Oscars Red Carpet 2024: Best Arrival Photos, Dresses, Outfits

Plus, the meaning behind the accessory that kept popping up.

The Oscars arrivals are always a highlight of the evening, with our favorite celebrities parading their show-stopping looks down the runway. The red carpet has been called “fashion’s most important runway,” and it’s not just entertaining to watch — it can also be a look into the crystal ball of future fashion trends. (Anyone remember when button-downs paired with gowns became a thing after Sharon Stone sported the look at the 70th Academy Awards?) This year’s red carpet had no shortage of boundary-pushing garments, from sequins and ruffles to daring necklines and voluminous skirts, and we’d be surprised if some of these looks didn’t inspire the next fashion fad. (Floating straps, maybe?)

Last year’s pre-arrival show switched up expectations and took place on a champagne carpet, but this year went back to basics to the red carpet we know and love. And while eyeballs were on the outfits, some took the opportunity to make a statement. Vanessa Hudgens announced her pregnancy while hosting the Academy’s official pre-show with Julianne Hough, clad in a simple bump-hugging black gown. Some celebs, meanwhile, made political statements, wearing red pins in support of a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war from the group #Artists4Ceasefire — which were echoed in some of the acceptance speeches, like when The Zone of Interest won for best international feature film and Jonathan Glazer used his speech to draw attention to the war in Gaza.

Without further ado, here are some of our favorite looks.