Red Carpet Hits And Misses From Fashion's Biggest Night

As much as we'd like to say we watch award shows for the performances and to see who wins, more often than not, the fashion is what gets everyone talking. The Academy Awards are no exception and always have a way of bringing out the best of the red carpet, as well as the worst. By Alyson Fishbein

(All images credit: Getty Images)

New Hollywood "it" girl Jessica Chastain donned an exquisite Alexander McQueen gown covered in intricate gold embroidery and beading. The gold highlighted her porcelain skin and light red locks, while the understated jewelry completed the extremely glamorous look.

Funny girl and Best Supporting Actress nominee Melissa McCarthy looked stunning in a rose-colored Marina Rinaldi gown, accented perfectly by a a pair of chandelier earrings featuring pear-shape white diamonds by Chopard.

Best Actress nominee Viola Davis worked the red carpet, sans wig, in an emerald green Vera Wang gown that did a fabulous job of showing off her curvaceous figure. Although the color is great, the ensemble definitely could have used more jewelry and accessories to complete the look.

This gorgeous couple never does anything too daring, but they always look great playing it safe. While George Clooney dons a dashing Giorgio Armani suit, Stacy Keibler decided to be his lucky charm by actually dressing like an Academy Award in a beautiful Marchesa gown.

Nominated for her role in My Week With Marilyn, Michelle Williams made her coral Louis Vuitton gown look picture perfect with her usual pixie cut and simple jewels. The dress is such a statement, so the simple accessories make the outfit an overall win for the always adorable actress.

Rooney Mara, known for her nominated role in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, worked her usual harsh look in a cream Givenchy gown and dark, slicked back hair and smokey eyes. The actress is almost always wearing black, so it's nice to see her in another color for a change.

Octavia Spencer was looking all sorts of fierce on the Oscars red carpet. The Best Supporting Actress nominee stunned in a custom hand-beaded, ivory silk/tulle draped cap sleeve gown by her favorite designer, Tadashi Shoji. This is by far one of the best dressed of the evening and the entire awards season.

Donning J. Mendel, Kristen Wiig worked a nude tulle strapless J. Mendel gown with a woven bodice and a hand-pleated, layered skirt paired with flawless Neil Lane jewels. Her loose waves and sun-kissed skin complete the pretty, yet understated, look.

Bridesmaids star Maya Rudolph wore a custom Johanna Johnson silk wool gown in plum with hand-beaded detailing and Platt Boutique Jewelry. She looks pretty, but there is nothing extraordinary about the overall ensemble.

Jennifer Lopez looked va-va-voom on the Oscars red carpet wearing a custom couture gown by Zuhair Murad. No one pulls off a nude look quite like Jenny from the block and all that transparent crystal beading is just to die for! And you can't go wrong with Lorraine Schwartz bling.

Emma Stone is extremely cute, but this Giambattista Valli dress is not. The deep red gown looks beautiful with her complexion, but the fabric looks bulky and unflattering on her slender frame. The Louis Vuitton accessories are very chic, but unfortunately cannot save this drab look.

The Iron Lady, also known as Meryl Streep, looked like Oscar gold in a custom Lanvin gown. The beautiful gold drop earrings and clutch complete the ensemble making this an overall win for the A-lister.

Tina Fey dazzled on the red carpet in a navy Carolina Herrara peplum dress paired with platinum earrings with sixteen oval cut blue sapphires and sixteen emeralds. Her ring is platinum with one sapphire, emeralds, and baguette diamonds — all from Bulgari. This is probably the best she has ever looked on a red carpet.

The classically beautiful Gwyneth Paltrow donned a white Tom Ford gown with a built-in cape. The look is definitely avant garde, but if anyone can pull it off it's her. A few more accessories or a pop of color could've really completed her very simple ensemble.

Could these two be any better looking? I think not. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie always wait to make an entrance, and this is why — they are perfection! Angie is working a black Versace gown, Neil Lane diamonds, a Jaime Mascaro clutch, and a glow that shows off her confidence. Best dressed couple of the night by far.

Sandra Bullock looked regal on the red carpet in a black and white Marchesa gown with embellishments on the sleeves and around the waist. Sandy's hair and makeup could have been a tad stronger, but there's no denying the woman looks great.

Natalie Portman is working those polka dots! The Oscar winner is a feminine vision in a vintage Christian Dior gown from 1954. The diamond V-shape cluster necklace and oval diamond drop earrings from Harry Winston are both set in platinum and look impeccable with her simple hair and makeup.

Cameron Diaz made jaws drop in her Gucci gown. The fit is absolutely heaven on her body, but her hair! I wish she would've opted for a softer style, but the dress and Tiffany & Co. jewels are perfection.

Penelope Cruz was looking gorgeous as usual at the Oscars. Mrs. Bardem floated down the Hollywood red carpet in a beautiful Giorgio Armani organza evening gown in a stormy blue and gray color. It's a lovely dress, but I feel like she has worn similar looks many times before. It's time for her to switch it up.

This is, hands down, my best dressed pick of the night. The unbelievably gorgeous Milla Jovovich wore a show-stopping Elie Saab gown that completely took my breath away. The haute couture looks so amazing on her skin, and her hair is perfect for the style. This is flawless.