In the world of Hollywood, the Academy Awards mark the end of awards season. But for fashion fans around the globe, the event also tends to signal the end of the 2020 red carpet season. The Oscars also have a reputation for creating some of the most unforgettable looks in red carpet history and the 92nd annual Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, did not disappoint.
While many of the gowns were undeniably head-turning, a handful of celebrities used their moment on the red carpet to address the lack of diversity within the industry and the Oscars in particular.
Singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe, who kicked off the awards with a performance of “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” paying tribute to the late Fred Rogers, appeared on the carpet in a crystal-embellished custom-made Ralph Lauren gown. She thanked Billy Porter, who she later performed with, for inspiring her to go all-out with her outfit choice. “When I knew that you were coming, what you did last year and what you are doing now, I knew I had to come and I had to show up,” she told Porter on the red carpet.
When asked by media about “Harriet”, in which she plays the role of Marie Buchanon, she urged views to “listen to black women.”
“When we are in positions of leadership, when we have your support, we can do the unthinkable,” she said.
Natalie Portman’s red carpet choice, a breathtaking Dior number, also took aim at the Academy Awards’ diversity issue.
“I wanted to recognise the women who were not recognized for their incredible work this year in my subtle way,” the actor told the Los Angeles Times on the red carpet. Portman’s cape was embroidered with the names of female directors who failed to receive nominations for their work, despite critical acclaim.
The names, included Lulu Wang (The Farewell), Lorene Scafaria (Hustlers), Greta Gerwig (Little Women), Marielle Heller (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood), Melina Matsoukas (Queen & Slim), Alma Har’el (Honey Boy), Mati Diop (Atlantics) and Céline Sciamma (Portrait of a Lady on Fire). Only men were nominated for Best Director in 2020.
Discover our favourite red carpet looks below.
- Billy Porter in Giles Deacon and shoes by Jimmy Choo poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY – HP1EG291NRGVK
- Regina King in Versace poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG291QWP0I
- Mindy Kalingin Dolce & Gabbana poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG291S6L34
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Vera Wang and Harry Winston jewels poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG291TUN6V
- Sigourney Weaver in Dior on the Oscars red carpet for the 92nd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG291RTB28
- Laura Dern in Armani poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG291SHM3T
- Sandra Oh in Elie Saab poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG2A005SA0
- Florence Pugh in Louis Vuitton poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG2A00R6BW
- Saoirse Ronan in Gucci poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG2A00RXC0
- Penelope Cruz poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG2A00XVCH
- Margot Robbie in Chanel poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020 REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG2A01LWEO
- Renee Zellweger in Armani Prive poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG2A01YGG9
- Cynthia Erivo in Versace poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG2A022UGW
- Brie Larson in Celine poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG2A024NH5
- Charlize Theron poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG2A02B3HY
- Scarlett Johansson in Oscar de la Renta poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG2A02BII1
- Lea Seydoux poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG2A02JTIS
- Lily Aldridge poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 92nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard – HP1EG2A03L8KN
- HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 09: Filmmaker Greta Gerwig attends the 92nd Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 09, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
- HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 09: Natalie Portman attends the 92nd Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 09, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)