The Academy Awards is an emblem of Hollywood — if you’re there, it’s a sign that you’ve made it, and there’s no going back. Apart from recognizing the talented actors of Hollywood, the Oscars red carpet is a fashion event where we get to see some of the most stunning dresses of all time. Most of them cost a pretty penny, but these history-making dresses are the most expensive of all time.
1. Anne Hathaway
Anne looks like a red swan as she walked in this lavish Valentino. It’s clear that red is this brunette’s color as she walked (or floated, shall we say) in a silk faille pillar-box gown. The strapless masterpiece was worth $80,000, which was quite a lot in 2011. Matching with that signature dress, this gown was practically made for Hathaway. It also helps that she was wearing a $10 million dollar necklace.
2. Lupita N’yongo
Not many would think that Calvin Klein could get to the top of a “most expensive” dress list, but this custom look for the 2015 Academy Awards was created with over 6,000 pearls, so the fact that it cost 150,000 doesn’t really surprise us. The detailing on the chest and th halter backing made it an innovative creation. Only the best for this short-haired beauty.
3. Charlize Theron
At the 2014 Academy Awards, Charlize stayed with a classy white peplum, complete with geometric lines and crystal detailing. This look could still hold up in 2020, and Charlize will always be a style icon for us. The look was a custom-made Dior Haute Couture masterpiece that cost $100,000. That chic pixie cut tied it all together.
4. Cate Blanchett
Cate is known for her glamorous looks on the carpet, but at the 2014 Oscars, one-upped Charlize – whole she rocked a $100,000 dollar dress by Armani Prive at the 2014 Academy Awards, it was her look even years prior at the 2007 Academy Awards that really racked up the dollars. Again by Armani Prive, this silvery, mesh and tulle creation was diamond studded per Blanchett’s usual trend, and cost $200,000.
5. Kate Winslet
The 2007 Academy Awards, Kate Winslet opted for a timeless look in a memorable color. The Valentino dress she wore cost $100,000. One-Shouldered and sea-foam green, this draping look featured a built-in train from the bodice and was the ultimate blend of regal and understated. She was voted best dressed at this event by fashion experts, and we can see why.
6. Jessica Biel
At the 2014 Oscars, Jessica Biel was draped in $100,000 as she rocked a Chanel column gown in the most lovely shade of blush. With plenty of embellishments and silver buttons, this shimmery look really shone with its button detailing on the back. As many of the actresses on the red carpet do, Biel paired her look with Tiffany & Co.
7. Rooney Mara
Walking ghost angel Rooney Mara donned a lace creation at the Academy Awards that cost over $100,000. After being nominated for “Carol” the actress sadly didn’t win, but she was one of the most beautiful women on the red carpet that night, so at least she’ll always have that memory. The look was designed by none other than Givenchy.
8. Elizabeth Taylor
The plunging neckline of Elizabeth Taylor’s 1970s Oscar dress was a chiffon dream laced with shades of violet and periwinkle. Designed by Edit Head, the curvy queen wasn’t afraid to show off her curves, along with the 69-carat diamond necklace that her husband Richard Burton gifted her.
9. Nicole Kidman
Although most of the looks at the Academy Awards are quite ethereal, no one quite matched up to Nicole Kidman who soared from the thousands to the millions in a Christian Dior Haute Couture dress. This gold and green shift look for the 1997 Academy Awards was valued at a staggering $2 million. It featured meticulous embroidery, along with a slit.
10. Jennifer Lawrence
J-Law transformed herself into a real-life princess with this 2 million dollar dress. Designed by Dior Couture, this ballgown was pretty in pink but notably difficult to walk in. The actress even experienced that infamous fall on stage after trying to maneuver the tons of fabric swathing her body. Dior lent Jennifer the dress, as she was their most prominent brand ambassador at the time. The famous trip actually gave the dress more publicity and air time than they could have imagined, which only added to the gorgeous dress and its value.