Oscars 2021: Best Academy Awards Red Carpet Looks

The Academy Awards might look very different this year due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, but Hollywood is still determined to embrace some of the traditional glamour. Unlike other awards shows this season, the Oscars will be a largely in-person affair, with several different locations for nominees. Nominees who can’t attend the ceremony will be able to connect via satellite feeds. “For those of you unable to attend because of scheduling or continued uneasiness about traveling, we want you to know there will not be an option to Zoom in for the show,” wrote producers Steven Soderbergh, Stacey Sher, and Jesse Collins in a letter sent to all the nominees.

While many of the other ceremonies have had lax dress codes due to the nature of Zoom — Jason Sudeikis’ Golden Globes hoodie comes to mind — the Oscars will not be taking the same route. “You’re wondering about the dress code (as well you should),” read the letter from producers. “We’re aiming for a fusion of Inspirational and Aspirational, which in actual words means formal is totally cool if you want to go there, but casual is really not.”

The celebs who walked the red carpet understood the assignment, bring their fashion best to an audience starved for some fashion. Here are the best looks from the Oscars red carpet.

Colman Domingo

The Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom star started off the red carpet with flair in a stunning pink Versace suit.

Leslie Odom, Jr. and Nicolette Robinson

The nominee for Best Supporting Actor for One Night in Miami and his wife are early contenders for best-dressed couple of the night with this perfect Brioni look.

Yuh-Jung Youn and Yeri Han

The Minari stars kept it simple and elegant on the red carpet. The first-time nominee for Best Supporting Actress Yuh-Jung Youn also fulfilled the dream of pretty much every woman: wore a Dior dress with pockets.

Carey Mulligan

Mulligan is the favorite to take home Best Actress after her career-best turn in Promising Young Woman, and this stunning two-piece Valentino Haute Couture screams victory.

Viola Davis

Her turn in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom earned Davis her fourth Oscar nomination, and this sharp white gown from Alexander McQueen proves that the actress is always one to watch on the red carpet.

Regina King

The Oscar-winning actress is earning major acclaim for her directorial debut One Night in Miami, and this gown is drawing sartorial praise for this Louis Vuitton.

Andra Day

Best Actress nominee Day has earned a slew of accolades for her performance in The United States Vs. Billie Holiday and she is making the most of a socially distanced awards circuit by bringing high fashion with Vera Wang.

Maria Bakalova

Bakalova has earned a host of nominations for her first prominent film performance in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, and the Best Supporting Actress nominee also nailed her first red carpet in this dreamy white Louis Vuitton.

Vanessa Kirby

Kirby’s devastating performance in Pieces of a Woman made her one to beat for Best Actress, and this perfect blush Gucci dress proves she’s a style winner as well.

Amanda Seyfriend

Seyfried has been a Hollywood star for years, but Mank is her first role to earn her an Oscar nomination. She rivals the red carpet itself in this custom crimson Giorgio Armani Privé.

Riz Ahmed and Fatima Farheen Mirza

The Best Actor nominee for The Sound of Metal hit the red carpet with his new wife, and the couple was loved up and impeccably dressed in Prada.

H.E.R.

With this pantsuit/cape combination from Peter Dundas, this is a perfectly glamorous out-of-the-box pick from the “Damage” crooner.

Reese Witherspoon

The A-lister channeled old Hollywood glam in a lovely Dior halter dress.

Angela Bassett

The Black Panther actress never misses on the red carpet, and this cherry-colored Alberta Ferretti is the perfect combination of structure and romance.

Zendaya

The Malcolm & Marie star may not have been a nominee but she perfected the midriff-bearing trend in a custom canary yellow Valentino.

Margot Robbie

The Suicide Squad actress’s bangs were perplexing, but the sleek Chanel dress was a home run.

Daniel Kaluuya

The Best Supporting Actor winner’s Dior suit is a classic, but the Cartier diamond necklace makes the look iconic.