Kate Winslet at the 79th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals at the Kodak Theatre February 25, 2007 - Hollywood, California. Photo Credit: Fernando Allende/NY Post / Splash News
By Ruchira Haldar
27 Feb 2007 (Sawf News) - On February 25th, 2007, the 79th Annual Academy Awards aired live from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California. This year’s awards were different in the sense that the list of nominees was more international in scope and reflected the ethnic diversity of the film industry. Oscars for Best Actor and Actress went to Forest Whitaker and Helen Mirren respectively. The award for Best Film went to the film “The Departed.”
The Oscar red carpet shimmered with color, as stars veered away from the safety of black dresses. Instead they went towards innovative trends in celebrity fashion, predominantly one-shouldered goddess gowns, halter necklines and soft strapless numbers, showcasing world-renowned designers. Jewels sparkled in abundance on the carpet, courtesy of the finest jewelers in the business. All in all, it was an Oscar night that truly lived up to its reputation as the film industry’s most prestigious and most glamorous event.
One-shouldered gowns have been all the rage this season, and tonight was no exception. Actresses Kate Winslet, and Beyonce both looked breathtaking in their Italian designs.
English Rose
When you’ve been nominated for an Oscar five times, it’s pretty obvious the Academy loves you. But in this pistachio green one-shouldered Valentino with Chopard jewelry, Kate could not look any better. We could go on and on about that glowing skin that makes her the envy of the whole room, but that would be too obvious. The drape of her sash, and the way her figure looks in every dress, Winslet blooms in front of the cameras. And with that famous British reserve, she never overdoes it.
Beyonce arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, California (February 25, 2007). Photo Credit: Fernando Allende / Splash News
Irreplaceable
It’s not easy being green, especially on the Hollywood red carpet. And it’s not easy looking drop dead beautiful night after night, but Beyonce carries it off without a hitch. Dressed by Armani Prive in a one-shouldered goddess gown with jewels going over the side, the singer-actress wisely leaves the accessories behind and owns this look!
Cate Blanchett arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, California (February 25, 2007). Photo Credit: (PRNewsFoto/SendTec, Inc.,Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)
Brains and beauty, we love it
Oscar-winning Cate Blanchett also chose a one-shouldered Armani Prive for her red carpet moment. She stood out from the pack in a silver metallic gown of crystal mesh with a floral accent made from jet black paillettes.
Strapless dresses in unconventional colors also made their way down the carpet. Stars opting for this look included Reese Witherspoon, Rachel Weisz, Penelope Cruz, Naomi Watts, Anne Hathaway, and Jada Pinkett Smith.
Reese Witherspoon arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, California (February 25, 2007). Photo Credit: Fernando Allende / Splash News
The Color Purple
No shrinking violet is Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon in this strapless gown with tiers of aubergine-hued fabric at the hem by Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci. Wearing jewelry by Van Cleef and Arpels, the perky star knows what she likes and sticks to it. When you’re young, blond and your salary is $29 million a picture, money is definitely no object!
Rachel Weisz arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, California (February 25, 2007). Photo Credit: Russell Einhorn / Splash News
Time Traveler
Fellow Oscar winner Rachel Weisz takes us to another time in this art-deco-inspired metallic Vera Wang creation with jeweled bustline and finishes it off with vintage gems from French fashion house Cartier. From the halls of Cambridge to cinema halls across the world, this thirtysomething star has come a long way.
Penelope Cruz arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, California (February 25, 2007). Photo Credit: Fernando Allende / Splash News
Cruz Control
Have mercy! Spanish siren Penelope has us blushing in this swirling silk chiffon with dropwaist by Atelier Versace. Jewels from the house of Chopard and clutch bag from Daniel Swarovski set off what can only be described as pure magic. We’re glad you didn’t repeat the mistake from last week’s Global Green and bet so are you! While you didn’t win an Oscar for Volver, this outfit makes you a sure shot for best dressed.
Anne Hathaway who scored in this year’s “The Devil Wears Prada” lost points in a white-and-black strapless Valentino and accessories from jewel house Van Cleef and Arpels. Aussie Naomi Watts fared better in a made-to-measure silk georgette gown with empire waistline and sash by German couturier Escada and gems courtesy of Chopard. Last but not least, Jada Pinkett Smith sported a corset-inspired strapless number from Carolina Herrera in gold lame. She topped off her look with a stunning set of H. Stern jewelry.
All in all, extravagance and excess enjoyed free reign at the Oscars. There was nary a plain dress to be seen and accessories were just as colorful but elegant and understated.
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