Stuart Heritage
If you’re watching the ABC red carpet feed (and you should), then you’ll be aware that it stars the world’s most gloomily fatalistic presenter. I missed his name, but his job seems to involve a) trying to get celebrities to talk to him, b) watching as they ignore him, and then c) passive-aggressively complaining about it under his breath. Jessica Chastain just strolled right past him – and an entire psychodrama passed across his face. He’s my favourite thing about this entire night.
Chloe Mac Donnell
Best actor nominee Paul Mescal is wearing a modern twist on a classic black and white suit from Gucci. Note the longer length jacket with oversized lapels, wide legged trousers and slightly sheer shirt. No vest tonight. The sparkly red rose brooch matches the scattered petals on the carpet. Attention to detail or happy accident?
Morwenna Ferrier
Elvis star – and favourite to win the the Oscars – Austin Butler has gone for a classic black tux, modernised with peaked lapels and heeled boots. He must be 6ft4in now.
Morwenna Ferrier
Someone’s wearing couture! Sandra Oh is wearing a Grecian-style gown by Giambattista Valli. Orange is an unusual red carpet colour but in these champagne-hued times, a welcome one.
Morwenna Ferrier
Lenny Kravitz has arrived wearing what appears to be a cowl neck black silk shirt draped open with a train fashioned into what appears to be cumberbund wrapped around his waist, topped off with a tangle of heavy silver chains. This man is ageless, but so too is his aesthetic. No notes
Chloe Mac Donnell
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever nominee Angela Bassett is wearing a purple gown from Moschino. It’s a hue historically associated with royalty. The swathed fabric and sparkling snake necklace are bringing A-lister glamour. We bow down.
Morwenna Ferrier
Best actress winners have worn white more than any other colour. The issue tonight is that under the bright lights, pearly white dresses – like this Louis Vuitton tiered column dress worn by Ana de Armas – match the carpet. She’d look fantastic in a bin bag, but standing on the champagne carpet it’s harder for these paler colours to pop.
Chloe Mac Donnell
Fan Bingbing channeled an old-school Hollywood glamour mood in a striking silver sequin gown. She even matched a trailing emerald cape to her earrings. A bold red lip and soft waved hair added an extra retro feel.
Stuart Heritage
The stars are coming thick and fast on the beige carpet, so here’s a comprehensive gallery for you all to look at …
Morwenna Ferrier
Banshees’ star Kerry Condon is one of the many, many, many women wearing yellow. Condon says she’s wearing this colour to match her childhood bedroom wall, daffodils and the coat she wears in the final scene of the film. Who doesn’t love a deep and meaningful colour choice!
Stuart Heritage
We’re all rooting for Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, aren’t we? We all want to see photographs of Marcel the Shell With Shoes On all done up for the Oscars, aren’t we? Good, because LOOK.
Morwenna Ferrier
The ever-excellent Florence Pugh is presenting an award. She’s just been described as edgy and delicate in a red carpet interview. As a “friend” of Valentino (fashion parlance for the person-who-always-wears-the-brand) she’s contractually obliged to wear the gown. Are shorts and princess dresses the new twinset? Discuss …
Chloe Mac Donnell
Cara Delevingne just reminded us of 2012 when Angelina Jolie’s right leg went viral. It’s nice to see red being embraced now that the trad carpet colour has been ditched.
Stuart Heritage
If you’re desperate to watch the red – sorry, “champagne” – carpet live, and can’t quite bring yourself to watch it on actual television, here’s a livefeed for you. You’re welcome.
Morwenna Ferrier
Star of The Whale, Hong Chau is wearing pink custom Prada with a feathered train. The actor asked for a Mandarin collar to be added to the dress.
Morwenna Ferrier
The other big trend that tends to dominate? Unisex styling. Film-maker Sarah Polley is wearing a tuxedo with ruffle sleeves.
Morwenna Ferrier
Model and activist Winnie Harlow is one of the first arrivals to wear SOMETHING OLD – a lemon yellow 2005 gown by Giorgio Armani. The Academy Awards have partnered with Red Carpet Green Dress to encourage attendees at this year’s ceremony to be sustainable. Let’s see who else cares about the planet …
