While overall this red carpet was — how to put this delicately? — not what one would hope, there were some very, very bright spots indeed.
Classic glitz and glam were on display. And ScarJo’s absurdly romantic gown rocked another popular trend — buff hues.
Sandra Bullock’s hair veered into weird-wig territory, but her gown was another fanciful dose of pure pretty. (Hers is Jenny Packham.)
Helen Mirren, in Badgley Mischka, has been rocking this palette for years. But the diamonds are a regal touch!
Amber Riley did classic ooh-la-la glam in Oliver Tolentino; love.
Also channeling Old Hollywood: Carrie Underwood, in Badgley Mischka.
Olivia Wilde has done Glinda — and Marchesa — before. But she pulls it off!
Doing retro, glamazon sequins, Anne Hathaway in Armani.
Similarly slinky, a jade-ed Angelina Jolie.
While I wasn’t really feeling the whole Reagan-era vibe as a whole, Lea Michele’s been wearing the hell out of this dramatic silhouette (this is Oscar de la Renta) and really making it her own.
Simple shapes — like Claire Danes’ Calvin Klein — were another trend.
No one does minimalism (or maximalism, for that matter) like Tilda Swinton.
This clean-lined Prada is a lovely sea-change for Nicole Kidman.
Dianna Agron’s J. Mendel is both soft and glam: lovely.
Leighton Meester is turning into one of the red carpet’s most amazing chameleons. Check out this romantic Burberry!
It’s Kyra Sedgwick’s colorful, bohemian accessories that really set off the marigold Pucci.
I can guess that Michelle Williams’ Valentino may elicit mixed reactions. But, while it’s certainly reminiscent of a 70s shower curtain, it’s also a rare bit of whimsy on an unadventurous red carpet.
[Images via Getty]