The 2010 Academy Awards red carpet was full of surprises as there was plenty of colour as well as edgier designs worn by celebrities. Perhaps they’re going for a different route and experimenting with different looks as opposed to classic styles normally worn on an occasion as big as this. Mixing it up like this never looked so good. A big trend spotted was all the blush hues done in variations of crystals, draping, ruffles. We present the best red carpet dresses and some of the more questionable ones.

Anna Kendrick went romantic in a pale pink draped Elie Saab Haute Couture gown that was off shoulder, a crystal Judith Leiber clutch and diamond jewellery by Kwiat.

Amanda Seyfried went for minimal in a strapless mint green Armani Privé gown encrusted with Swarovski crystals, Brian Atwood sandals and chunky, glittering bangles.

Cameron Diaz played up her blonde locks in a gold Oscar de la Renta gown littered with glitter and her Cartier jewels.

If you look closer, Carey Mulligan’s Prada gown had Swarovski crystal embellishments including quirkily tiny forks, knives, bolts, watch gears and scissors. A black satin clutch and heels from Prada and  Fred Leighton jewellery matched her gown.

Demi Moore as without Ashton Kutcher by her side but she glowed timelessly in her Atelier Versace ruffled blush gown, Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry and a clutch by Ferragamo.

Diane Kruger’s a fan of Chanel and it showed in a ruffled Chanel Haute Couture collection gown in nude and black and accompanying black accessories from Chanel and Chanel Fine Jewelry.

Elizabeth Banks chose a grey Versace gown with a dramatic ruffled skirt and accessorized with a Ferragamo clutch and a sparkling Fred Leighton diamonds.

Jennifer Lopez was elegant in an Armani Privé pale pink gown with a dramatic train encrusted with Swarovski crystals, Ferragamo heels and Cartier diamonds.

Kate Winslet loves YSL and it shows. Having worn the label for 2 awards shows last year, this year she also chose YSL – a bustier top and skirt in silver and a US$2.5 million Tiffany & Co. diamond necklace.

Kristen Stewart traded her usual grungy style and cleaned up in a  custom-made Monique Lhuillier navy trumpet gown which clung to the right places, a H. Stern diamond bracelet and upswept hair.

Maggie Gyllenhaal always looks beautiful in bright tones and she shows it off in this blue brushstroke Dries van Noten fitted gown and vintage Fred Leighton jewellery.

Mariah Carey  opts for a Valentino Haute Couture midnight-blue gown with a thigh-high slit instead of her usual black dresses, chunky H. Stern diamond bracelets and Chopard diamond earrings.

Teen queen Miley Cyrus was super pretty in a satin bustier top and glittering tulle skirted gown by Jenny Packham, Lorraine Schwartz jewels and a tousled bun.

Nicole Richie made an appearance in a beaded, backless Reem Acra gown with long sleeves in gunmetal, Bally heels and  Lorraine Schwartz blackened platinum jewellery.

We’ve noticed Penelope Cruz adores strapless, full-skirted gowns and this time she chose one in red by Donna Karan. It was made of duchess satin and she wore Chopard jewels to match.

Rachel McAdams chose a dreamy watercolour effect gown by Elie Saab Haute and Lorraine Schwartz diamond earrings.

Sandra Bulllock shone in a shimmering gold beaded gown adorned with flowers by Marchesa. The rest of her look was understated, with hair swept to one side and bright lips.

Sarah Jessica Parker ups the fashion ante in a pale yellow Chanel Haute Couture gown with delicate embroidery at the neckline and Fred Leighton accessories.

There are too many ruffles on Vera Farmiga’s fan-pleated Marchesa gown and she probably had a difficult time walking.

Zoe Saldana’s Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci ruffled purple gown is certainly interesting and she wore it with a clutch and shoes from the same label with Lorraine Schwartz amethyst and diamond jewelry.

Who wore your favourite red carpet look?

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