Most controversial dresses at the Oscars serve as powerful expressions, statements, or works of art in the world of fashion. Celebrities often use this medium to convey messages, stand out, or make a statement. As they grace the red carpet, their most controversial dresses and fashion choices are forever immortalized on the internet, subjecting them to both negative comments and praise for their daring fashion sense.
Let’s have a look at the most controversial dresses worn by celebrities at the Oscars!
1. Uma Thurman
In 2004, Uma Thurman made a striking choice for the Oscars, donning a Christian Lacroix voluminous dress with a dirndl-vest, accentuated by a blue satin belt cinched around her waist.
2. Zendaya
Zendaya graced the 2015 Oscars red carpet in a stunning white gown by Vivienne Westwood, radiating glamor. However, her choice of dreadlocks prompted Guiliana Rancic to make controversial comments about her scent.
3. Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway’s most talked-about fashion moment in 2013 was her Prada dress, which unintentionally drew attention due to chest darts. This experience left her understandably self-conscious about her future wardrobe choices.
4. Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow raised eyebrows at the 2002 Oscars when she appeared in Alexander McQueen’s daringly sheer dress without a bra, sparking controversy with her bold fashion statement.
5. Halle Berry
In 2002, Halle Berry graced the red carpet in Elie Saab’s creation, featuring an entirely sheer bodice embroidered with flowers. This iconic look was associated with her Best Actress win for ‘Monster’s Ball.’
6. Cher
Oscar-winner Cher made a memorable appearance on the 1998 red carpet in a dazzling gown designed by Bob Mackie, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
7. Taraji P. Henson
In 2018, Taraji P. Henson owned the Oscars red carpet with her striking Vera Wang ensemble, complete with a thigh-high slit that left a lasting impression.
8. Celine Dion
Celine Dion’s journey as a fashion icon came with its share of criticism, notably when she wore her Dior tuxedo backward, pushing the boundaries of conventional fashion.
9. Charlize Theron
The unique rose-adorned design of Charlize Theron’s 2010 Oscars dress by Dior caught everyone’s attention, though it may not have been immediately understood by all.
10. Demi Moore
Demi Moore deserves credit for her bold ’80s fashion choice, crafting a gown-and-pants combo dress herself that showcased her daring style.
11. Edy Williams
Edy Williams was known for embracing the different and unusual in her fashion choices. Among her most controversial looks was a ‘bikini’ made of pearl strands, paired with a white thong.
12. Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand’s choice of a sheer jumpsuit by Arnold Scaasi while receiving her Best Actress award in 1969 remains a memorable moment in Oscar fashion history.
13. Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman’s custom Dior gown, adorned with the last names of female directors overlooked by the Oscars, wowed on the 2020 red carpet. However, it faced criticism from Rose McGowan for its perceived insensitivity.
14. Faith Hill
In 2002, Faith Hill aimed to live up to her nomination with a rainbow pastel Versace gown, inspired by “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
15. Marjan Pejoski
Marjan Pejoski’s swan dress, reminiscent of Bjork’s iconic 2001 look, garnered attention when she seemingly took the avian theme to the next level, even posing as if she were laying an egg on the red carpet.
16. Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie made waves at the 2012 Oscars in a black Versace gown, largely due to her provocative leg-baring poses, which photographers found increasingly repetitive.
17. Matt Stone and Trey Parker
Creators of ‘South Park,’ Matt Stone and Trey Parker, took a humorous approach to the 2000 Oscars red carpet by donning sandals and parodying iconic celebrity looks, highlighting the niche of high fashion.
18. Billy Porter
Billy Porter made a groundbreaking statement on the red carpet in 2019 with his grandeur Christian Siriano tuxedo dress. While his gender-breaking fashion was celebrated by many, it also faced criticism from conservative viewers.
19. Lizzie Gardiner
Facing financial difficulties, fashion designer Lizzie Gardiner turned to a unique idea, sewing a gown made of expired American Express cards. She made a memorable entrance at the 1995 Oscars in this golden creation.
20. Geena Davis
Geena Davis’s ruffled minidress in 1992 was a fusion of saloon girl and prima ballerina styles, resulting in a distinctive and memorable red carpet appearance.
21. Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence made a stunning impression at the Oscars in 2013, wearing a Dior Haute Couture strapless cream-colored gown. Her memorable moment was slightly overshadowed when she famously tripped on the stairs while heading up to accept her Best Actress award for “Silver Linings Playbook.”
Which was one of the most controversial dresses on this list? Share your point in the comments below.