The 10 best red carpet looks from the 2020 Oscars

The 92nd Academy Awards took place last night in Los Angeles and, despite the rain and colder temperatures, the red carpet provided plenty of style inspiration. There weren't a lot of the same electric fashion statements from the Grammys, and the men stuck to classic black tuxedos for the most part. But, as the most prestigious awards show of the season, the Oscars delivered when it came to the glamour quotient and incredible gowns that could only be worn for such an occasion. 

Here are 10 of my favourite outfits from the evening's star-studded red carpet.

Natalie Portman

Capes were one of the night's top trends, and I liked Natalie Portman's black silk version even before learning that it was actually embroidered "with the names of female directors whose critically-acclaimed films were ignored by the Academy this year." Portman's Spring/Summer 2020 Dior Couture dress also featured another of the evening's fashion trends: the rope belt. 

Charlize Theron

Oscar nominee Theron made a dramatic entrance in an asymmetric black gown by Dior Couture. Styled by Toronto-born Leslie Fremar, the look also featured an eye-catching necklace from Tiffany & Co.'s Fall 2020 High Jewelry collection (it's made with 160 diamonds including a 21-carat marquise-cut stunner!). 

Sandra Oh

The Canadian actor was a presenter at this year's award show, looking gorgeous in a shimmery Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2020 confection with a low-cut neckline. The look was styled by Hollywood superstylist Elizabeth Saltzman, who also worked with Saoirse Ronan for the Oscars. 

America Ferrera

The pregnant actress was positively glowing in an empire-waist Alberta Ferretti burgundy gown and custom Jennifer Behr headpiece styled by Canadian Karla Welch. The unique brass halo was a way for Ferrera to honour her warrior ancestors, the indigenous Lenca tribe of Honduras.   

Keanu Reeves

Canadian actor Keanu Reeves always looks pretty good on the red carpet, and last night was no exception. He wore a perfectly-tailored black tuxedo, and event brought his mom Patricia Taylor as his date. Swoon!

Cynthia Erivo

The Academy Award nominee definitely stood out in a voluminous, bespoke Atelier Versace gown featuring a pleated bustier and hand-embroidered Swarovski crystals. She also wore Stuart Weitzman platform sandals and stunning, Harriet Tubman and Vincent Van Gogh-inspired nail art by Gina Oh. 

Caitriona Balfe

Actor Caitriona Balfe looked incredible in a red-lip look paired with a winning Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2020 sheer blouse and black bustier dress combo. The look was put together by Canadian superstylist Karla Welch (who also worked with America Ferrera, Kristen Wiig and Kaitlyn Dever last night). 

Janelle Monáe

The musician wore an incredible custom Ralph Lauren hooded gown with matching Forevermark diamonds for her Academy Awards arrival. According to the American label, the 168,000 faceted crystals took over 600 hours to hand embroider.  

Rooney Mara

There's something quite romantic and elegant about the actor's black lace, custom Alexander McQueen gown from last night. There are interesting shapes and cutaways, including a low-cut back, and the lace ranges from sheer to opaque depending on the panel. 

Rebel Wilson

Attending her very first Oscars, actor Rebel Wilson shined in a golden gown by Vancouver-raised, New York-based designer Jason Wu and matching vintage Pomellato necklace. Styled with a wavy side-part and bold red lips, it's a look that is pleasantly glamourous. 

Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.