The Academy Awards have the most high-profile red carpet of the year and stars always make sure their fashion follows that lead. Since the Oscars are the definition of class, celebs have always found creative ways to balance sex appeal and style.
Sure, a classic ballgown does the trick, but why not spice things up with some plunging necklines, sassy cut-outs, or a thigh-high slit? Need something eye-catching? You can’t go wrong with sequins or jewelry that makes a statement.
There are so many sultry looks that are worth checking out ahead of Sunday’s Oscars. Catch the hottest Academy Awards dresses of all time in our gallery here.
1 of 43
Vanessa Hudgens In 2022
Jordan Strauss/AP/Shutterstock
Vanessa Hudgens, who presented an awards pre-show for ABC, stunned in a jet black, sequined Michael Kors gown. Elongating her figure with a sky-high top knot, Vanessa accessorized with gorgeous and glamorous emerald jewelry.
March 10, 2023, 11:12AM 2 of 43
Zendaya In 2022
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
Zendaya shimmered in silver Valentino during the 2022 Oscars. Her sparkling shirt and silk top were the perfect pairing.
March 10, 2023, 11:11AM 3 of 43
Jessica Chastain In 2022
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
Jessica Chastain came to slay in 2022! The Oscar nominee dazzled in a lavender ombre gown from Gucci.
March 10, 2023, 11:11AM 4 of 43
Nicole Kidman In 2022
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
Nicole Kidman slayed in a strapless blue Armani Prive gown on the 2022 Oscars red carpet. She paired her gorgeous gown with a bold red lip.
March 10, 2023, 11:11AM 5 of 43
Mila Kunis In 2022
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
Mila Kunis looked radiant in pink Zuhair Murad during the 2022 Oscars. Her silky soft blush dress had one shoulder and a train flowing off her hip.
March 10, 2023, 11:11AM
More AboutZendaya
6 of 43
Megan Thee Stallion In 2022
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
Megan Thee Stallion was ravishing in a dusty blue dress by Indian designer Gaurav Gupta during the 2022 Oscars. Glitter, ruffles, and a sexy side cut-out combined for a perfect look.
March 10, 2023, 11:11AM 7 of 43
Zendaya In 2021
Matt Petit/A.M.P.A.S./Shuttersto
Zendaya stands out in her bright yellow dress at the 2021 Oscars. Her strapless gown featured a mid-section cutout to show some skin.
March 23, 2022, 11:43AM 8 of 43
Amanda Seyfried In 2021
Matt Petit/A.M.P.A.S./Shuttersto
Amanda Seyfried is ravishing in red at the 2021 Oscars. Her plunging strapless gown had a low-cut neckline and she paired the look with matching lipstick.
March 23, 2022, 11:43AM 9 of 43
Halle Berry, 2021
Chris Pizzello/AP/Shutterstock
Halle Berry walks the red carpet at the 2021 Oscars. She wore a strapless, plunging pink gown with her hair styled in a dramatic bob.
March 23, 2022, 11:43AM 10 of 43
Scarlett Johansson, 2020
David Fisher/Shutterstock
Scarlett Johansson is stunning in silver at the 2020 Oscars. She wore a strapless dress with long train and her hair in a low updo.
March 23, 2022, 10:35AM 11 of 43
Brie Larson, 2020
Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP/Shu
Brie Larson sparkles in a plunging dress at the Oscars in 2020. Her gown had caped sleeves and a thigh-high leg slit, as well.
March 23, 2022, 10:35AM 12 of 43
Cynthia Erivo, 2020
David Fisher/Shutterstock
Cynthia Erivo wears a white dress while walking the 2020 Oscars red carpet. The gown had a thigh-high slit, showing off her chunky white heels.
March 23, 2022, 10:35AM 13 of 43
Salma Hayek, 2020
David Fisher/Shutterstock
Salma Hayek is a Gucci godess in her white dress at the 2020 Oscars. The one-sleeved gown was paired with an updo on the red carpet.
March 23, 2022, 10:35AM 14 of 43
Charlize Theron, 2020
David Fisher/Shutterstock
Charlize Theron shows some leg in her one-shouldered black gown at the Oscars. She wore minimal makeup and her hair in a sleek, side-parted updo.
March 23, 2022, 10:35AM 15 of 43
Ashley Graham, 2019
David Fisher/Shutterstock
Ashley Graham showed off her curves in a figure-hugging black gown at the 2019 Oscars. The mermaid-style dress was paired with a diamond necklace, and Ashley wore her hair in a slick ponytail.
February 6, 2020, 10:26AM 16 of 43
Jennifer Lopez, 2019
David Fisher/Shutterstock
Jennifer Lopez looked incredible in a silver metallic dress at the 2019 Oscars. The dress showed off her body to perfection, and she completed the look with dark eye makeup and soft hair waves.
February 6, 2020, 10:25AM 17 of 43
Chrissy Teigen, 2017
Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock
Chrissy Teigen puts major leg on display in a white gown with silver embellishments at the 2017 Academy Awards. She wore dangling earrings and her hair in a ponytail to go with the look.
February 21, 2019, 1:57PM 18 of 43
Brie Larson, 2017
Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock
Brie Larson looks stunning while putting her chest on display in a black gown at the Oscars in 2017. The dress featured a deep v neckline, and Brie wore a pop of red lipstick with the look.
February 21, 2019, 1:57PM 19 of 43
Jennifer Aniston, 2017
Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock
Jennifer Aniston rocks a sequined black dress with plunging neckline and sky-high leg slit to the 2017 Oscars. She kept the rest of her look super simple to really let the dress do the talking.
February 21, 2019, 1:57PM 20 of 43
Lupita Nyong’o, 2018
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock
Lupita Nyong’o looks like a goldn goddess in a shimmery, one-shouldered dress at the 2018 Academy Awards. Her perfectly slime frame was on full display in the stunning look.
February 21, 2019, 1:57PM 21 of 43
Taraji P. Henson, 2018
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock
Taraji P. Henson shows a LOT of leg in her sheer black dress with insanely high slit at the Oscars in 2018. The gown also featured a keyhole cutout in the center of her chest.
February 21, 2019, 1:57PM 22 of 43
Eiza Gonzalez, 2018
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock
Eiza Gonzalez shows off her incredible figure in a form-fitting backless gown at the 2018 Oscars. She brightened up the red carpet thanks to the vibrant color.
February 21, 2019, 1:57PM 23 of 43
Priyanka Chopra, 2016
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock
Priyanka Chopra sizzles at the 2016 Oscars in this sheer and strapless Zuhair Murad gown. She wore her hair pulled back into a ponytail, so her full ensemble was front and center.
March 1, 2018, 8:06AM 24 of 43
Jennifer Lawrence, 2011
Stewart Cook/REX/Shutterstock
Jennifer Lawrence pops on the red carpet in this sexy and simple red dress by Calvin Klein at the 2011 Oscars. She looked sleek and so elegant in the look, with her hair styled in loose curls.
March 1, 2018, 8:07AM 25 of 43
Angelina Jolie, 2012
Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock
Angelina Jolie and her famous leg dazzle on the Oscars red carpet in 2012 in this sexy black dress. The strapless ensemble will be a forever red carpet iconic look.
March 1, 2018, 8:21AM 26 of 43
Cindy Crawford, 1991
Dave Lewis/REX/Shutterstock
Supermodel Cindy Crawford is red-hot in this plunging red gown at the 1991 Oscars with Richard Gere. The gown showed major skin while still covering up the lower half of her body.
March 1, 2018, 8:26AM 27 of 43
Jennifer Lopez, 2015
Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock
Jennifer Lopez looks like a total princess at the 2015 Oscars in this low-cut Elie Saab dress. The plunging neckline added a layer of sexiness to the poofy ballgown.
March 1, 2018, 8:21AM 28 of 43
Taraji P. Henson, 2017
Stephen Lovekin/WWD/REX/Shutterstock
Taraji P. Henson slays at the 2017 Oscars in this velvet navy number by Alberta Ferretti. She rocked a massive diamond necklace with the off-the-shoulder look.
March 1, 2018, 8:10AM 29 of 43
Saoirse Ronan, 2016
Jim Smeal/REX/Shutterstock
Saoirse Ronan looks divine in this sexy, sparkling green gown by Calvin Klein at the 2016 Oscars. The dress hugged her figure and featured a dangerously low neckline.
March 1, 2018, 8:10AM 30 of 43
Kerry Washington, 2016
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock
Kerry Washington makes a statement in this leather Atelier Versace dress with leg slit at the 2016 Oscars. The dress featured leather detailing and a high leg slit.
March 1, 2018, 8:11AM 31 of 43
Jennifer Lawrence, 2016
Dan Steinberg/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Jennifer Lawrence stuns in this sheer lace gown at the 2016 Oscars. She kept her hair and makeup look super simple so that the dress was the star of her look.
March 1, 2018, 8:21AM 32 of 43
Naomi Watts, 2013
Mike Nelson/Epa/REX/Shutterstock
Naomi Watts sparkles on the 2013 Oscars red carpet in this silver number, which hugs her body in all the right places. The one-shouldered gown was paired with clunky heels and an updo.
March 1, 2018, 8:10AM 33 of 43
Charlize Theron, 2016
Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock
Charlize Theron takes the plunge in this hot red gown at the 2016 Oscars, showing off major skin and her bangin’ bod. She wore a long necklace that fell down the center of her bare chest.
March 1, 2018, 8:07AM 34 of 43
Chrissy Teigen, 2015
Jim Smeal/BEI/REX/Shutterstock
Chrissy Teigen flashes a whole lot of leg in this baby blue dress at the 2015 Oscars. The dress featured a beaded top half, along with a plunging neckline.
March 1, 2018, 8:21AM 35 of 43
Mila Kunis, 2011
Stewart Cook/REX/Shutterstock
Mila Kunis is the epitome of sexy in this sheer lavender gown at the 2011 Oscars. Her legs were visible through the fabric, and Mila was all smiles as she hit the carpet.
March 1, 2018, 8:21AM 36 of 43
Brie Larson, 2016
Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock
Brie Larson wows in this gorgeous blue dress at the 2016 Oscars — the year she won for Best Actress! The gown featured ruffles and a plunging neckline.
March 1, 2018, 8:21AM 37 of 43
Margot Robbie, 2016
Jim Smeal/REX/Shutterstock
Margot Robbie looks like an actual Oscar in this gorgeous and super hot Tom Ford gown at the 2016 Oscars. Her slim figure looked incredible in the curve-hugging dress.
March 1, 2018, 8:21AM 38 of 43
Jennifer Lopez, 2012
Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock
Jennifer Lopez left our jaws on the floor when she showed up in this gorgeous and undeniably sexy gown at the 2012 Oscars. She paired the look with a sleek updo, putting the dress’s plunging neckline front and center.
March 1, 2018, 8:21AM 39 of 43
Jennifer Aniston, 2015
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Jennifer Aniston looks incredible in this curve-hugging gown with sheer cutouts at the 2015 Oscars. She wore her hair straight and parted to the side, with gold-hued makeup.
March 1, 2018, 8:21AM 40 of 43
Olivia Wilde, 2016
Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock
Olivia Wilde flashes major skin in this hot Valentino gown at the 2016 Oscars. Her dress featured straps across her chest, putting a lot of her midsection on display.
March 1, 2018, 8:22AM 41 of 43
Halle Berry, 2002
LAURA RAUCH/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Halle Berry blew everyone away when she stepped out in this iconic sheer Elie Saab gown at the 2002 Oscars. There was carefully-placed floral designs across her chest in the dress.
March 1, 2018, 8:26AM 42 of 43
Cate Blanchett, 1999
MICHAEL CAULFIED/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Cate Blanchett turns up the heat in this see-through gown at the 1999 Oscars. The purple dress featured a floral back, and she wore bright red lipstick to complete the look.
March 1, 2018, 8:26AM 43 of 43
Cher, 1988
LENNOX MCLENDON/AP/REX/Shutterstock
The legendary Cher rocks a Bob Mackie black sequined see-through gown at the 1988 Oscars. She completed the look with a dramatic scarf and her hair in an updo.
March 1, 2018, 8:26AM Click to Subscribe to Get Our Free HollywoodLife Daily Newsletter to get the hottest celeb news. Articles Trending Now
Trending Now
Drake Bell’s Wife Janet Von Schmeling: What to Know About Their Marriage
Celebrities React to Princess Kate's Cancer Revelation: Harry & Meghan, Olivia Munn, More
How King Charles Feels About Princess Kate's Cancer Announcement
