Oscar goes black & white as Jolie flashes thigh-high split

Reflecting the night's big win of silent film 'The Artist', the fashion on the Oscar's red carpet this year was dominated by black and white giving it a retro feel.

Angelina Jolie led the way stepping out in a dramatic dark velvet gown which boasted a thigh-high split showing ample leg on the red carpet as well as on the Oscar stage as she announced the Screenplay awards.

The 36-year-old red carpet favourite was accompanied by partner Brad Pitt and she looked stunning in the simple strapless Atelier Versace number teamed with peep-toe heels and a flash of red lipstick.

White was the chosen color for a number of attendees at the black-tie event Sunday night as stars including Gwyneth Paltrow, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz opted for the softer hue.

While Paltrow looked incredible in her oyster coloured Tom Ford dress with caped detail, Cameron Diaz showed off her figure in a Gucci gown which boasted a simple basque with a feathered train.

Best actress nominee Rooney Mara walked the red carpet in a flowing white Givenchy gown with a plunging neckline, while Octavia Spencer, who took home the Supporting Actress Oscar for 'The Help', wore a sparkling Tadashi Shoji gown.
Jennifer Lopez, who graced the red carpet without her toyboy boyfriend Casper Smart, showed off her curves in a plunging cream dress by Zuhair Murad.
The 'American Idol' judge teamed the gown, which also boasted a dipped back neckline, with a large bun piled on top of her head.Sandra Bullock teamed both the dark and light trends by wearing a stunning monochrome dress by Marchesa, adding extra glamour with gold detailing around the waist and sleeves.

'Resident Evil' star Milla Jovovich rocked a white asymmetrical Eli Saab number teamed with dark lips, while 'Bridesmaids' actress Kristin Wiig sported a Jay Mendel nude-colored dress with tissue layers and Neil Lane jewels.

A number of stars opted for gold, most prominent being the night's big winner Meryl Streep who accepted her Actress in a Leading Role Oscar in a floor-sweeping gold wraparound dress with a plunging neckline and matching earrings.

After portraying Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, the star paid homage to the former Prime Minister by wearing a pair of shoes by the politician's favourite designer, Salvatore Ferragamo.

Jessica Chastain wore a black Alexander McQueen with gold brocade all the way down the front.

Stars like Michelle Williams and Natalie Portman opted for brighter colours. While the 'My Week With Marylin' star wore a coral Louis Vuitton strapless number with a ruffled bodice, Portman chose a sleeveless gown in bold red.

Emma Stone stood out in a sleeveless fire-engine red Jean Baptista Valdi halter dress with a huge red bow tied at the neck. Penelope Cruz channeled Grace Kelly in a soft blue-gray Giorgio Armani organza gown with off-the-shoulder straps and a fitted bodice.

Best Actress nominee Viola Davis appeared in a strapless, custom Vera Wang emerald green corseted gown with a floral crystal applique and a chiffon pleated skirt.