Best Oscar gowns

From Sandra Bullock’s golden Marchesa to Reese Witherspoon’s vintage Christian Dior, we’ve compiled some of the best dresses worn on the red carpet of the Academy Awards over the past 10 years.

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Jessica Chastain was one of the biggest risk-takers on the red carpet in 2012, in a strapless gown custom-made by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. Gold bullion and metallic thread embroidered the silk organza corset of the dramatic piece.

Matt Sayles / AP

Cate Blanchett looked effortlessly feminine in a lilac Givenchy gown from the Spring 2011 Couture collection. The pearl detailing and light touch of yellow gave the dress texture and enough visual interest to make it stand out from the pack.

Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

Sandra Bullock captured everyone’s heart in “The Blind Side,” and then again on the red carpet of the 2010 Oscars wearing a golden Marchesa gown.

John Shearer / Getty Images

Reese Witherspoon was radiant in a vintage Christian Dior gown from 1955 at the Academy Awards in 2006.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Keira Knightley chose a stunning taffeta gown by Vera Wang for her red carpet appearance in 2006 and later donated the dress to Oxfam.

Robyn Beck / AFP/Getty Images

Nicole Kidman’s siren-red Balenciaga was incredibly flattering against her fair complexion and earned her a spot on the best-dressed lists in 2007.

Hector Mata / AFP/Getty Images

Marion Cotillard wore a Jean Paul Gaultier gown while accepting best actress for her role in “La Vie En Rose” in 2008. The scale-like pattern was reminiscent of a gown worn by Anjelica Huston to the Oscars in 1976.

Vince Bucci / Getty Images

Anne Hathaway was stunning in an Armani Prive gown covered in Swarovski crystals at the 2009 Academy Awards. // Correction: A previous version of this caption misspelled Armani, this version has been corrected.

/ AFP/Getty Images

Halle Berry helped redefine sexy on the red carpet in 2002, wearing an Elie Saab gown with strategically placed embroidery over a mesh top. The actress impressed onlookers again when she became the first African American female to win best actress for her role in “Monster Ball.”

Frank Micelotta / Getty Images

A red Ben de Lisi gown perfectly displayed Kate Winslet’s curves at the Academy Awards ceremony in 2002.

Vince Bucci / Getty Images

Hilary Swank’s backless, navy Guy Laroche gown was impeccable, helping her add title of best dressed on top of a win for “Million Dollar Baby” in 2005.

Vince Bucci / Getty Images

Michelle Williams’ sunflower yellow Vera Wang gown turned heads with its bold color and soft detaling in 2006.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Donatella Versace hand-sewed 14-carat gold into the lace of the dress Kate Hudson wore to the Oscars in 2003. The opulent look had a memorable, gilded effect.

Kevin Winter / Getty Images

Penelope Cruz was glowing on the red carpet in a peach Atelier Versace dress in 2007.

Vince Bucci / Getty Images

Valentino custom made Cate Blanchett’s soft yellow gown, which she wore while accepting best actress in a supporting role for her performance in "The Aviator" in 2005.

Carlo Allegri / Getty Images

Sienna Miller nailed her red carpet look in 2004 with a jade-colored gown by Matthew Williamson that perfectly matched her bohemian style.

Kevork Djansezian / AP

Cameron Diaz styled her hair in her signature loose locks to match her glamorous gown by Oscar de la Renta in 2010.

John Shearer / Getty Images

Emily Blunt looked like a walking sapphire in a glittering, form-fitted gown by Calvin Klein in 2007.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Charlize Theron rarely has a bad moment on the red carpet, but the Dior couture gown she wore in 2005 was particularly glamorous with a four-foot train.

Jeff Haynes / AFP/Getty Images

Helen Mirren looked royal in a Christian Lacroix gown in 2007, when she accepted her Academy Award for best actress for her role in “The Queen.”

GARY HERSHORN / REUTERS

Gwyneth Paltrow was pretty in pink in a Ralph Lauren gown in 1999.

Rose Prouser / REUTERS

Grace Kelly poses in 1955 with her statue for best actress for “The Country Girl” while wearing a silk gown by Edith Head.

/ AP

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