The 2018 Oscar Nominees: Past Red Carpet Looks (Part 1)

It's not quite time for the Oscars red carpet fashion review yet, but I'd like to give you a little preview, based on past red carpet looks worn by the nominees, along with my prediction of what they're likely to wear to the Oscars. Here's the type of outfits you can look forward to from the nominated actresses this year.

Lead Actress Nominees

Sally Hawkins - The Shape of Water

At the premiere of the film in Venice, Hawkins sported this off-the-shoulder satin gown in loden with a forest green lining. Although the concept was interesting, with angular draping, it looked sloppy and unbalanced, and the colors really didn't work together for me, particularly with the silver shoes (although they were great shoes).

Her look at a Venice film fest featuring the movie wasn't a great improvement. The silhouette was interesting, but the puffed sleeves ending well above the wrist looked ill-fitting, and the color was a bit bland. Not bad, but not great.

Another good-but-not-great look was her outfit for the Toronto premiere of the film: a cocktail-length green dress with a flattering draped neckline but strange pointed epaulets/shoulder pads. Close, but still not quite.

I predict her Oscar look will be more formal, likely most similar to her gown at the Venice premiere, probably in green and not too daring or couture.

Frances McDormand - Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

McDormand is not, shall we say, the couture type. Her red carpet looks lean more toward comfort than fashion (not that there's anything wrong with that), as was illustrated by her look at the Venice film fest, in a flared green dress with a loose empire waist paired with a long black cardigan-style jacket and pretty sparkly pumps. This look is a little casual and frumpy for the red carpet, but McDormand doesn't seem to care so why should we? It is a beautiful color on her, and I love the shoes.

McDormand's gown for the Golden Globes earlier this year was more formal, but still simple and basic. Her straight black gown had a satin bodice with a round neck and long sleeves and a simple black belt. It was appropriate, but not noteworthy.

I predict that McDormand will wear something quite similar to her Golden Globes look at this year's Oscars; a simple, unadorned cut in a solid color, without spangles or bling.

Margot Robbie - I, Tonya

I recognized Robbie's name from her red carpet looks long before I had any idea of the films she'd been in. Her strapless white column with side cutouts from the 2017 Met Gala is typical of her red carpet fashion. Often classic and elegant, Robbie chooses looks that show off her slender figure and have a few daring features without being too edgy.

Robbie opted for another white gown for the premiere of the film in San Raphael, California. Her halter dress was a simple A-line silhouette that should have been boring, yet somehow she pulled it off. My one objection to this look was that the dress was unhemmed and the raw edge was fraying all over the place! What?!??

Robbie doesn't limit herself to white; however. This sequined off-the-shoulder black dress, which she wore to the 2017 Gotham Awards, was drawn up high over her left hip and ended at mid-calf. I love the way the should draped low on her arm instead of being a shoulder strap, and the way the bodice gathered in to the waist with a narrow belt was very flattering.

I predict that Robbie will go a bit more edgy for the Oscars, perhaps in a gown with a deep slit, some interesting draping or wrapping (perhaps even a bandage dress), and likely in white, as seems to be her habit for awards events for this particular film.

Saoirse Ronan - Lady Bird

Ronan has tended toward more conservative red carpet looks in the past, as illustrated by her appearance at the 2016 SAG awards. Her champagne-colored column had a barely flared skirt, round neck, and long fitted sleeves; its only detailing a bit of sparkle and texture to the fabric. It was a flattering but not particularly memorable look.

In contrast, her dress at the 2016 Oscars was much more eye-catching and daring. A body-hugging emerald green sequined column with plunging neckline and tiny puddle of train, Paired with a loosely waved hairstyle and long glittery earrings, Ronan was channeling Hollywood glamour at its best.

Ronan sported yet another contrasting look at this year's Golden Globes, in this sleek black-and-white one-sleeved column with a short train and silver accents at the shoulder and hip. Paired with a tight updo and stark makeup, Ronan is clearly working to create a more mature image.

Ronan seems to be finding her adult style, and I think she'll use the Oscars to wear an edgier style, most similar to her Golden Globes look. I predict a sleek gown in a rich, saturated color like cobalt blue or emerald green, or perhaps another black gown, to set off her platinum hair. I fully expect her to be sporting one of the more memorable gowns of the evening.

Meryl Streep - The Post

I've been unimpressed by Streep's red carpet wear over the past few years. She often leans toward an almost western-wear feel, as in this black gown from last year's Golden Globes. The dress featured gold and colored embroidered on the bodice forming a western-style yoke and a criss-cross reminiscent of bandoliers. I loves the general silhouette (other than the overly squared-off shoulders), but it would have been better with more subtle bling.

Streep's gown/pants combo at last year's Oscars was one of her better recent looks, although I didn't love the pants underneath. The off-the-shoulder spangled bodice with satin edging was just stunning, the the broad silhouette of the skirt was lovely and graceful. But the front opening with an awkwardly wrapped flap covering just the left leg looked uncomfortable and broke up the lines of the dress. It is a gorgeous color on her, though.

The gown Streep wore at last year's SAG awards was quite typical of her recent style: elegant but a bit dowdy. She rarely wears fitted styles, often opting for a relatively full skirt and a modest bodice with long sleeves.

I predict that Streep's Oscar gown will be fairly conservative, likely in black or white, but I have a feeling she may wear a slightly more fitted style, perhaps fitted at the bodice and hips with a trumpet-style skirt. I also predict a textured fabric in a solid color and a small train.

Supporting Actress Nominees

Mary J. Blige - Mudbound

Blige has a fairly specific red carpet style of late: clingy, fitted gowns with a mermaid or trumpet skirt and a single sexy detail - in the case of this beautiful silver gown that she wore to the L.A. screening of the film, cutouts at the waist. The sheerness of the fabric also creates a subtle sexiness, and the cling shows off her curves.

At the Gotham awards this year, Blige opted for a nearly waist-high slit on her long-sleeved black column embellished with a metallic gold embroidered dragon. I love the detail of the tasseled dragon's tail falling into the slit, and the gold embroidered at the neck, which echoed her corona-style updo. A great look.

For her appearance at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, Blige wore this beautifully structured sheer black column with art deco seaming and a gold underdress. Again, her look is subtly sexy, flattering her figure in a classic but still edgy style.

I predict that Blige will opt for an even edgier look for the Oscars, perhaps in black or a shiny metallic fabric, with interesting structure and lines, with a bit more overt sexiness than the looks above.

Allison Janney - I, Tonya

Janney tends to vacillate between my best- and worst-dressed lists, although the outfit she sported at the recent Hollywood Film Awards was somewhere in between. I liked the sparkly black skirt with just a hint of a flare and a tiny train, and I liked the almost-sheer black blouse with 3/4-length sleeves. But somehow the two together were too casual for a red carpet event, even though they were pretty and flattering.

Janney's look at the 2017 Emmy Awards got a thumbs-up from me. The off-white lace dress had a full skirt and a bodice with a deep v-neck anchored with a solid modesty panel that allowed it to move comfortably without fear of a wardrobe malfunction. The wide diamond cuff and long diamond earrings were the icing on the cake.

Janney's traditional red satin gown from the 2017 Tony Awards demonstrates her varied red carpet style. A very typical red carpet look, the gown featured a one-shouldered wrapped bodice that cascaded into a slim skirt with a large, graceful drape at the right hip. Elegant and classic.

Janney's look for the Oscars is one of the hardest to predict from this list, given her wide variety of styles. However, I'm going to say that she'll step away from a traditional look and opt for something a bit more unusual, likely something with sheer panels or a plunging neckline, in a textured fabric like lace or brocade, and likely in a vibrant, eye-catching color.

Lesley Manville - Phantom Thread

Manville is something of a newcomer to the red carpet scene, this being her first appearance in any of my reviews, I think. Her look at the 2017 BAFTA awards is a pretty sheer black lace with short sleeves, a scalloped v-neck, and a short train. The cut is a bit conservative, but the details like the scalloped edges and the sheer fabric give it enough visual interest to earn a thumbs up from me.

Her gown at the film's New York premiere was similarly elegant and flattering but a bit on the conservative side. Her fitted midnight blue velvet column featured silver cording down the sides, hidden pockets (love it!), and a front slit, and was accessorized with oversized earrings and a beautiful gold shoulder wrap.

Continuing the trend of conservative but successful looks, Manville's outfit at the 2017 BFI awards was a novel and memorable look. Full navy harem pants were paired with a plaid jacket with interesting neckline detailing and black halter straps peeking out, accessorized with fabulous spectactor pumps. A fun and different look.

Given that her nomination is for a film about fashion, I predict that Manville will opt for a look that is somewhat different and unusual, most similar to her BFI look, above. Look for interesting textures or prints in a non-traditional style, with a fitted bodice and simple accessories.

Laurie Metcalf - Lady Bird

Metcalf's look at this year's Golden Globes was a pants/gown combo that looked more successful to me than some other similar combos I've seen on the red carpet (Meryl Streep, I'm looking at you). I love the brocade fabric and jacket style of the overlay, and the barely-cropped pants with strappy black sandals made no attempt to hide or pretend to be a skirt. The sideswept hairstyle added to the casual elegance of the look.

Metcalf's look at the Critics' Choice awards earlier this month was more traditional red carpet elegance. Her ice blue column featured a full train from the knee and a vintage-inspired draped boatneck. One of my favorite looks of that night.

A slightly less successful but not terrible look was the forest green satin gown Metcalf wore to the 2017 Tony Awards. I love the skirt, with its center slit to the knee, wrap belt, and slightly overlong hem, but the droopiness of the bodice was emphasized by its high neck. Lowering the neckline just a little would have made this a winner across the board.

For the Oscars, I predict that Metcalf will stick with a more traditional gown, similar to her Critics' Choice dress, perhaps even with some vintage detailing, perhaps a bias-cut satin with art deco styling.

Octavia Spencer - The Shape of Water

Spencer will be hard-pressed to beat this stunning silver gown from last year's Oscars, with it's wrapped off-the-shoulder satin bodice and full eyelash skirt with short train. The puffy skirt feels like it should overwhelm her, but somehow she makes it work so you notice her and not the dress.

Spencer opted for a more casual look for the Golden Globes, choosing a fabulous black sequined cocktail dress with full skirt, short sleeves, and wide v-neck. I love the brightly colored earring and loose waved hair, as well as the simply black strappy shoes. A simple look, but flattering and elegant.

I liked but didn't love Spencer's look at this year's SAG Awards. I loved the straight skirt, the textured peplum, and the broad vee of the bodice, but I didn't love the sheer yoke. I think if the yoke had either had a deep v-neck or been removed entirely, this look would have been a winner for me.

I predict that Spencer will opt for old-school elegance and rich color at the Oscars, likely with an off-the-shoulder ballgown with a mix of fabrics and textures.

Nominees in Other Categories

Greta Gerwig - Director (Lady Bird) and Original Screenplay (Lady Bird)

Gerwig appeared on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival this year wearing this lovely white chiffon gown with diagonal, black-trimmed ruffles. I loved the dotted sheer overlay of the skirt and the capelet detail at the sleeves. It was visually interesting without being busy. A real winner.

Gerwig opted for another ruffled gown at the 2017 Gotham Awards, but this look was a little less successful for me. The ruffles on the skirt created an awkward line, the deep ruffle across the bodice was too demure for the keyhole opening under it, and the color was washed-out. The overall look was droopy and tired.

At the film's premiere at the Austin Film Festival, Gerwig went all out in this adorable tea-length red and white dress with spaghetti straps and double red knotted sashes. It's different, it's fun, and it's classy, and although the style wouldn't be my choice for the Oscars, it's just perfect for a film festival.

I predict that Gerwig's Oscar look will be most similar to her gown at the Cannes: soft fabric in a non-traditional but slightly conservative style, with some fun accents and details.

Nora Twomey - Animated Feature (The Breadwinner)

For the film's Hollywood premiere, Twomey opted for this cute and quirky gray dress with brightly colored trees, paired with tall black boots. It's a little casual, but not inappropriate for a premiere, and it certainly shows her personality and style. I like it.

For the Toronto Film Festival, Twomey chose a more traditional black pantsuit, with full pants and a deep v-neck filled with a statement necklace. Classic and elegant, and another winner.

Twomey wore a similar look for the Golden Globes, with a dress with full skirt, long bell sleeves, and a v-neck. Pretty, but a bit nondescript.

As much as I'd love for Twomey to wear a more formal version of her personality-filled premiere outfit, I predict she'll still with traditional, conservative black, perhaps velvet or satin, in a simple cut.

Darla K. Anderson - Animated Feature (Coco)

Anderson (shown here with co-nominee Lee Unkrich) showed her vibrant personality at the Coco premiere, She paired a basic black top and cropped wide-leg pants with a vivid orange jacket with a quilted teal pattern. Even for a premiere, it was a bit casual, but I love how clearly it shows her personality. I wish she'd lengthened the pants just a hair and worn less ugly shoes, though.

At a preview of the film, Anderson went all-black, paired black skinny jeans with a long black belted tunic, black jacket, and black boots. Casual, but elegant, and still showing her personality. Not red carpet, but a good look.

Anderson opted for a much more traditional red carpet look at the Mexico City premiere of the film in this slim, spangled black column with 3/4 sleeves and a round neck.

I hope that Anderson lets her creative side shine through at the Oscars, and pairs a traditional look similar to the Mexican premiere with some kind of vibrant accessories, like a jacket or a wrap or a huge statement necklace that adds a big splash of color. After all, vivid colors are such a huge part of the film, it seems appropriate, no?

Dorota Kobiela - Animated Feature (Loving Vincent)

Kobiela appeared with co-nominee Hugh Wheeler at the 2017 European Film Awards in Berlin in a sparkly silver wrap dress with a hint of black lace bra showing (not sure if that was intentional or not, but surprisingly, I liked it).

The only other photograph I could find of Kobiela at a red carpet event was this one, which seemed to be at a Film Festival in Poland (the website was in Polish - I think - so I'm guessing a bit). Anderson is sporting a voluminous cold-shoulder denim dress with ruffles across the bodice and down the sleeves. It's different, it has personality, and although it's casual (but not inappropriate), I like it a lot.

I predict that will wear a simple wrap column with some kind of softening detail, like a ruffle or a rosette, in basic black or a pale neutral like champagne, charcoal gray or midnight blue.

Dana Murray - Animated Short (Lou)

I was unable to find any photos of Murray on the red carpet, but I did find this picture of her with co-nominee Dave Mullins. Although it's hard to tell from a casual photo, Murray seems to be comfortable with casual but cute dressing, based on the neutral colors of her top and skirt and her cropped jean jacket. I predict she'll eschew a traditional gown and opt for a classy pantsuit or a brightly colored satin blouse paired with a slim neutral skirt.

Emily V. Gordon - Original Screenplay (The Big Sick)

Gordon appeared at the Palm Springs Film Festival with her husband and co-nominee, Kumail Nanjiani, wearing a beautiful scarlet velvet one-shouldered gown with an interesting cuffed sleeve detail. The dress is simple but flattering, skimming her figure beautifully. The color definitely makes a statement.

Gordon wore a similar gown to the film's premiere, another scarlet dress, this one with a one-shouldered bodice and a narrow gold belt. Again, simple but eye-catching and flattering.

Once again, Gordon sported a red gown at the 2017 CinemaCon awards. Her tea length gown had a flared skirt, plunging neckline with small modesty panel, cap sleeves, and a wide belt. I love that she paired it with these cute multi-strap black shoes and no other accessories. It's lovely and has personality.

I think it's a pretty safe bet to say that Gordon will wear a red gown to the Oscars. I predict it will be an interesting fabric, such as brocade, satin, or taffeta, and it will likely be either fitted or cinched in at the waist, and paired with minimal accessories other than fabulous shoes.

Vanessa Taylor - Original Screenplay (The Shape of Water)

At the film's premiere, Taylor opted for a two-piece dress with a simple v-neck top with thin straps, fitted to the hip, paired with a full spangled black knee-length skirt. The pairing made for a lovely and flattering silhouette, and the criss-cross straps of the sandals were a pretty detail, as was the sparkly necklace. A pretty if not overly formal look.

Taylor sported a very similar look at the Toronto Film Festival, in a midnight blue off-the-shoulder, knee-length dress with a fitted bodice and a full skirt, paired with the same cute shoes.

Taylor wore another dark neutral dress to the premiere of Divergent, Part 4 last year, albeit in a different style. The slim-fitting sleeveless dress featured cutouts at the waist and shoulders, and a skirt that ended just below the knee. I don't love the shoes, and the dress is just okay.

I predict that Taylor will stick with her monochromatic, dark neutral palette, in a tea-length black or dark blue dress with a fitted, off-the-shoulder bodice and a slightly full skirt.

Rachel Morrison - Cinematography (Mudbound)

Morrison appeared at the New York Film Critics Awards in 2017 in this striking black-on-black ensemble consisting of a long sheer black column with heavy silver beading on the bodice, over a short black underdress, topped by a textured leather cropped jacket. The jacket brought just a bit of an edge that really worked for me, but even the dress alone with a lovely and flattering look.

The only other red-carpet-esque photo I was able to find for Morrison was for the 2013 Women in Film awards, at which she wore a sleeveless white shirt topped with a black vest, with a slicked-back, high-topped edgy hairstyle and flattering but stark makeup.

I hope that Morrison sticks with her edginess and once again pairs a traditional gown with some kind of stark accessory or detailing.

Julie Goldman - Documentary Feature (Abacus: Small Enough to Jail)

Goldman wore a short gray dress with mixed solid and print to this year's Women in Film awards. I loved the corsage, but the orthopedic-looking sandals could have been improved on (I sympathize with the need for comfortable feet, but they could have been just as comfortable in a more graceful cut or at least a bright color).

At last year's Oscars, Goldman wore a simple black column with a deep neckline, 3/4-sleeves, and a pretty wrapped detail at the waist, paired with a simple matching necklace and earrings.

Casual photos of Goldman often show her in black, so I predict she will wear another simple black gown to the Oscars this year, perhaps another wrapped column, either off the shoulder or with a deep v-neck.

Agnes and Roslie Varda - Documentary Feature (Faces, Places)

Mother-and-daughter co-nominees attended last year's Cannes Film Festival sporting a number of flowing, colorful print looks that were far from traditional red carpet gowns. Mom Agnes wore velvet pairs and a tunic and sported a bowl haircut with long white roots and bright red tips. Daughter Rosalie favored prints and flowing scarves, although she sometimes wore brightly striped dresses.

I predict that Rosalie will wear a short, brightly printed dress paired with a flowing scarf or wrap at the Oscars, and Agnes will choose black velvet pants with a flowy chiffon print top.



I'm only a bit more than halfway down the list of "Other Category" nominees, and this blog has gotten awfully long, so I guess you'll have to tune in later for part 2!