Head‑turning Oscars looks: Iconic red carpet moments to revisit ahead of Oscars 2026

Icelandic singer Björk wore the iconic swan dress, designed by Marjan Pejoski at the 2001 Academy Awards.
The dress quickly became one of the most memorable and talked-about red carpet outfits in history, initially appearing on many "worst-dressed" lists. The unique design featured a full skirt made of tulle and feathers, with the swan's neck draped around her shoulders like a shawl. Despite the initial criticism, the dress has since been recognized as an iconic fashion moment and has even been displayed in museums like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). AP

This image features singer Céline Dion attending the 71st Academy Awards in 1999. She is seen wearing a white tuxedo designed by John Galliano for Dior, famously styled backwards. The look included a matching white hat and sunglasses, defying the traditional red carpet dress code of the time. This avant-garde fashion choice is considered one of her most iconic red carpet moments. X

Eugene Lee Yang made a bold fashion statement at the 96th Academy Awards in a striking, custom all-red ensemble. The outfit, designed by Walter Mendez, was a tailored tuxedo suit that featured a dramatic, flowing skirt with a long train. The look stood out on the red carpet, where most men wore neutral tuxedos. AP

Cher at the 46th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles on April 2, 1974  wore an iconic "Island princess" or beach-inspired ensemble designed by her long-time collaborator, Bob Mackie. The outfit consists of several distinct pieces. X

Elizabeth Taylor arrived at the 42nd Academy Awards in 1970 as a presenter for the Best Picture category—an honor that ultimately went to Patton. Radiating her signature glamour, she wore a timeless blue A‑line evening gown crafted by legendary designer Edith Head, paired with the show‑stopping 69‑carat Taylor‑Burton diamond necklace that became one of her most iconic fashion moments. Via Getty

The dress pictured is the iconic gown worn by actress Rita Moreno to the 90th Academy Awards in 2018, which gained significant attention because it was the exact same dress she wore 56 years prior to the 1962 Oscars ceremony. Moreno wore the gown when she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in West Side Story. Reuters

Billy Porter made headlines at the 2019 Academy Awards with his iconic custom Christian Siriano tuxedo gown—a striking blend of a classic black velvet tuxedo jacket and bow tie paired with a dramatic full‑skirted velvet gown. The look became a historic red‑carpet moment, boldly challenging traditional ideas of masculinity in fashion. Porter described the ensemble as a “walking piece of political art,” aiming to spark conversation around gender fluidity. The outfit drew widespread acclaim, influenced other celebrities to embrace gender‑fluid styles, and was later featured on display at the Academy Museum. AFP

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wore a metallic copper Armani Privé gown at the 83rd Academy Awards in 2011. The dress was an on-trend shimmery number, featuring rows of amber sequins and beaded details at the waist. This choice showcased understated luxury and timeless grace, making it an iconic red carpet moment where she exuded elegance and minimalism. She completed the look with a Jimmy Choo clutch, vintage jewellery, and smoky eyes. Reuters

Ariana Grande's custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown at the 97th Annual Academy Awards in 2025 was a standout architectural masterpiece designed to channel "fairytale magic". The pale pink, strapless ensemble featured a sculpted bodice that fit like a second skin, transitioning into an original, wave-like peplum that hugged her hips. AP