DISTINCTION

Kate Hudson

Gown: Atelier Versace

Hudson FTW! The US actress isn't even a nominee this year, but she's the clear red carpet winner.

She oozed sex appeal and old Hollywood glamour in this exquisite beaded silk white gown with structured caped shoulders, plunging neckline and woven waist detailing. Just wow.

Lupita Nyong'o

Gown: Prada

Just when you thought the Kenyan style star couldn't top herself any more, she capped off her debut awards season with a bang.

This dreamy, exquisite powder blue silk chiffon pleated number plays to all her strengths, while the deep V-neck shows off her strong chest and toned arms.

Sandra Bullock

Gown: Alexander McQueen

The US actress also saved her best for last, looking polished and regal from head to toe in a navy sweetheart strapless draped gown that screamed 1940s screen siren.

Angelina Jolie

Gown: Elie Saab

Thank goodness the Hollywood actress abandoned her usual boring black for something uncharacteristically sparkly, because this divine, elaborately embellished metallic silver longsleeved gown is way up there in my books.

Camila Alves

Gown: Gabriela Cadena

Best-dressed plus-one of the night. The Brazilian model and Matthew McConaughey's other half was the picture of subtle elegance swathed in a cascade of blush fabric.

BARELY PASS

Lady Gaga

Gown: Atelier Versace Is it me or is the US pop star looking increasingly like a drag queen version of herself?

Anyway, Oscar night obviously isn't the most appropriate time to turn up as Lady Gaga, but if anyone was well-equipped to bring drama to the red carpet, it should have been her. As of now, this disappointingly understated blush and silver Art Deco-inspired embellished strapless mermaid gown leaves me wanting more.

Elsa Pataky

Gown: Elie Saab

Nothing against baby bumps on the red carpet, but this is just way too much bump - even for a pregnant woman like myself!

The Spanish actress is expecting twins with Thor hunk Chris Hemsworth, but I can't even begin to appreciate this dazzling teal creation because all I feel is sheer trepidation at the sight of her ginormous tummy. It's as if she's going to pop them babies out any second. A tent dress would've spared everyone heart palpitations.

Jennifer Lawrence

Gown: Christian Dior

Am I glad I won't have to see the US actress shill yet another underwhelming strapless Dior gown for the rest of the year. Everything about this is Flashback Central - she's done the red dress thing better at her first Oscars in 2011, and she's already done the backwards diamond necklace thing last year.

Also, whoever made JLaw sport the same ageing blown-back hairdo as 68-year-old Bette Midler has another thing coming.

FAIL

Liza Minnelli

Blouse and pants: Halston

Trust the US diva to bring the madness and unleash her inner Smurf, sporting electric blue streaks in her hair to match her fancy oversized silk pajamas. And seriously, at 67 years old, a bra shouldn't really be an option any more, but a rule.

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