Fashion Notes: 10 Best and Worst Dressed from the 98th Academy Awards

Fashion Notes: 10 Best and Worst Dressed at the 98th Academy Awards
Hollywood, Calif. — March 16, 2026 — The red carpet at this year’s 98th Academy Awards was somewhat subdued, with many attendees opting for a limited palette of black and white and sticking to a handful of major fashion houses. Despite the uniformity, a few standout looks and notable misses captured attention, prompting a lively debate among fashion critics and fans alike.
Top Honors: Best Dressed
Rose Byrne in Dior stole the show with her timeless, embroidered gown by Jonathan Anderson. Wearing what many called the most elegant dress of the night, Byrne’s classic silhouette and impeccable style paid homage to traditional Hollywood glamour. This gown, which embraced understated sophistication, was a clear favorite among fashion aficionados.
Elle Fanning in Givenchy also earned praise for her ethereal look. The actress’s gown, featuring delicate wisteria vines hand-sewn by Sarah Burton’s team, reflected a personal touch—Fanning explained that the floral design was inspired by her childhood home. Her graceful appearance was a highlight of the evening.
Jessie Buckley in Chanel presented a modern yet nostalgic look. Her bubblegum pink chiffon dress, inspired by Edith Head’s iconic 1955 gown worn by Grace Kelly, combined structure with subtle elegance. The large red sash added a bold flair, making her one of the most memorable looks of the night.
Mia Goth in Dior brought a delicate, whimsical touch to the carpet. Her understated, ethereal gown exemplified simplicity and beauty, reminding everyone that classic elegance still holds sway in contemporary red carpet fashion.
Fashion Flops: Worst Dressed
Pedro Pascal in Chanel was the night’s most talked-about fashion misfire. Dressed in a jacketless suit with a blooming white sea urchin and garish glasses, his look felt disjointed and forgettable. Many critics felt his ensemble failed to live up to his star power, earning him the dubious title of worst-dressed.
Timothée Chalamet in Givenchy continued his streak of unconventional choices, but his outfit—a white double-breasted jacket paired with baggy pants, stacked rings, and shrimping boots—felt forced and out of place. His effort to channel a rebellious, Bohemian vibe seemed tired and unworthy of an Oscar night.
Anne Hathaway in Valentino drew criticism for a look that seemed stuck in the early 2000s. Her gown featured a wide patent leather belt and dated hair, making her appear more like a throwback to the recession-era fashion than a star on the rise.
Alicia Silverstone in Christian Siriano was another notable disappointment. Her gown’s sagging back draping resembled a disheveled diaper, leaving many puzzled over her choice—an unfortunate look that did not flatter her.
Gwyneth Paltrow in Giorgio Armani rounded out the worst-dressed list. While her silk gown was simple, it lacked the wow factor expected at Hollywood’s biggest night. The minimalist look failed to make an impression, leaving some questioning the decision to wear such an uninspired ensemble.
Mixed Reactions and Personal Touches
Not all choices were purely black-and-white. Teyana Taylor in Chanel wowed some with her daring see-through bodice, which evoked a glamorous Cher in Bob Mackie’s designs. Meanwhile, Mia Goth’s understated Dior gown exemplified the beauty of simplicity and classic style, despite not being the most memorable look of the evening.
The night’s fashion was a blend of the timeless and the daring, with some stars opting for personal touches and nostalgic nods, while others missed the mark entirely. As the industry continues to evolve, these red carpet moments serve as a reminder that style remains as unpredictable—and captivating—as the movies themselves.