Academy Awards 2009 Fashion

The Oscars this year were quite different from the past because it was a reversion to old Hollywood glamor. It worked on some people, but not everyone. There were very few misses this year, which has led me to think that people are becoming more conscious of the growing need to "dress to impress" and not "dress to test." Although, I personally like it when people dress out of their comfort zone, it must be a difficult to do that with paparazzi waiting to snap some bad pictures. Here are some of the celebrities I thought just nailed it.

Penélope Cruz in vintage Balmain

She looks like Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina in this vintage gown. Yes, it's a white gown, but it's very detailed. I like that she kept the accessories at a minimum because the dress already has enough adornments. It's definitely an improvement from the SAGs and the Golden Globes. I also love her speech for winning Best Supporting Actress.

Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé

She's usually a very edgy dresser, but when it comes to award shows, she tends to wear safe silhouettes. The adornments are usually what make her dresses interesting. You know what though, she's one of the only paler people who doesn't look washed out in white.

Marissa Tomei in Versace

Compared to what she has worn to some past award shows, she kind of did it right this time. It's a little "runway bride" looking, but it's a good risk to take. I also thought her hair and makeup looked great.

Natalie Portman in Rodarte

I'm not the fondest of this shade of pink, but I appreciate that she was the only one who wore pink at all. The silhouette's not the most exciting, but I understood where she was coming from. She looks like a princess.

Marion Cotillard in Dior

It's a little toned down from her very interesting Gaultier dress last year, yet it's still interesting. It's a mix between Anne Hathaway's Golden Globe Armani Prive dress and Marcia Cross's Carolina Herrera SAG dress. It's a lot to work with, but it's not fussy.

Jessica Biel in Prada

Although the dress isn't the most flattering on her, I do like that she took a risk because she's some who plays it a little too safe. I like the white exterior with the peek of the black lining. I also think she's someone who looks better with casual hair and makeup, which she has done here.

Miley Cyrus in Zuhair Murad

She usually dresses way too mature for her age, but I think she did a good job with this dress. It's a nice vintage inspried dress that could've used a little less spakrle, but I think her hair and makeup are very age appropriate.

Tilda Swinton in Lanvin

I think this woman is one of the most fashion-forward actresses out there. Her looks are always a bit avant-garde, but she able to pull them off. This look is a major improvement from the Lanvin dress she wore last year. I like that she keeps everything a bit androgynous; it's very refreshing to look at.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Dior

SJP was my personal favorite because she rocks this silhouette and is one of the only people who can. I love the simple detailing, color, and her hair. She looks perfect.

Here are some people I thought could've used a few improvements. Then again, they could've done without them too:

Kate Winslet in Atelier Yves Saint Laurent

This is definitely a "Best Actress's" dress, and I actually don't hate it. I just think the flowers aren't consistent enough. I would rather have the flowers cover the whole dress. Oh, and that Grace Kelly hair just didn't work for her.

Freida Pinto in John Galliano

Although I think she makes a lot of fashion missteps, I do like that she's a risk taker. Nothing's really wrong with this dress; it's just the sleeve. Hack that thing off and she's good to go.

Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab

I think this dress is absolutely gorgeous and so is she. What's wrong? The color. She's pretty much the same color as the dress. Unlike Anne Hathaway, who's complexion a shade darker, this girl really shouldn't be wearing white, unless she wants to be invisible. I think the black nails are cute though.

Amy Adams in Carolina Herrera

I like the necklace, but that dress is a bit off. Here is a situation where a black dress wouldn't be so boring. Maybe I just have a personal bias of not wanting hair color to clash with the color of clothes. Everything else looks good.

Beyoncé in House of Deréon

Here is a girl who looks stunning without being glammed up. The casual makeup and hair would've done her a great favor with her Elie Saab dress at the Golden Globes. I don't understand why she always pulls something weird when she doesn't have to. I would've maybe liked this dress if the gold was black instead. That way, it'd be more subtle but still interesting.

Courtesy of USWeekly Magazine