I Will Drink Until Next Morning: The 2020 Academy Awards Fashion Review

by Cindy Davis · February 10, 2020

Among the surprises at last night’s 92nd Academy Awards were Eminem (???), Billie Eilish’s reaction faces, more than a few truly deserved wins, and the inexplicable lasagne/sparkly pumpkin attired impromptu Maya Rudolph-Kristen Wiig acting audition. On the fashion front, the annual couture-fest was no less shocking, so let’s get on with the myriad looks.

Best Dressed: No contest!

Janelle Monáe in Ralph Lauren

I almost have no words — the queen herself knew she’d won the night from the moment she hit the red carpet.

Simply breathtaking.

Runners Up:

Sandra Oh in Elie Saab

Under usual circumstances, I’d despise anything in a beige tone … but on this particular dress, it works. And, Oh worked it like the goddess she is.

Scarlett Johansson in Oscar de la Renta

Color me shocked — Scarlett surprised in this off the beaten path number; it was even more flattering onscreen.

Natalie Portman in Dior Haute Couture

This dress is a million times better without the accompanying cape (embroidered with overlooked women directors, Lorene Scafaria, Lulu Wang, Greta Gerwig, Mati Diop, Marielle Heller, Melina Matsoukas, and Alma Har’el), though there’s definitely a Star Wars-esque drama added.

Caitriona Balfe in Valentino

I feel like this shouldn’t work, but it does. Balfe’s whole look is stunningly gorgeous.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Vera Wang

Simple perfection.

Rebel Wilson in custom Jason Wu

This may be my favorite ever of Wilson’s looks. She’s glowing!

Gal Godot in Givenchy

I know to some it’s fussy, but I adore this.

Lucy Boynton in Chanel

Especially love the top half.

Jane Fonda in Elie Saab (first worn at Cannes, 2014)

Still knocking it out of the park at 82!

Fantastic, Despite Questionable Couture Choices:

Olivia Colman in Stella McCartney

I cannot for the life of me understand the sleeve thing, but Colman carried this off without a hitch.

Julia Butters in Christian Siriano

I wish this were less fussy, but she’s working every last bit of the look. Ah-dorable!

Saoirse Ronan in Gucci

The top of this dress is from her BAFTAs look and though I’m not into a peplum, I think this almost works.

Regina King in Versace

This looked much better onscreen, but I still want it to be a different color.

Brie Larson in Celine

Outwardly, there isn’t anything wrong with this dress — old Hollywood glamor and all — and it also looked better onscreen.

Rooney Mara in Alexander McQueen

Mara does her thing well and though the midsection has its quirks, overall I love this.

Black and Dare I Say …Boring?

Charlize Theron in Dior

I feel like we’ve seen her in some variation of this at every award show.

Penélope Cruz in Chanel

I do love a pocket!

Margaret Qualley in Chanel

Mmm-kay.

Margot Robbie in Chanel

This is just verging on sad.

Geena Davis in Romona Keveza

I do believe Davis is aging in reverse.

Meh Dress, White Version:

Renée Zellweger in Armani Prive

Great Color, Unremarkable Dress:

Greta Gerwig in Dior Haute Couture

Mindy Kaling in Dolce & Gabbana

America Ferrera in Alberta Ferretti (headband inspired by the indigenous Lenca people of Honduras)

Sigourney Weaver in Christian Dior

Kaitlyn Dever in Louis Vuitton

I Don’t Want to Say “Worst”; Just Say No:

Kristen Wiig in Valentino Couture

Drawing comparisons to lasagne, sea slugs and ribbon candy, this is just … acting?

Maya Rudolph in Valentino

Maya loves to be comfortable and we love that about her … but please girl, get a damned stylist. You can do better!

Oh, sweethearts …we’re crying!

I will say that the colors were flattering on each of them … le sigh.

Cynthia Erivo in Versace

Fantastic as her performance and this Vera Wang dress were,

that white number has to go.

Florence Pugh in Louis Vuitton

From the J Crew 2020 Bridesmaid Collection …

Laura Dern in Armani Privé

Unfortunately, this incredible (one of my favorites) Oscar-winning actress chose one of the night’s (shall we say) least best dresses? This is something Lula would wear.

Kelly Marie Tran in Schiaparelli Haute Couture

This is an all-around travesty.

Billy Porter in custom Giles Deacon

I’m usually with Billy 110%, but the bottom of this particular number lost me. That said, I ADORE his after-party look!

The Menfolk:

Since just about all the dudes went black and/or classic, there isn’t much to say — other than something fit well or didn’t. I’ll let you suss it out for yourselves.

Rami Malek in Yves Saint Laurent