The Academy Awards is, easily, the biggest night in Hollywood, which means two major things: highly-anticipated fashion moments and can’t-miss beauty looks. While it’s technically a night to celebrate the best of the best in film, the short walk down the red carpet and into the theatre is paved with iconic beauty moments that live on for decades to come.
To wit: Who can forget Halle Berry’s 2002 pixie cut, Natalie Portman’s 2007 silver smoky eye, or Lupita Nyong’o’s 2013 trifecta of natural hair, a diamond headband, and glowing skin? Those are just a few looks on the endless list of big moments in beauty that happen tonight.
Of course, like many Oscar nights of the past, the usual looks were present and accounted for: Veronica Lake-inspired ‘40s waves, textured updos, and sleek chignons. And makeup? Glowing skin and smoky eyes ruled supreme, as always, but the stars weren’t afraid to incorporate pops of colour, too. The latest beauty trends — monochrome makeup to match out-of-this-world outfits, colourful-and-glossy lips, and even upside down makeup — also made a mark. And the body makeup? It shimmered and shined.
So who won Oscar beauty this evening? Click through our slideshow to see every winning look.
Ruth Negga
One of the first to arrive on the red carpet, Negga set the bar high. Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her character in Loving, she brought it with a monochromatic red look. From her shadow, to her headband, to her lips, the look was anything but boring.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Hailee Steinfeld
Letting her inner bronzed goddess shine, Steinfeld went for a sophisticated updo and a stunning contour. And that back? Dusted with shimmer, just like the makeup gods intended.
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.
Halle Berry
Michelle Williams
What's better than gold? Platinum! We pray that Williams never grows out her pixie cut because this white-hot look is a major win.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
Felicity Jones
Jones didn't let a grown-out fringe bring her look down. The half-up style rocked — and it gave her the chance to show off this classic look: A natural, pink lip and a subtle, winged liner.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Nicole Kidman
While Carrie Bradshaw would be proud of Kidman's naked dress, we're proud of the rosy cheeks, ruby lips, and undone chignon.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
Priyanka Chopra
Elegant and sultry, Chopra kept her hair smooth and her eyes subtle.
Photo: Lester Cohen/WireImage.
Olivia Culpo
Culpo went for something a bit more daring. The purple eyeshadow is something you don't see on every carpet, while the longer-than-life ponytail paired with those side-swept bangs is the kind of beauty risk we love to see.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Isabelle Huppert
Huppert's first nomination at the Academy Awards led to this Hollywood moment: A bold lip and a contoured eye to top it off. And can we talk about that gorge ear cuff?
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.
Karlie Kloss
S-wave curls are a huge staple on the red carpet — especially this year. Makes sense: This look will never not be glamorous.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
Taraji P. Henson
Although her new undercut is hidden here, we can't stop staring at her honey blond highlights.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Jessica Biel
Tucking her bangs away (that's hair magic thanks to hairstylist Adir Abergel, people), Biel stepped on the carpet looking like an actual Oscar statue. With her hair slicked back, that heavy liner could shine through.
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.
Naomie Harris
Sleek and sophisticated, Harris hit the red carpet with eyes to kill and an on-trend wash of red.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Dakota Johnson
You might not have noticed it, but Johnson has been all about buns and half-up styles lately — and the Oscars were no exception. We totally dig it because her burnt orange look is worth all the attention.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Janelle Monaé
Physical gasps all around, Monaé's look is pure perfection. The gold headband, the new pixie cut, those bold brows — the list could go on and on.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Emma Stone
Decked out in shimmer, Stone rocked the pre-show like the true star she is. While her brick red pout is stunning, it's her golden cheekbones and duo chrome eyes that caught our eye.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Kirsten Dunst
Dunst's ruby red lip and smoky eye is the best red carpet duo.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
Octavia Spencer
Spencer is the queen of monochromatic makeup. For years, she's stunned with a lip, eye, and dress trifecta that hits the top of every best of beauty list — no question.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
Emma Roberts
Roberts took her "cayenne spice" hair straight to the Oscars this year and it looks better than we could've expected.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Ava DuVernay
Director of 13th, DuVernay hit the carpet with stellar arches, a berry lip, and a strobe only angels would lust after.
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.
Viola Davis
The Oscar winner stole the entire pre-show with her gold lips (yes, glittering gold) and edgy pixie.
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.
Scarlett Johansson
Dressed in blush and muted green, Johansson took the romantic look straight to her makeup with her metallic shadow. Runner up? Her textured pompadour.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Teresa Palmer
The theme for Palmer was everything silver and metallic — and it definitely deserved its own nomination.
Photo: Ian West/PA Images/Getty Images.
Brie Larson
Unlike most of the stars at the Oscars tonight, Larson opted for something a bit messier — and a red lip, too! Spoiler alert: it was a total win.
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