How did cinema’s leading ladies do on the red last night? Did they hit or miss the mark completely? Let’s have a look.

Viola Davis, Vera Wang 

There was a lot of raving about this gown last night. The color is fantastic on her and therein lies the majority of the comments. Few said little about the style which is not nearly as flattering as Viola’s past gowns. She has incredible skin, fantastically toned arms and a beautiful bustline that is being smothered by that bodice. The gown completely straightens her figure - horizontal seams broaden my friends - visually there isn’t much difference between her bust, waist and hips. I wouldn’t take issue with the skirt if there wasn’t the addition of that strange cut out surrounded by a ruffle. Still, the color clearly makes up for the shortcomings of the gown. I prefer her Marchesa from the SAG awards. 

Michelle Williams, Louis Vuitton

Michelle’s coral dress was a bright spot of color amidst a sea of white, black and neutrals. I’ve gone back and forth on this dress. I keep trying to like this on her. The color is lovely, the peplum is deliciously retro, the bow brooch at the waist a sweet addition; but try as I might, I just don’t love it on her. She certainly doesn’t look bad. Quite the contrary. There is just something always wanting with her choices. I love her and the dress separately but not together. I am glad to see her carry a clutch, a rarity. It gives her awkwardly held arms something to do. I won’t even bitch about the color. Her makeup, however, is beautiful.

Rooney Mara, Givenchy 

I have such a fashion crush on Rooney and she disappointed me in the worst way with this dress. While amused by her flippant approach to Oscar gowns, “I picked it this morning”, leaving it to the last minute isn’t wise. For one, it doesn’t fit. Secondly, someone needed time to remove the oddly-placed boob and bandaged back decorations. Say it with me Rooney, “Don’t wear gowns that make the boobs look droopy”. She does so well on the movie premier red carpet but when it comes to the awards shows, she has fallen flat the whole season. Pity because there is a slight Audrey Hepburn look about her face and she fancies wearing a limited color palette much the same as Audrey did. Ironically, Givenchy was Audrey’s favorite designer, but Audrey would never step out in a gown that wasn’t tailored to fit her. Beautiful makeup - digging that cherries in the snow bit my dear.

Glenn Close, Zac Posen

Two things: 1) I hate the color of this dress 2) This color looks fabulous on her. I know, I’m confused by this, too. The structure is superb on her figure but there’s too much going on with the skirt + the jacket + the seaming on the bodice. If there was less skirt it would be a total win. I do love that jacket on her. She should definitely do more of that. It’s such an improvement over the Frankenstein’s bride sleeves. 

Meryl Streep, Lanvin

You know there’s a trend among nominees who wear gold to the Oscars yes? They tend to walk away with that ever coveted statue as Meryl did last night. The color is fantastic on her and looked quite lovely with little Oscar in hand. I think the draping is superb on her figure but it’s a bit too large from the waist up (I saw a photo or two with a little bra peeking out). Otherwise, do more of this honey. 

Image credit: (1) Kevin Mazur/WireImage, (all others) Getty 

For my other Oscars 2012 critiques and Pinterest boards with even more Oscar fashion: 

• {Fashion Critique}: Oscars 2012, part one 
• {Fashion Critique}: Oscars 2012, part three
• {Walking the Red}: Oscars 2012 
• Pinterest: Oscar Red Carpet 2012 

Nothing is more flattering to the skin than berry tones. EVERYONE looks great in some shade of cherry pink or raspberry. Fortunately there were several lovely gowns in these mouth-watering tones. So how did they do?

Sofia Vergara, Marchesa

Aside from being a bit bored with her mermaid uniform, Sofia always looks fantastic. And this lush berry tone is definitely fantastic. Gown is too long but aren’t they always? I like very much that she pulled her hair back for a change however I would like to see something a bit more eye-catching than a low pony. You can do it Sofia. And lose the bracelet my dear. Not working. A gold cuff would have been more appropriate and a beautiful compliment to the color.

Julie Bowen, Temperley

This gown was a favorite for me. It’s a beautiful nod to Grecian antiquity but with a contemporary edge. I adore this color on her and the blouson bodice is a welcome change from the ubiquitous rib cage hugging look. The downers? Her hair and makeup could have been more dramatic to hold up against the dress. And then there is those ridiculous platform shoes. You know how I feel about those. And they’re never appropriate with a gown ladies. They make your feet look clunky and huge. Why do this? Better yet, who wants big feet? 

Michelle Williams, Valentino

When I first saw Michelle it was only from the bosom up and I liked what I saw. And then I saw the rest of it and wondered what happened. Aside from her serious aversion to support undergarments (get a bra honey), from the waist up she looks beautiful but it all goes to hell at her feet. Platform shoes with that asymmetrical hem? Are you kidding me Michelle? Not to mention those shoes look like the dyed to match bridesmaid shoes we all wear once and never wear again because well, why would we? They look cheap. And they cheapened the look Michelle. Please do better come Oscar time. You have it in you. 

Dianne Agron, Carolina Herrera 

Carolina looks good on Dianne. She needs to go with this. Great hair (love the little braid) and that raspberry color is delicious against her pale skin. A bit more oomph to the makeup and this would be spot on. Save for those very wrong purple platforms peeking out at the hem.

Mary Steenburgen, David Meister

But for a little overkill in the accessory department, Mary is rocking this gown. Lose those earrings (they’re competing with the detail on the dress) and get that too long hem fixed up and you’d be fabulous.

How sweet and lovely is Michelle Williams in this mint colored Christian Dior confection? She can be quite hit or miss with her red carpet choices and I like to see ladies get it right. I love the light, natural makeup because it works for her. I dislike when “experts” try to force their style onto someone. Style is about what works for the individual. What works on one person doesn’t work for another. 

Michelle is typically quite slouchy in her shoulders and I’m thrilled to see she’s holding them back here. However, she is pitched forward a bit in the upper body as if she’s wearing an ‘S’ corset. My one real complaint is that she still has that slightly uncomfortable I-don’t- know-what-to-do-with-my-arms bit. Someone get a handbag in that girl’s hand immediately. She looks so much more relaxed when she is holding a small clutch. 

What a smile:

Photos: Marc Stamas/Getty Images, Janet Mayer/PR Photos