On Mar. 2, 2025, the 97th Oscars were held in Los Angeles, and many faces in the entertainment industry came out wearing the season’s finest (or, in some cases, far from that). Below are some of the highlights—and lowlights—of the event.
BEST
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo, who starred as Elphaba in 2024’s “Wicked,” looked striking in this dark green velvet gown. The large collar and skirt combined to create a beautiful shape. Erivo kept up the momentum that won “Wicked” the Oscar for Best Costume Design. The dress has a lot going on, but it’s channeled well.
Ariana Grande
The “Wicked” cast was strong across the board, with Ariana Grande, who played Glinda, wearing this stunning
pastel pink Schiaparelli gown. While this color aligns with the baby pinks she’s worn throughout the “Wicked” press tour, this dress takes a new tack with an almost architectural look. The glittery layers of tulle, combined with the velvety appearance of the sculpted bodice, made for a fantastic addition to the red carpet.
Timothee Chalamet
Timothee Chalamet’s custom Givenchy yellow suit was certainly a statement. But it succeeded through its good tailoring, texture, and accessorizing. While the color did give a slight impression of butter, it ultimately brought some valuable color to the carpet.
Mikey Madison
Best Actress winner Mikey Madison also deserved some awards for best dressed tonight. Her pink Dior Haute Couture dress brought an Old Hollywood type of glamour to the Oscars.
Colman Domingo
Colman Domingo’s look proved that red carpet menswear doesn’t have to follow the basics of black tie. Domingo matched the red carpet with a bright red, double-breasted tuxedo with a sash around the waist. His jewelry, which included a 1956 Boucheron ribbon clip and a Fuzzy the Leopard Cat ring, added intrigue and glitter to the look.
WORST
Zoe Saldaña
Zoe Saldaña’s dress has a lot going on, that’s for sure: mesh sleeves, a diamond necklace, red silk, and a sort of diamond chainmail bodice. There is potential, I think. But all of the conflicting elements combined just do not click. Pair that with the incredibly unflattering silhouette, and you have an Oscars dress that isn’t doing what it should.
Demi Moore
Demi Moore’s silver dress, with sequins and silver accessories, shared a similar vibe to many others on the red carpet. However, the dress’s mermaid-like shape made it feel more like Moore was headed to prom than to the Oscars.
Pénelope Cruz
The basis of Pénelope Cruz’s dress isn’t all bad, but the veil and row of diamonds down the front create a sort of boho look that just isn’t very Oscars. The side part with curls that Cruz has going on does nothing to help, adding even more detail to a look that didn’t need any more happening.
