Oscars 2016 Red Carpet: The Gowns That Made Me Cry (for Better or Worse)!

OK, so maybe host Chris Rock made a little too much hype about the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag. But once again, it wasn’t the lack of diversity or Jennifer Lawrence’s fall (there wasn’t one, she was barely on the red carpet at all), or even Leonardo DiCaprio’s huge win for Best Lead Actor (FINALLY!) that made our jaws drop at the 2016 Oscars this year. It was those statement-making gowns, of course. And there were plenty of them. While I was a little surprised to see Cate Blanchett, Reese Witherspoon, and Kerry Washington didn’t do it for me with their choices, there were plenty of others (Naomi Watts, Kate Winslet, Chrissy Teigen) who did. You all might disagree (let me know in the comments) but these are the gowns that made me cry (for better or worse)!

Standout Gowns

I’m sure there will be yays and nays over this dress Armani Prive dress worn by Naomi Watts, but I simply love it. It’s just so different but not too much. The texture is gorgeous, as are the two toned colors and how they blend together — and for me, she looks like a beautiful mermaid. It’s just unlike anything I’ve ever seen before on the red carpet, in a good way.

When different works, you know it. Maybe I’m liking this shiny trend – it’s the kind of dress that looks even better when the light hits it. I like that Kate Winslet changed it. We’re so used to seeing her in bold jewel-toned gowns with unique necklines so it’s refreshing to see her trying new fabric and going for a designer we haven’t seen too much of on the red carpet.

I’m not surprised Alicia Vikander picked Louis Vuitton, however I am surprised she went with yellow, but I love the hem and the way it gathers in front and falls behind.

Kudos to Lady Gaga for talking up a new-ish designer. I’d never heard of this guy until I saw her sitting in his front row at New York Fashion Week, but he obviously has talent. Also, when did he become Lady Gaga’s stylist? No matter. The gown (jumpsuit? Is it wide leg?) isn’t my favorite, but I do love the sculpted detail at the bust.

Lots of cleavage going on here. Charlize Theron looks gorgeous as usual – unfortunately the dress is like something we’ve seen her wear before and we’ve seen plenty of jewel-toned Dior on the actress.

What’s better than this gorgeous dress? Kudos to Charlotte Rampling for look wearing the most comfortable shoes that work!

I know it’s not her natural color, but I’m so glad Margot Robbie went back to blonde! And while I wished she had styled her locks better, that dress looks amazing on her.

I loved the he gowns with sculpted busts this year (with the exception of Reese Witherspoon’s).

Gorgeous but not over the top…and Saoirse Ronan wore two different color earrings!

Everyone was raving about this dress. I don’t think just anyone can pull it off so kudos to Olivia Wilde.

I love the cape and this is probably the best Mindy Kaling has ever looked!

Mermaid-esque. I love the color and fit of this gown on Brie Larson.

Floral and Fauna Themes

Could Rooney Mara just shock us for once and wear a color?

A dress you need to be sewn into should be worth every penny. And this one on Chrissy Teigen certainly is. She looks stunning.

Although Kim Kardashian’s floral couch Met Gala look comes to mind…this is a far better take on the floral trend – and doesn’t cover Gianna Simone all the way up the neck! Plus, I think it was smart to go with no necklace since the dress was busy enough. I’m liking this look, and I think whoever picked it out did a great job.

Pretty but Underwhelming

Not sure if Olivia Munn really lost weight or those Japanese potatoes are really something…she says it’s both!

This dress was a big fat fail on Amy Poehler. She’s a funny lady, but she doesn’t need to dress funny.

This fabric is wrinkled and the high slit has been done to death – it overwhelms Rachel McAdams.

Always a super fashion risk-taker and winner…but not this year! I’m not in love with this look on Julianne Moore.

Worst Dressed

You might hate me for this but…this is who I would put into the category.

There are some big names in the list!

While I like that Jennifer Lawrence went for a change of style this year (I’m sure her new stylist had a lot to do with it), I think she’s looked better. Save the sexy goth look for the Golden Globes…not the Oscars!

I know Cate Blanchett loves her floral and feathers, but this dress was too much for me. I hate the color on her. I would have liked if she went for something sculpted, columned, and with a more bold color.

This was a big surprise for me (along with Cate Blanchett) since Kerry Washington is always a fashion winner in my book, even with all the stylish risk-taking. I like the idea behind this dress, but somehow it didn’t come to fruition. It just doesn’t fit her right. The slit is in a weird place and way too high, plus the bust is very odd – not to mention the two fabrics don’t work together.

Take a cue from Anne Hathaway at the after party. This dress is just too underwhelming for a beautiful pregnant lady such as yourself, Emily Blunt.

Gorgeous style of dress. Horrendous color choice on Jennifer Jason Leigh.

Why did Heidi Klum pick a bridesmaid dress the color of Kelly Osbourne’s hair? We may never know. The Kluminator never fails to fail on the red carpet…and she judges a fashion show!

And last but not least…can’t believe the woman wearing this ensemble is the same woman that designed the gorgeous costumes in Cinderella starring Lily James. I know Sandy Powell was most likely doing a Bowie tribute but it was too much! Well at least I didn’t confuse her with Tilda Swinton!

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– Simona Shemer

Photos: People, EOnline