Penelope Cruz arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, California (February 25, 2007). Photo Credit: Fernando Allende / Splash News26 February 2007 (Sawf News) - The leading ladies that walked the red carpet at the 79th Annual Academy Awards displayed some flamboyance, perhaps cheered by the impending onset of spring.
As at the 13th Screen Actors Guild Awards they shunned the safety of the black. However, this time they didn’t opt for the equally safe flesh colors and neutral tones. Instead, they toyed with colors and metallics adorned with vintage embellishment and sparkles.
Penelope Cruz
Best actress nominee Penelope Cruz (Volver) wore a strapless feathered nude pink Versace number that literally stood out.
"I am very bad about describing the dress, but I like the way it fits. I feel it is very romantic. I started getting ready around 10 or 11 this morning," she said.
Cruz presented the Oscar for best documentary short to Ruby Yang and Thomas Lennon for The Blood of Yingzhou District.
Gwyneth Paltrow arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, California (February 25, 2007). Photo Credit: Fernando Allende / Splash NewsGwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow caught attention with a Zac Posen's apricot spider-web tulle-and-chiffon gown.
She presented the award for best cinematography to Guillermo Navarro for Pan's Labyrinth.
Reese Witherspoon arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, California (February 25, 2007). Photo Credit: Fernando Allende / Splash NewsReese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon looked nice and young in a deep purple strapless Nina Ricci with a tiered bottom spiral gown.
She presented the award for best actor to Forest Whitaker for his role as Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland.
Beyonce arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, California (February 25, 2007). Photo Credit: Fernando Allende / Splash NewsBeyonce
Beyonce in a light green strapless Armani with sweetheart neckline.
Kate Winslet at the 79th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals at the Kodak Theatre February 25, 2007 - Hollywood, California. Photo Credit: Fernando Allende/NY Post / Splash NewsKate Winslet
Kate Winslet delighted in a light green Valentino dress that she termed "simple and elegant."
"My daughter came up with a color idea. She was eating mint chocolate chip ice cream, and she said, 'It's such a pretty color.'"
The dress earned her a compliment from Cate Blanchett when the two ran into each other. Blanchett grabbed Winslet’s earrings and said, They are lovely!
Jennifer Hudson arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, California (February 25, 2007). Photo Credit: Fernando Allende / Splash NewsJennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson wore an empire-waisted milk chocolate brown Oscar de la Renta dress with a Jetsons-style metallic caplet, accented by Fred Leighton jewels and Manolo Blahnik shoes. The dress was picked out for her by Vogue's Andre Leon Talley.
"I feel very vogue," she said. "The jacket comes off, but I need it because it is a little cool today."
When Hudson walked the red carpet, Ryan Seacrest played a taped message from American Idol judge Simon Cowell to the former Idol contestant.
"We're all rooting for you and I have a feeling you're going to win," Simon said.
Hudson was touched.
"I've never seen him that heartfelt. Have you?" Seacrest asked Hudson.
"No," she replied. "Is he OK?"
Rachel Weisz arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, California (February 25, 2007). Photo Credit: Russell Einhorn / Splash NewsRachel Weisz
Rachel Weisz shone in a champagne-hued metallic Vera Wang gown with jewels sewn onto the hem and bust
She presented the supporting actor Oscar to Alan Arkin for Little Miss Sunshine.
Jessica Biel arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, California (February 25, 2007). Photo Credit: Fernando Allende / Splash NewsJessica Biel
Jessica Biel dressed boldly in a hot pink halter selected straight from Oscar de la Renta's fashion show earlier this month in New York.
Along with James McAvoy, she presented the Oscar for sound mixing to Michael Minkler, Bob Beemer and Willie Burton for Dreamgirls.
Jennifer Lopez arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, California (February 25, 2007). Photo Credit: Fernando Allende / Splash NewsJennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez looked demure in a lilac Marchesa with an antique jeweled neckline. She was escorted by her husband Singer/actor Marc Anthony.
"It's classic, elegant and has a little bit of sexy to it," was how she described it.
When asked how he thought his wife looked, Marc Anthony responded, "Unbelievable. It starts at home. She runs all of the dresses by me. It takes 30 (dresses) to choose one. About her dress, Lopez said, "It's classic, elegant and has a little bit of sexy to it.”
Nicole Kidman arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, California (February 25, 2007). Photo Credit: Fernando Allende / Splash NewsNicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman was boldly dressed in a bright red Balenciaga halter gown with an oversized bow at the neck.
Together with Daniel Craig she presented the award for art direction to Eugenio Caballero (Art Direction) and Pilar Revuelta (Set Decoration) for Pan's Labyrinth.
Cameron Diaz arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, California (February 25, 2007). Photo Credit: Fernando Allende / Splash NewsCameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz wore an off shoulder white Valentino gown with a huge folded collar.
She presented the Oscar for animated feature to George Miller for Happy Feet.
Cate Blanchett arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, California (February 25, 2007). Photo Credit: (PRNewsFoto/SendTec, Inc.,Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)Cate Blanchett
Oscar-winning Cate Blanchett wore one-shoulder gown by Giorgio Armani Prive. She stood out from the pack in a silver metallic gown of Swarovski crystal mesh with a floral accent made from jet black paillettes.
She presented the Oscar for foreign language film to Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, director of the German film The lives of Others.
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Hello,
I do not know if Jada Pinkett Smith qualifies as a 'leading lady' for your photo essay, however her gown was absolutely stunning.
Also, Helen Mirren was omitted from your photo essay, and she qualifies as both a leading lady (the Oscar winner no less ) and the wearer of a simply fabulous dress.
I may have omitted some points myself but I can't think of any more at this time.
Joy Living, 26 Feb 2007