The Oscars saved its wildest moment for last, closing the night with an ending not even Hollywood scripted. But after the whole La La Land—wait, no, Moonlight—Best Picture fiasco, it’s easy to forget there was plenty of drama on the red carpet. That would be a shame, as the stars came dressed to impress in metallics and white and accessorized with everything from colorful shoes to pins meant to make a political statement.
I agree with host Jimmy Kimmel, who tried to lighten the awkward moment by quipping they should hand out a bunch of Oscars. Moonlight totally deserved Best Picture, but let’s hand out a few more for Oscars 2017 Best Dressed (no envelopes necessary, unless they’re clutches).
Jessica Biel
Jessica Biel was on hand to support husband Justin Timberlake, who opened the ceremony with smash hit “Can’t Stop the Feeling!,” but she wound up stealing the show before he even took the stage. The actress’ gilded KaufmanFranco column dress likely made even Oscar swop. But the true star of the ensemble was her statement-making metallic collar by Tiffany & Company. Rather than going for a predictable red lip, Biel went for a more subtle peach, a perfect hue for the warm temps we’ve been having. Timberlake made for an adorable afterthought accessory.
Nicole Kidman
Best supporting actress nominee Nicole Kidman is known for bringing her A game to the red carpet—the chartreuse, floral-embroidered Dior gown she wore in 1997 is the stuff of legends. Kidman again opted for embroidery, this time in en vogue silver and gold on an Armani Prive gown. The design was perhaps a subtle reference to a sarin a popular garment in India, where part of her film Lion was based.
Emma Stone
Tinsel Town’s reigning It girl came ready to do a victory dance in a Givenchy haute couture Gatsby-style gown that oozed old-Hollywood glamour. But look closely and you’ll see Stone is very much living in the present—the first-time Oscar winner wore a Planned Parenthood pin on her left side.
Naomie Harris
Naomie Harris, who earned a best supporting actress nomination for her performance in Moonlight, showed off her flawless figure in a beaded asymmetrical white Calvin Klein dress with a train. Her yellow shoes added an unexpected pop of color.
Hala Kamil
Syrian refugee Hala Kamil, the subject of Oscar-nominated short documentary Wantai-Homeland, wasn’t sure she would be able to make her red carpet debut when Donald Trump instituted a travel ban last month. But since the ban was lifted, she was able to attend in a beautiful purple and black Brandon Maxwell velvet gown with a hijab to match.
Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams opted to play with fabrics when she sported this Louis Vuitton number. The black top, which also included a plunging neckline, was made of on-trend velvet, and the white-tiered ruffle skirt was adorned with intricate beading, sequins and diamonds. Williams’ minimal make-up kept all eyes on her outfit—which wasn’t a bad thing at all.
Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron proved “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is always good advice by going with her favorite neckline, the deep V-neck, and looking gorgeous once again. The shimmering Dior couture gown also featured a high leg slit, but Theron kept the look on the classy side by opting for natural make-up and a pretty-but-simple ponytail.