The 2022 Oscars were, as Chris Rock said, “The greatest night in television history.” Arguably, Will Smith’s actions were the second worst event of the night, following the crime that was the red carpet. 

Since the Oscars started , fashion has always taken the center stage as the main event. In 1929, the Academy’s 1st ever awards, glitz and glamor ensured the event was here to say. Over the years, the red carpet has, like the diamonds that dangle on the starlettes ears, decreased in value. Unfortunately, the 2022 Oscars followed this trend. Today, we are going to dissect the good, the bad and the ugly. 

THE GOOD 

To those who have tried this year, I applaud you, fabulous beings. 

Timothee Chalamet

In recent years, men have begun to trade in the tried and true suits they so ardently have fought to keep on the carpet. The idea of masculinity has been seriously questioned, with men beginning to embrace aspects of fashion previously deemed as feminine. It’s refreshing to see the energy that men like Timothee Chalamet have brought to the Red Carpet. Sporting Louis Vuitton womenswear, Chalamet dazzled in a black blazer with black pants to match. As for the shirt choice, well, it was nonexistent, but still managed grace and elegance. 

Billie Eilish

Throughout the past years, Billie Eilish has been in the public eye a numerous amount of times when it comes to fashion. Her grungy, loose fitting clothing is constantly criticized, but Eilish has created her own personal vibe when it comes to outfits. She showcased a beautifully tiered black dress with a dramatic off the shoulder moment made by Alessandro Michele. The dress was a spin on vintage oversized pieces but with Billie’s signature spin.  As for her shoes, she strutted across the floor in Demonias Cult platform vegan boots.Her boots were a total of five inches and gave the glamorous dress a small touch of grunge. 

Emilia Jones

Yes, I usually have a gripe against Dolce and Gabbana. But Emilia Jones stunned. In a gold ombre dress, covered in Swarovski crystals, Jones created the perfect balance between 20th century fashion and contemporary style with this simple yet elegant cocktail dress. The dress features a sort of halter-neckline with a daring cut-out. All in all, she looked classy on that stage.

Megan Thee Stallion 

Though not an actress herself, the artist wowed in an avant-garde, mermaid-like dress. By designer Gaurav Gupta, the dress’s ribbing effect paired with the sequins and wave-like-effect of the train made Megan thee Stallion look like the real queen she is. Her shoes were, and I cannot emphasize this enough, the perfect strappy sandal to wrap up the whole look. As for the jewelry, who doesn’t like a good, large, sapphire ring?

Cody Smit-Mcphee

With a daring baby blue Bottega suit, it’s no surprise that he credits Timothee Chalamet as his fashion inspiration. Smit-Mcphee ditched the simple traditional black leather shoes for a woven pair of platform Venetas in the same color. He also donned a diamond choker from Cartier, and stud earrings. His entire look was cohesive, and set the new definition for timeless.

Lily James

Lily James, most recently seen in the show Pam and Tommy, entered the red carpet in a pink lace atelier Versace dress. This dress was featured in the 2021 couture Versace collection. The dress showed off a high thigh slit and a long flowy train. The dress was finished with a diamond necklace and diamond earrings. She made sure to showcase her very Pamela Anderson platform heels that peeked out from the bottom of the dress. Looking more beautiful than Cinderella herself, she told an interviewer that she was in love with the dress and is lucky that she got the opportunity to wear it.

THE BAD

Somehow, these next few celebrities have made me lower my expectations for next year. To them, I suggest a monthly subscription to vogue. 

Vanessa Hudgens

Look, I love Vanessa Hudgens, I really do. I thought she was amazing in Tick Tick Boom, as well as in the live performance of RENT. However, she disappointed on the red carpet. If there was ever a time to showcase yourself and go all out, it’s at the Oscars. Unfortunately, she missed that memo, wearing the redundant little black dress, customly designed by Micheal Kors. To make a suggestion to Vanessa Hudgens, maybe go for more of a Givenchy look, as the brand is known for its simplicity and elegance.

Zoe Kravitz

Fresh off press for her new movie, The Batman, Zoe Kravitz disappointed on the red carpet. This look was just so forgettable, and sort of blah. She dressed in a pink, sort of youthful, Saint Laurent dress. There is a bit of an Audrey-Hepburnesque moment when it comes to the hair choice, wih Kravitz going for a side bang updo. The main focal point, if you could call it that, is a half bow neckline. I understand what she’s going for here, an understated simplicity, but it just felt underwhelming. I’d like to see Kravitz in something from Valentino, a brand known for its simple, elegant, style through the use of sharp lines and small details. 

THE UGLY

The 2022 Oscar Runway sure proved one thing, money in fact can not buy taste.

Kristen Stewart

I believe that the Twilight saga could be one of the greatest sets of movies ever made. The love story between Edward and Bella is what everyone wishes for, but when Kristen Stewart entered the 2022 Oscars red carpet, she looked as though Edward had just dumped her. Stewart wore an all black open blazer with black tight mini shorts made by Chanel. Yes, Stewart wore shorts … to the Oscars. Black stilettos were paired with the blazer and shorts but she might as well just have worn sneakers.

Maggie Gyllenhall 

Maggie Gyllenhall showed up at the 2022 Oscars in a black Schiaparelli Haute Couture black column gown but she should have stuck with Taylor’s scarf. Her dress was very stiff and it appeared as if she had door handles coming off the front. The actress is noted for choosing basic pieces but I say by the look of her dress this year, she should have stuck with simplicity.

Yes, the Oscars this year were surprising, and I wished that the red carpet had that same energy. I guess there’s always next year!