailoring and understated sophistication.
Damson Idris
British actor Damson Idris delivered a sharp, fashion-forward moment on the red carpet in Prada. His tailored look featured an elongated suit silhouette that extended close to the knee, giving the classic tuxedo a modern, almost coat-like edge while maintaining the sleek polish expected on Hollywood’s biggest night.
Demi Moore
Demi Moore leaned fully into glamour with a custom green Gucci dress adorned with feathered detailing. The dramatic texture added movement and old-Hollywood extravagance, creating one of the night’s most visually striking silhouettes.
Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning delivered a dreamy moment on the carpet, appearing in a white Givenchy gown that carried unmistakable bridal undertones. The delicate, ethereal look felt almost wedding-like, romantic, timeless, and perfectly suited to her signature fairy-tale aesthetic.
Jacob Elordi
One of Hollywood’s most talked-about leading men, Jacob Elordi was a heartthrob on the red carpet in Bottega Veneta. The look was effortlessly refined, blending contemporary tailoring with the brand’s understated luxury.
Jessie Buckley
Fresh from her Best Actress win, Jessie Buckley embraced a softer palette in a pastel Gucci creation. The look offered a refreshing contrast to the evening’s darker tones, bringing lightness and elegance to the red carpet.
Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson turned heads in a breathtaking custom Giorgio Armani Privé green sequin dress. The shimmering gown hugged her silhouette perfectly, radiating classic Hollywood glamour with a modern sparkle.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Hollywood icon Leonardo DiCaprio stayed true to timeless menswear in Christian Dior. The impeccably tailored look reinforced his reputation for understated red carpet sophistication.
Marsai Martin
Marsai Martin delivered one of the evening’s most striking colour moments in a rich coffee-brown satin gown by Christian Siriano. The deep tone and sleek silhouette created a look that was both youthful and powerfully elegant.
Michael B. Jordan
The man of the moment, Michael B. Jordan, arrived in a military-like Louis Vuitton suit, exuding effortless confidence. The sharply tailored look balanced modern luxury with red carpet charisma.
Misty Copeland
Legendary ballerina Misty Copeland wore a black and white David Koma design that subtly referenced the world of ballet. The dress featured a beautiful tutu-inspired detail, a graceful nod to the artistry that has defined her career.
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman delivered classic couture glamour in Chanel, with feathered accents adding a sense of lightness and drama to the look. The ensemble perfectly captured the timeless sophistication that has defined her decades-long red carpet presence.
Rose Byrne
Best Actress nominee Rose Byrne appeared in Christian Dior Haute Couture, opting for an elegant and refined silhouette that embodied the quiet artistry of couture craftsmanship.
Ryan Coogler
Director Ryan Coogler kept things sharp and contemporary in Louis Vuitton, delivering a look that balanced modern tailoring with effortless cool.
Teyana Taylor
Fashion powerhouse Teyana Taylor once again proved her red carpet credentials in Chanel. Known for pushing style boundaries, she brought attitude, confidence, and undeniable presence to the evening’s fashion lineup.
Wunmi Mosaku
Wunmi Mosaku embraced sophisticated elegance in a custom sequined Louis Vuitton design, delivering a polished look that felt both modern and commanding and accentuated her growing and adorable baby bump.
Zoe Saldaña
Zoe Saldaña reminded everyone that simplicity can be the ultimate luxury. Wearing Saint Laurent, her sleek and minimal gown allowed impeccable tailoring and effortless grace to take centre stage — a masterclass in refined red carpet dressing.