98th Academy Awards: 8 disappointing dresses at the Oscars 2026 red carpet

The 98th Academy Awards saw Hollywood celebrities putting their best fashion foot forward, but for some, the 'high-fashion' risks failed to deliver. While their goal was to 'amp up the fashion', these celebrities found themselves buried under too much drama at the Oscars 2026 red carpet.

Filmmaker Chloe Zhao’s choice of a veiled Gabriela Hearst gown proved to be more distracting than appealing. Though she aimed for an avant-garde gothic vibe, her ensemble failed to live up to the expectations.

Audrey Nuna’s military-inspired Thom Browne look featuring a rigid gold bodice and heavy crystal prioritsed drama over wearability. While the appearance was striking, the excessively ornate details dominated her frame, and many felt that it was more like performance art than red-carpet glamour.

Ginnifer Goodwin’s choice of a transparent Monse gown for the Oscars 2026 proved to be more confusing than captivating.

Odessa A’zion’s rock-inspired Valentino ensemble, featuring a floral wrap jacket and studded velvet skirt, seems inappropriate for the occasion. Her outfit gave more of an after-party vibe, completely going out of sync with the night’s formal dress code.

Though Lea Myren’s experimental white dress showed creative ambition, the mix of layered tulle, structured panels, and feathers felt complex.

Fans were divided over the K-Pop Demon Hunters star's Oscar 2026 appearance. Fans felt that the dramatic jacket was a bit much.

Though actress Auli’i Cravalho’s dramatic Antonio Marras ball gown aimed for couture fantasy, the exaggerated shapes missed the mark. The loaded rosettes and tulle created a heavy, disorganized silhouette, leading to a major red carpet fail.

Maggie O’Farrell’s vibrant pink cape gown was a bold choice but unfortunately got lost due to excessive styling, especially the face mask made of net.