Black and red, oh my
Hitchcock once called actors cattle. Herd mentality certainly ruled the Oscar red carpet, with most actresses choosing one-shouldered gowns in black or red. The coif du jour? A rain-resistant ponytail -- spotted on Cameron Diaz, Anne Hathaway, Saoirse Ronan and Miley Cyrus.
AMY RYAN
First look: The nominee for “Gone Baby Gone” made no cannonball splash in a one-shouldered, navy Calvin Klein gown and a bun better suited to a Denny’s waitress.
Final verdict: A little red lipstick would have whispered, “Pick me.”
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TILDA SWINTON
First look: Tilda Swinton, utterly bare of makeup and accessories, still captivated in a simple black sheath and trademark titian coif.
Final verdict: Even pesky Ryan Seacrest didn’t have the nerve to ask the amazon tigress “Who are you wearing?” Er, it was Lanvin.
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MARION COTILLARD
First look: Hmm. Was she wearing Aunt Carol’s guest room duvet?
Final verdict: Onstage, the scalloped white gown by Jean Paul Gaultier looked more glamorous, less fussy and bi-polar than on the red carpet.
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AMY ADAMS
First look: Glamorous Veronica Lake-inspired locks, gold accessories and a deep emerald satin Proenza Schouler gown nodded to classic Hollywood movie star.
Final verdict: Meet the new Rita Hayworth.
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ANNE HATHAWAY
First look: The best representation of red goes to the actress wearing a crimson Marchesa dress with a floral applique neckline.
Final verdict: Note to spray-tan addicts: A ruby dress applauds porcelain skin. The Harry Winston 10-carat earrings didn’t hurt either.
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ELLEN PAGE
First look: The vintage Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture black chiffon gown was designed way before the “Juno” star was born.
Final verdict: Page’s penchant for unfitted frocks is frustrating. Duckling? Be a swan, please.
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NICOLE KIDMAN
First look: Wearing a necklace of nearly 1,400 carats of rough diamonds designed by L’Wren Scott, the pregnant actress used bling to distract from her bump.
Final verdict: With all those rocks, who could see the Balenciaga dress?
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DANIEL DAY-LEWIS
First look: The actor known for ocher plaid suits and porkpie hats dazzled in a classic shawl collar tux with piped lapels.
Final verdict: Ahoy! He doesn’t leave home without his gold hoop earrings.
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KERI RUSSELL
First look: Finally, an actress who didn’t opt for red or black. Her oyster dress and elegant updo proved stunning.
Final verdict: All it takes to stand out in Hollywood is to go against the grain.
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JAMES MCAVOY
First look: Eschewed a formal bow tie for the laid-back knotted version and forgot to shave. Cowlicks were endearing.
Final verdict: Youthful, but more in a prom date sort of way.
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melissa.magsaysay@latimes.com
