Hollywood’s biggest night delivered its usual spectacle of couture glamour as the 98th Academy Awards unfolded at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026.
While the ceremony celebrated the year’s most acclaimed films, the Oscars red carpet once again served as fashion’s most glamorous runway, with stars arriving in a mix of archival couture, vintage runway pieces and custom creations from the world’s most celebrated houses.
The night also carried a moment of pride for New Zealand audiences. Kiwi costume designer Kate Hawley took home the Oscar for Best Costume Design for Frankenstein, accepting the award onstage during the ceremony and drawing international attention to her work. The win added a notable New Zealand presence to an evening dominated by Hollywood’s biggest names.
On the red carpet, meanwhile, the fashion was just as headline-worthy. From Nicole Kidman in Chanel and Elle Fanning in Givenchy by Sarah Burton, to vintage moments from Valentino and Ralph Lauren, the 2026 Oscars delivered a compelling blend of classic Hollywood elegance and modern couture drama.
Below, the best dressed stars from the 2026 Oscars red carpet.
Isha M. Ambani in Valentino
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Isha M. Ambani stunned in a strapless floral gown from Valentino’s fall/winter 2006 couture collection, a romantic archival piece adorned with intricate embellishment.
Jessie Buckley in Chanel
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Jessie Buckley wore a custom off-shoulder Chanel gown in red and pink, inspired by Grace Kelly’s iconic 1956 Oscars dress — a modern homage to Old Hollywood glamour.
Odessa A’zion in Valentino
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Odessa A’zion embraced Valentino’s signature drama, stepping onto the carpet in a striking gown that blended contemporary glamour with couture craftsmanship.
Pedro Pascal in Chanel
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Pedro Pascal opted for Chanel tailoring, delivering a sleek and sophisticated take on modern red-carpet menswear.
Barbie Ferreira in GapStudio by Zac Posen
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Barbie Ferreira wore GapStudio by Zac Posen, styled with De Beers London and Leviev Diamonds jewellery, bringing modern American glamour to the Oscars carpet.
Rose Byrne in Dior
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Rose Byrne chose Dior for the evening, wearing a sculptural gown that captured the house’s refined couture aesthetic.
Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton
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Emma Stone continued her long-standing relationship with Louis Vuitton, wearing a shimmering custom gown that balanced modern glamour with classic red-carpet polish.
Michael B. Jordan in Louis Vuitton
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Michael B. Jordan looked sharp in Louis Vuitton tailoring, elevating classic black-tie dressing with subtle modern details.
Charithra Chandran in Miss Sohee
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Charithra Chandran turned heads in Miss Sohee, wearing a couture creation defined by intricate embellishment and sculptural drama.
Anna Wintour
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Fashion’s most influential editor arrived in her signature polished style, reinforcing the enduring power of classic evening dressing.
Milo Manheim in GapStudio by Zac Posen
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Milo Manheim opted for modern tailoring from GapStudio by Zac Posen, a polished and contemporary take on red-carpet formalwear.
Mia Goth in Dior
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Mia Goth embraced gothic glamour in Dior, leaning into her signature dark romantic style with dramatic flair.
Teyana Taylor in Chanel
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Teyana Taylor delivered dramatic couture glamour in Chanel, embracing bold textures and sculptural detailing that made her one of the night’s most memorable arrivals.
Nicole Kidman in Chanel
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Nicole Kidman delivered classic elegance in Chanel, opting for a refined silhouette that embodied the maison’s signature timeless sophistication.
Law Roach in Vintage Alexander McQueen
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Celebrity stylist Law Roach turned the carpet into a runway moment in vintage Alexander McQueen, proving once again that archival fashion remains one of the most powerful red-carpet statements.
Gracie Abrams in Chanel
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Gracie Abrams chose Chanel for her Oscars debut, opting for a romantic couture look that perfectly matched the singer’s understated aesthetic.
Audrey Nuna in Thom Browne
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Audrey Nuna delivered one of the night’s boldest looks in Thom Browne, pairing theatrical tailoring with avant-garde detailing.
Amelia Dimoldenberg in Ralph Lauren
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Amelia Dimoldenberg wore a strapless black gown from Ralph Lauren’s fall/winter 2007 collection, embracing understated glamour with a vintage archival moment on the red carpet.
Elle Fanning in Givenchy by Sarah Burton
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Elle Fanning stepped out in Givenchy by Sarah Burton, pairing delicate couture craftsmanship with her signature ethereal elegance.
Damson Idris in Prada
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Damson Idris arrived in a navy recreation of a Prada fall/winter 2012 coat, originally worn by Adrien Brody on the runway, bringing a striking archival reference to the red carpet.
Mikey Madison in Christian Dior
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Mikey Madison wore Christian Dior paired with Tiffany & Co. jewellery, delivering refined elegance through intricate detailing and timeless accessories.
