Touted as the most diverse Oscars yet, the Academy Awards ceremony on February 25th showcased the long overdue acceptance and recognition of the Latino influence in Hollywood.
Even though I was proud of the several Latinos that were nominated, I was even more excited about the sheer sophistication of the gowns trailing across the red carpet at the Kodak Center in the heart of Hollywood. So for a little Oscar style roundup-Latin style, check out my top ten choices for best dressed!
Top Oscars Dress #10: Cameron Diaz-Valentino 
Although I love Cameron Diaz’s sense of style, this dress was not my favorite. It was her dark hair and faux glow that sealed it for me. Her complexion worked beautifully against the stark white hue, but the dress itself confused me. Cameron is a long, lean beauty, but there’s something about the dress’s linear lines that left her looking one-dimensional and straight as a board. Whatever happened to looking curvaceous and sexy?
Top Oscars Dress #9: Queen Latifah-Carmen Marc Valvo 
This classy black ensemble is a great example of a full-figured woman who looks like a million dollars in a dress that is typically worn by those smaller and less endowed. Latifah commanded attention in this sultry number showcasing her penchant for glamour.
Top Oscars Dress #8: Emily Blunt-Calvin Klein 
Emily Blunt blinged in this strapless, sapphire tone gown that was equal parts fashion and glamour all rolled into one piece of designer heaven. What I liked most about the dress was the bold choice of color and the simple clean lines.
Top Oscars Dress #7: Beyonce-Armani 
Although I loved the silhouette on this Dreamgirl, I didn’t feel that the bejeweled strap over one shoulder added anything extra. It would have worked better if she kept the look simple. The other element that seemed to get in the way was her ridiculously long extensions, an apparent theme also rocked by Nicole Kidman and Gwyenth Paltrow. The flowing faux locks are too distracting, a major no-no. In the future, it would be best for her to keep her hair back and off the shoulders.
Top Oscars Dress #6: Jennifer Lopez-Marchesa 
I adored the sweet, soft lilac shade of this Grecian inspired goddess dress worn by a Puerto Rican diva. It had a very regal quality to it that put Jennifer into a league all her own.
Top Oscars Dress #5: Kate Winslet-Valentino 
It was the beautiful, light green shade of this simple, elegant gown that worked wonders for Kate Winslet. It was also the gorgeous way the dress also accentuated her womanly curves. The asymmetrical strapless effect displayed her feminine shoulders, while her dewy makeup and accessories added the final polish. She wore her dress instead of letting the dress wear her.
Top Oscars Dress #4: Nicole Kidman-Balenciaga 
There are always a few celebs who wear red on the red carpet, while most don’t do so successfully. However, Nicole Kidman makes wearing red a serious fashion do. With a daring oversized bow and long, lean lines, this gown was a showstopper. While it’s not made for the curvaceous or average sized woman, this is definitely a couture dress with glamorous leanings.
Top Oscars Dress #3: Gwyneth Paltrow-Zac Posen 
I LOVED this dress for two reasons: the unusual apricot color and the even more bizarre cut. I was impressed by the craftsmanship, design, and creativity of the gown. Gwyneth pulled it off flawlessly. Even with the faux do, she looked breathtaking and I admired her for taking a risk on the most glamorous night of the year.
Top Oscars Dress #2: Reese Witherspoon-Escada 
I was spellbound by the beauty of the gown, along with Reese’s grace and confidence in wearing it. The gown’s multi-tiered layers that fanned out behind her, as well as the slight train that flowed like water, made her look every bit the part of a fashionista. She glowed even through her modern makeup, which makes me wonder if the new accessory for future award shows is to showcase being single!
Top Oscars Dress #1: Penelope Cruz-Versace 
From the pale pink color against her naturally olive skin tone, to the deconstructed chiffon that billows forth like a plush plume of feathers, there was nothing about this dress or Penelope’s entire look that wasn’t immaculately put together. One of the aspects to this dress that also played well with her innate sense of sexuality is the wound bodice, reminiscent of Versace in the mid 90’s. With her hair pulled back into a classy chignon and minimal accessories, Penelope shined brighter than anyone.
