Most legendary dresses in Oscar history

Dresses that have stood the test of time

Each of these looks deserves a hall-of-fame spot! Just take a look at these incredible outfits, which remain just as stunning today and would still spark excitement if stars wore them again.

Michelle Williams (2006)

The American actress appeared at the 2006 Oscars in a yellow gown by designer Vera Wang. The fitted silhouette accentuated her décolletage and shoulders. She completed her look with red lipstick, an elegant updo, and a silver clutch.

Michelle Williams at the 2006 Oscars (photo: Getty Images)

Nicole Kidman (2007)

At the 2007 Oscars, Kidman arrived in a Balenciaga gown that perfectly highlighted her figure and emphasized her elegant shoulders and arms. She complemented the look with loose waves, accessories, and soft red lipstick.

Nicole Kidman at the 2007 Oscars (photo: Getty Images)

Mila Kunis (2011)

Kunis turned heads in 2011 with a lavender dress featuring a delicate neckline and semi-transparent lace inserts throughout. The actress, of Ukrainian descent, accessorized with a small clutch, statement bracelets, earrings, and an elegant updo.

Mila Kunis at the 2007 Oscars (photo: Getty Images)

Emma Stone (2015)

For the 87th Academy Awards, Stone chose a golden gown adorned with sequins and intricate patterns. The dress featured an open back and a fitted silhouette, which she complemented with a bold evening makeup look and soft curls.

Emma Stone at the 2007 Oscars (photo: Getty Images)

Lupita Nyong’o (2014)

The actress and filmmaker made a memorable entrance at the 86th Academy Awards in a heavenly blue gown with a full skirt and a delicate plunging neckline.

Lupita Nyong’o (photo: Getty Images)

Demi Moore (2010)

Moore attended the 82nd Academy Awards in a gown with an asymmetrical design and a voluminous skirt. She paired it with high-heeled sandals, bold earrings, and statement bracelets.

Demi Moore (photo: Getty Images)

Claire Danes (1997)

At the 1997 Oscars, Danes opted for a minimalist yet elegant fitted gown, which she enhanced with a choker necklace, a satin clutch, and striking eye makeup.

Claire Danes in 1997 (photo: Getty Images)

Penélope Cruz (2007)

Nominated for Best Actress for Volver, Cruz arrived at the 2007 Oscars in a Versace gown with an eye-catching design that immediately drew attention.

Penélope Cruz (photo: Getty Images)

Meryl Streep (2012)

At the 84th Academy Awards on February 26, 2012, Streep wore a shimmering silver dress with a dramatic neckline and cinched waist. She paired it with silver heels and a dazzling clutch.

Meryl Streep (Photo: Getty Images)

Gwyneth Paltrow (2012)

Paltrow stunned on the 84th Oscars red carpet in a Tom Ford gown, accessorized with jewelry by Anna Hu and Jimmy Choo heels.

Gwyneth Paltrow (Photo: Getty Images)

Kate Hudson (2003)

Hudson graced the red carpet in a Versace gown with a sleek yet dramatic design, embodying sophisticated elegance.

Kate Hudson (Photo: Getty Images)

Jennifer Aniston (2013)

The Friends star attended the 85th Oscars in a vibrant red Valentino Haute Couture gown that highlighted her figure and showcased her shoulders. She finished the look with loose waves, minimal makeup, and delicate jewelry.

Jennifer Aniston (Photo: Getty Images)

Cate Blanchett (2011)

Blanchett made a statement at the 83rd Academy Awards in a Givenchy Couture gown, complemented by Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry.

Cate Blanchett (Photo: Getty Images)

Octavia Spencer (2012)

Spencer wowed at the 84th Oscars in a white gown adorned with shimmering sequins and embellishments, emphasizing her waistline with intricate detailing.

Octavia Spencer (Photo: Getty Images)

Halle Berry (2011)

Berry's stunning gown at the 83rd Academy Awards featured a voluminous tulle skirt and dazzling silver embellishments, perfectly complementing her short hairstyle.

Halle Berry (Photo: Getty Images)

Uma Thurman (1995)

At the 1995 Oscars, Thurman graced the red carpet in a Prada gown with a minimalist yet ethereal design, paired with a delicate sheer shawl and soft pink lipstick.

Uma Thurman (Photo: Getty Images)

Cameron Diaz (2010)

Diaz shone at the 82nd Oscars in a gown that remains timeless, featuring intricate detailing and a flowing silhouette.

Cameron Diaz (Photo: Getty Images)

Hilary Swank (2005)

The Million Dollar Baby actress attended the 2005 Oscars in a navy blue gown with an elegant open-back design.

Hilary Swank (Photo: Getty Images)

Sharon Stone (1998)

Stone made fashion history at the 70th Academy Awards in a Vera Wang skirt paired with a simple The Gap shirt — a daring yet iconic look.

Sharon Stone (Photo: Getty Images)

Charlize Theron (2004)

Theron graced the 76th Oscars in a Tom Ford for Gucci gown, elegantly styled with bare shoulders, delicate jewelry, and a shimmering bracelet.

Charlize Theron (Photo: Getty Images)

What to expect at the 2025 Oscars

As this year’s Academy Awards ceremony approaches, it's worth reflecting on the most unforgettable moments in Oscar history.

One of the top contenders for the 2025 Oscars is Emilia Pérez, which leads with 13 nominations. This year’s nominees showcase a diverse range of stories, from musicals to historical epics and biographical dramas, reflecting the unpredictability of modern cinema.

What we know about the Oscars 2025 (photo: Getty Images)

Among the Oscar 2025 nominees is the Ukrainian film Porcelain War, competing in the Best Feature Documentary category.

Porcelain War tells the story of ceramic artists in Kharkiv at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The film has already received several prestigious awards, including the Audience Award at Cinema Eye Honors and the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Sources: Wikipedia (Oscar 2025), Grazia, People, The Times, and The Guardian.