Although the trending topic of the night is currently the shocking Best Picture mix-up (if you missed it, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway accidentally announced La La Land as the winner of that coveted award instead of Moonlight), the red carpet before the debacle was pretty glamorous and eventful too. Pre the “Steve Harvey” moment, stars like Emma Stone, Charlize Theron, Halle Berry, Viola Davis and Naomie Harris lined up Hollywood Blvd to strut their best stuff. Here’s what was trending on the red carpet as well as the best and sometimes questionable looks of the night.

Golden Girls…

1. Current Hollywood favorite, Emma Stone was gorgeous in a gold, tiered and fringed Givenchy gown. The actress looked effortlessly glamorous in a number fit for a screen queen. 

2. The intricate beading and embroidery work on Jessica Biel’s KaufmanFranco may have been a throwback to old Hollywood but her high, feathered neckline was a modern and edgy risk that made her unmissable on the carpet.

3. Nicole Kidman channeled understated elegance in her embroidered Armani Privé gown. 

Misses…

4. Fifty Shades Darker star, Dakota Johnson in this gold Gucci was as mind boggling as the last few minutes of the awards ceremony. From the color of the dress to the droopy bow, victorian collar, puff sleeves and front pleats, this is a dress that should have never made it anywhere near this young starlet or a red carpet. 

5. Another not quite golden look was Leslie Mann’s strapless number. The voluminous taffeta layers and droopy bow looked messy and did the star no favors.

Ladies in Red…

1. No red carpet is complete without this bold hue but tonight, most of the looks were a miss including nominee, Ruth Negga’s custom Valentino gown.

2. Style darling, Ginnifer Goodwin’s prairie inspired red number was unfortunately also a miss.

3. Redeeming things in this department was Viola Davis, who stunned in an Armani Privé halter with exposed shoulders.

4. Sara Bareilles’ simple but elegant asymmetrical gown is proof that less is more.

 

Belted Beauties…

1. There is nothing sexier than a cinched waist, which is why several beauties on tonight’s carpet opted to add a belted touch to their glamorous looks. What we learned however is that in the world of Couture, fit is everything. If not done right, the entire look could end up a disaster. Case in point, nominee Isabelle Huppert’s belted look actually seems to be weighing her down. The belt makes something that could have been elegant into a look that fades into the background.

2. Scarlett Johansson’s belted Alaïa number was ethereal and channeled the perfect spring day but seemed just a little too light for a ceremony like the Academy Awards. 

3. One stand out moment during the red carpet as well as on stage was Janelle Monae’s belted Elie Saab Couture gown. The stunning creation was a perfect example of Couture translating seamlessly onto the red carpet. The dress didn’t overwhelm her but instead highlighted her affinity for elegance with an edge without her losing any of what makes her style special. In other words, she wore the hell out of that dress.

Black out…

1. It may be easy to gravitate towards black but not all black is created equal. Last year’s Best Actress Winner, Brie Larson stunned in a velvet, ruffled Oscar de la Renta gown with a deep v-neckline.

2. With every hit unfortunately is a miss. Alicia Vikander’s black lace Louis Vuitton was a completely underwhelming look for the star. The fit was completely off and the tablecloth inspired material managed to make the young star look dowdy.

 A hint of whimsy…

1. The red carpet deserves strong and bold looks but romantic and whimsical looks will always have a special place in our hearts. 20th Century Women star, Hailee Steinfeld was a vision in an ethereal and romantic floral Ralph & Russo number. 

 2. Felicity Jones was refreshingly chic and equally romantic in Dior.

 

Misses…

3. Unfortunately, Darby Stanchfield’s attempt at whimsy fell flat. Her white number looked like she was cloaked in a shower curtain.

 

What were your favorite looks of the night? Share your thoughts below.