The Most Controversial Oscars Outfits Over the Decades: Past and Present

Not every outfit at the Academy Awards is a hit.

Over the years, beloved celebrities have shown that they can make fashion blunders too, despite having top designers. Some common mistakes include clothes that don't fit well, strange textures, and unusual colors. Remember Björk's infamous swan dress at the 2001 ceremony?

Fashion is a subjective matter, and we appreciate the celebrities who take risks on the red carpet. However, there have been some Oscars outfits that have garnered attention for the wrong reasons.

Here, we have compiled a list of the most controversial Oscars dresses of all time. Keep reading to see the list.

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The Most Questionable Oscars Dresses Through the Years: Then and Now 

Not every look at the Academy Awards is a winner. 

Over the years, beloved celebrities have shown us that even they can make fashion mistakes, despite having access to top designers. Some of these mistakes include poorly fitting outfits, confusing textures, and bold colors. Remember Björk's infamous swan dress at the 2001 ceremony?

While fashion is a matter of personal taste, we must give credit to the celebrities who take risks on the red carpet. However, there have been a few Oscars outfits that have raised eyebrows for all the wrong reasons. (It might have been intentional, considering we even dedicated a whole post to them.)

Below, We has rounded up the most questionable Oscars dresses of all time. Keep scrolling to see the list: 

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Zoe Saldana, 2023

Saldana is a timeless beauty, but her Fendi slip dress reminded Us of a night gown. The look, however, did flatter her figure and featured a pretty pink hue.

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Laura Dern, 2021

At the event, Laura Dern won the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in Marriage Story. She stunned in a feathered gown by Oscar de la Renta. While mixing textures can be fun, the feathered skirt of the dress overwhelmed Dern's overall look.

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Kristen Wiig, 2020

There was a lot going on with Wiig’s bright red Valentino Haute Couture gown that featured huge ruffles down each side.

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Dakota Johnson, 2017

Stylist Kate Young put Johnson in a champagne-colored Gucci gown that completely aged her.

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Charlize Theron, 2010

Theron can usually do no wrong, but the rosette details of her Dior gown felt off.

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Uma Thurman, 2004

Thurman called this Christian Lacroix look her most “embarrassing experience.”

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Jennifer Connelly, 2002

Connelly’s Balenciaga gown didn’t need to be accessorized with the chiffon neck scarf.

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Bjork, 2001

The list would not be complete without the swan dress.

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Kate Hudson, 2001

Hudson’s Stella McCartney gown was a bit too busy with sparkles, fringes and cutouts.

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Kate Winslet, 1998

Winslet’s Alexander McQueen dress seemed better suited for a big screen role and not the red carpet.

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Whoopi Goldberg, 1993

Goldberg said backlash of the outfit — which channeled her Cinderella character four years too early — “kept me from dressing up for a very long time.”

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