The Academy Awards mark the climax of the awards season, so it is no surprise that the dresses on the red carpet are highly critiqued. With over 39 million viewers tuning in to this event, it is important to avoid the Worst Dressed List. But every year, many highly talented actresses prove their inability to “dress to impress.”

The Best 

Octavia Spencer: As Spencer’s big night in Hollywood she made a splash in her beaded silk and tulle silver Tadashi Shoji gown, Spencer picked the perfect dress. Along with the win of Best Supporting Actress she also won in most peoples minds, including mine, the best-dressed award.

Gwyneth Paltrow: Paltrow took a risk with her dress choice, bringing back Spiderman’s cape. She took a big risk, but it paid off. This Tom Ford masterpiece is definitely different but Paltrow makes it elegant, pairing it with a sleek pony and simple diamond cuff.

Jessica Chastain: Gold and sequins were definitely the trends of the evening but not everyone pulled it off as well as Chastain. Wearing Alexander McQueen, high-drama is always expected, and this dress was no let down. The contrast of the intricate gold baroque styled embroidery starkly contrasted with the dresses’ black fabric making this McQueen masterpiece an instant best dressed.

Milla Jovovich: Jovovich set pretty high standards, when she was the first celebrity to set foot on the red carpet in her breathtaking Elie Saab dress. She told reporters on the carpet, that she wanted something clean and simple, especially since it was her first time at the Oscars. She certainly was a standout in the sequin silvery-white one shoulder number.

The Worst 

Emma Stone:  Stone’s choice in dresses could have worked perhaps without the bow or in a different color. But the hue of her dress, especially for a redhead, and the large overwhelming neck bow were both unsuccessful in creating the necessary look for a presenter at the Oscars. The dress was not only unsuccessful on the red carpet, but it also evoked a past Oscar dress. Although created by different designers, this neck bow statement was already made. Nicole Kidman wore it much better the first time around in a Balenciaga dress at the 2007 Oscars.

Sandra Bullock: This mermaid vintage-styled Marchesa dress could have been a best dressed if based solely on the back. However, from the front this boring black and white number embellished around the waist was no impresser. This matronly front look paired with statement jewelry from Lorraine Schwartz made this a unmemorable look. The back, though, was a stunning low blousy gathered bottom, exposing her back completely. Lets just say this; the backs style definitely did not match the style of the front of the dress.

Viola Davis: Her ill-fitting dress combined with an uncomplimentary color made for a definite worst dressed award. It looks like a sewing machine threw up on this Vera Wang gown. Adorned with sections of ruffles, embroidery, sequins, and pleating, there is too much going on. The ditching of the wig was commendable and showed definite confidence in her natural beauty as she adorned her natural hair, styled by her mom. But nothing could save her from the dress she choice.

Melissa McCarthy: Her grecian coral pink dress with a silver jeweled neckline and embellished empire waist designed by Marina Rinaldi was not a hit on the red carpet. This dress was unflattering, washed her out, and was overall not her best look. McCarthy, usually dressed to perfection, who was nominated for Best Supporting actress for her role in Bridesmaids, was not looking as glamorous as many had hoped. Her shoes, however, were meaningful to her, with a personal message inscribed in them by the designer, Brian Atwood, a childhood friend.