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The best ‘forgotten’ Oscars gowns of the last 20 years

One of the forgotten greats: Reese Witherspoon in her black lace Valentino gown at the 2002 Oscars.

One of the forgotten greats: Reese Witherspoon in her black lace Valentino gown at the 2002 Oscars. Photo: Getty

There are Oscars dresses which stick in the mind because they’re incredible and were more an actual moment than a dress. The powder blue Prada worn by Lupita Nyong’o in 2014. Cate Blanchett looking like a sexy black serpent in Jean Paul Gaultier in 2000. Jennifer Lawrence’s perfect, pale Dior cupcake in 2013.

Then there are Oscars dresses which slipped quickly from best dressed lists and into the fashion equivalent of the lost tapes cupboard.

Some, like Cameron Diaz’s fabulous Ungaro in 2002 are classics which should have been showstoppers. Others are quirky, beautiful and evocative. They’re all largely forgotten. Until now.

cameron diaz

Cameron Diaz in a bohemian floral gown by Emanuel Ungaro in 2002. Photo: Getty

Kate Hudson took a risk with permed hair and a flapper-style Stella McCartney gown in 2001. Photo: Getty

Renee Zellweger’s lemon-coloured Carolina Herrera gown fit her like a glove. Photo: Getty

While her statement hairdo divided opinion, Jennifer Lopez’s figure-hugging Versace frock was a hit in 2002. Photo: Getty

Catherine Zeta-Jones went for Jessica Rabbit red in this embellished Zuhair Murad dress in 2012. Photo: Getty

Angelina Jolie so rarely strays from her all-black wardrobe so this ivory gown by Marc Bouwer in 2004 was a standout from the get-go, but its elegant draping was the icing on top. Photo: Getty

Gwyneth Paltrow has had many a memorable red carpet moment at the annual awards night, but this stunning blush Zac Posen number was elegant, understated and all kinds of right in 2007. Photo: Getty

naomi watts

With a barely-visible baby bump, Naomi Watts shone in pale yellow Escada in 2007. Photo: Getty

Cate Blanchett doesn’t put a foot wrong on the red carpet, but this 2015 look was surprisingly simple. And simple suits her. Photo: Getty

Mila Kunis isn’t your typical movie star – more comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt than a designer gown, but this ultra-feminine Elie Saab gown in 2011 saw her transform into an Old Hollywood heroine. Photo: Getty

Emma Stone typically opts for nude or gold shades on the carpet, rarely opting to match her gowns to her flame-red hair. But when she does – like this 2012 Giambattista Valli number – fireworks ensue. Photo: Getty

Amy Adams knows you can’t go wrong with navy, especially when it takes the form of a structured tuxedo gown by Gucci in 2014. Photo: Getty

Most Oscars gowns are traditional floor-skimmers to reflect the formality of the occasion, but we love this sweet, ankle-grazing lace look from Valentino, worn by Reese Witherspoon at the 2002 ceremony. Photo: Getty

 

 

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