Hollywood already brought plenty of drama to the big screen this year. But apparently, the 98th Academy Awards red carpet didn’t want to be left out.
There were feathers everywhere. There were gowns sparkly enough to make the paparazzi blind. And there was a particularly strange black veil that made viewers wonder whether the celebrity was on her way to a funeral
These were the worst-dressed stars on the 2026 Oscars red carpet, whose outfits were so hard that the internet couldn't stop roasting and judging hard.
#1 Chloé Zhao
Chloé Zhao’s Oscars 2026 outfit had viewers asking, “Is this a funeral service?”
Looking a little bit like she jumped out of a horror movie, the Hamnet director posed for the camera in a Gabriela Hearst gown.
The black ruffled gown had sweeping bell sleeves. And the look was topped off with a black veil, making one viewer ask, “Is she in mourning?”
“Is she mourning cus she knows she won’t win the Oscar?” asked another.
“Seriously? Is she going to the funeral of the Oscars?” one said, while another wrote, “No one is going to beat how horrible this is.”
Another wrote, “An outfit with a trash bag so we don't get lost, friend.”
“Gurl … you’re at the wrong award show for dressing up like that,” one said.
Many compared her to a witch, while others claimed she must be grieving the cancellation of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot, which she was meant to direct.
“What potion or spell is she planning to conjure later?” one asked.
“She’s mourning the death of the Buffy reboot,” read one comment.
“Clearly…in mourning what @hulu did to the Buffy reboot,’ one speculated.
Another claimed, “She’s in mourning for Buffy.”
Looking a little bit like she jumped out of a horror movie, the Hamnet director posed for the camera in a Gabriela Hearst gown.
The black ruffled gown had sweeping bell sleeves. And the look was topped off with a black veil, making one viewer ask, “Is she in mourning?”
“Is she mourning cus she knows she won’t win the Oscar?” asked another.
“Seriously? Is she going to the funeral of the Oscars?” one said, while another wrote, “No one is going to beat how horrible this is.”
Another wrote, “An outfit with a trash bag so we don't get lost, friend.”
“Gurl … you’re at the wrong award show for dressing up like that,” one said.
Many compared her to a witch, while others claimed she must be grieving the cancellation of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot, which she was meant to direct.
“What potion or spell is she planning to conjure later?” one asked.
“She’s mourning the death of the Buffy reboot,” read one comment.
“Clearly…in mourning what @hulu did to the Buffy reboot,’ one speculated.
Another claimed, “She’s in mourning for Buffy.”
32points
#2 Tania Fares
Was it a corporate boardroom vibe? Was it high-fashion drama?
Fashion insider Tania Fares will have to tell fans herself.
The Lebanon-born co-founder and co-chair of the Fashion Trust wore an interest outfit choice, the top half of which was a black blazer and the bottom half was a flowing black-and-white striped skirt.
Some netizens were confused about the vibe she was going for, but at least she gave them something to talk about.
Fashion insider Tania Fares will have to tell fans herself.
The Lebanon-born co-founder and co-chair of the Fashion Trust wore an interest outfit choice, the top half of which was a black blazer and the bottom half was a flowing black-and-white striped skirt.
Some netizens were confused about the vibe she was going for, but at least she gave them something to talk about.
25points
#3 Jihoon Kim
Everyone with a camera made sure to snap pictures of Jihoon Kim as she walked the red carpet.
The influencer made quite the entrance, wearing a body-hugging gown covered in shimmering crystals.
Her glitter-overload moment featured long sleeves and a train that swept the red carpet. But the look had some people concerned about a very important element in her outfit: the undergarments.
“Who is this ?” one asked.
Another wrote, “Where’s the underwear?”
The influencer made quite the entrance, wearing a body-hugging gown covered in shimmering crystals.
Her glitter-overload moment featured long sleeves and a train that swept the red carpet. But the look had some people concerned about a very important element in her outfit: the undergarments.
“Who is this ?” one asked.
Another wrote, “Where’s the underwear?”
23points
#4 Misty Copeland
Misty Copeland’s outfit may have been cute in theory but not on the red carpet.
The retired American Ballet Theatre principal dancer wore a custom black‑and‑white David Koma gown that was meant to be a nod to ballet.
The dress was complete with a boxy, oversized blazer top and a tutu‑like tulle section at the waist. But her outfit’s pièce de résistance was the Jared Mpho Diamond on her finger that was valued at $1.8 million.
“Misty Copeland never leaves her tutu at home,” one commented online.
Not everyone was appreciative of the outfit, described by one netizen as simply an “oversized jacket with ruffles.”
“Fire your stylist immediately,” one said, while another quipped, “What a Stupid looking outfit.”
Another wrote, “This is awful.”
“What went wrong with all the styles, today!” wrote another.
One said, “She's beautiful and that's the best her stylist could do? Fire her!”
“Does anyone believe she'd have been invited to the Oscar's if Chalamet didn't bring up ballet? He did her a favor,” said another critic, referencing the recent controversy involving Timothée Chalamet after he said “no one cares” about ballet or opera anymore.
The retired American Ballet Theatre principal dancer wore a custom black‑and‑white David Koma gown that was meant to be a nod to ballet.
The dress was complete with a boxy, oversized blazer top and a tutu‑like tulle section at the waist. But her outfit’s pièce de résistance was the Jared Mpho Diamond on her finger that was valued at $1.8 million.
“Misty Copeland never leaves her tutu at home,” one commented online.
Not everyone was appreciative of the outfit, described by one netizen as simply an “oversized jacket with ruffles.”
“Fire your stylist immediately,” one said, while another quipped, “What a Stupid looking outfit.”
Another wrote, “This is awful.”
“What went wrong with all the styles, today!” wrote another.
One said, “She's beautiful and that's the best her stylist could do? Fire her!”
“Does anyone believe she'd have been invited to the Oscar's if Chalamet didn't bring up ballet? He did her a favor,” said another critic, referencing the recent controversy involving Timothée Chalamet after he said “no one cares” about ballet or opera anymore.
22points
#5 Auli'i Cravalho
Auli’i Cravalho brought a whole lot of drama on the red carpet, wearing an Antonio Marras design.
The Moana star wore an ivory ball gown that had a voluminous tulle skirt. But most viewers could not look past the oversized rosette detailing at the bust.
“Yeah I don't like it,” one simply said.
“Looks like a big sad face,” one said, while another wrote, “I feel like her dress is going to start singing a sad show tune.”
“She’s young and beautiful she deserves a better dress,” One said.
“This is the third dress I've seen that looks very bridal-inspired,” another wrote. “Bows and feathers also seem to be in style tonight.”
“The bodice looks like a ram's head,” one said.
Another wrote, “the bodice just distracts from it all.”
“It reminds me of a toilet roll cover Barbie and dress my nan used to have,” said one critic.
“She is gorgeous,” said one fan. “I like the waist down of the dress but hate that top.”
The Moana star wore an ivory ball gown that had a voluminous tulle skirt. But most viewers could not look past the oversized rosette detailing at the bust.
“Yeah I don't like it,” one simply said.
“Looks like a big sad face,” one said, while another wrote, “I feel like her dress is going to start singing a sad show tune.”
“She’s young and beautiful she deserves a better dress,” One said.
“This is the third dress I've seen that looks very bridal-inspired,” another wrote. “Bows and feathers also seem to be in style tonight.”
“The bodice looks like a ram's head,” one said.
Another wrote, “the bodice just distracts from it all.”
“It reminds me of a toilet roll cover Barbie and dress my nan used to have,” said one critic.
“She is gorgeous,” said one fan. “I like the waist down of the dress but hate that top.”
21points
#6 Laura Lufési
Netizens took one look at Laura Lufési and guessed, “she just woke up.”
The actress, who was part of the Brazilian film O Agente Secreto (The Secret Agent), wore a Misci-designed dress that was scored barely any points among fans.
“i just woke up too so i understand this,” one said.
Another wrote, “It’s falling apart! Missing a patch.”
“No, no no no … I don’t like it on Laura Lufési,” one commented online. “ … It almost feels like a craft project or a RuPaul’s drag race sewing challenge that you’re doing in one day.”
“This is awful!... Isn't there a dress code that says: FORMAL ATTIRE AND NO GETTING OUT OF THE POOL?” another wrote.
One said, “she looks like she’s wearing a sweet wrapper.”
“Big pass, 100% not Oscars material,” wrote another.
The actress, who was part of the Brazilian film O Agente Secreto (The Secret Agent), wore a Misci-designed dress that was scored barely any points among fans.
“i just woke up too so i understand this,” one said.
Another wrote, “It’s falling apart! Missing a patch.”
“No, no no no … I don’t like it on Laura Lufési,” one commented online. “ … It almost feels like a craft project or a RuPaul’s drag race sewing challenge that you’re doing in one day.”
“This is awful!... Isn't there a dress code that says: FORMAL ATTIRE AND NO GETTING OUT OF THE POOL?” another wrote.
One said, “she looks like she’s wearing a sweet wrapper.”
“Big pass, 100% not Oscars material,” wrote another.
21points
#7 Li Jun Li
Li Jun Li showed up ready to make a statement on the red carpet. But some people had a “please explain” kind of reaction to it.
The Sinners star wore a bright red Gaurav Gupta gown that featured the Indian designer’s signatural sculptural element on the bodice as well as its long, dramatic train.
“What dress is she wearing?” one asked.
“Wow!! I love it and I hate it at the same time,” said another.
“She's beautiful,” wrote another. “But I don't really like the dress.”
Another asked, “Was she high when she chose this?:
The Sinners star wore a bright red Gaurav Gupta gown that featured the Indian designer’s signatural sculptural element on the bodice as well as its long, dramatic train.
“What dress is she wearing?” one asked.
“Wow!! I love it and I hate it at the same time,” said another.
“She's beautiful,” wrote another. “But I don't really like the dress.”
Another asked, “Was she high when she chose this?:
20points
#8 Lola Kirke
Lola Kirke’s outfit may have lacked some vision, with its strange proportions and textures.
Her black outfit was an easy miss on the Academy Awards red carpet, with its skin-baring bodice and voluminous skirt.
If the outfit had a voice, it politely declined to make any statement.
Her black outfit was an easy miss on the Academy Awards red carpet, with its skin-baring bodice and voluminous skirt.
If the outfit had a voice, it politely declined to make any statement.
20points
#9 Nicole Kidman
For her first Oscars appearance since her split with longtime husband Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman picked out a peachy pink Chanel outfit.
The dress was composed of a strapless peplum bodice and floor-length skirt, which had feathery embellishments and sequin detailing.
“So feathers are the theme this year?” one asked.
“Nicole is the good feather bird and Demi is the evil feather bird tonight,” said another, who also noticed the very many feathers floating around on the red carpet.
“We all agree that her stylist hates her, right?” one commented on Kidman’s dress.
“I just don’t understand why the dress, the background, and her skin are all the same color. She looks so good in black and jewel tones,” another chimed in.
“I love this dress, just not this color on her,” another seemingly agreed.
Others were happy to see her enjoy herself on the red carpet, saying: “Keith urban whoooo?”
“Looking better and happier on the red carpet than she’s looked in years,” wrote another.. See what a good divorce will do?”
The dress was composed of a strapless peplum bodice and floor-length skirt, which had feathery embellishments and sequin detailing.
“So feathers are the theme this year?” one asked.
“Nicole is the good feather bird and Demi is the evil feather bird tonight,” said another, who also noticed the very many feathers floating around on the red carpet.
“We all agree that her stylist hates her, right?” one commented on Kidman’s dress.
“I just don’t understand why the dress, the background, and her skin are all the same color. She looks so good in black and jewel tones,” another chimed in.
“I love this dress, just not this color on her,” another seemingly agreed.
Others were happy to see her enjoy herself on the red carpet, saying: “Keith urban whoooo?”
“Looking better and happier on the red carpet than she’s looked in years,” wrote another.. See what a good divorce will do?”
20points
#10 Teyana Taylor
Fans were expecting big, bold, and daring when Teyana Taylor showed up at the Oscars 2026. But many felt her Chanel gown didn’t have enough oomph.
She arrived on the red carpet with the condience of a Best Supporting Actress nominee, wearing a figure-hugging black gown with a sheer bodies and a sweeaping train. The layers of black featured white feathers that streamed down in a mermaid-style skirt.
“I like it BUT i expected more from her,” was one fan’s verdict, while another quipped, “It's ok not impressed.”
“I expected so much more from her, this is very underwhelming but she’s gorgeous,” said another.
“I like the look, but for Teyana at the Oscars I expected something a bit more dramatic or directional,” another wrote. “This feels more Vanity Fair after-party than main carpet.”
“It’s nice, would have loved to see something more jaw dropping,” wrote another. “In addition, the necklace is too busy for this dress. Wishing her good luck on bringing home the gold!”
She arrived on the red carpet with the condience of a Best Supporting Actress nominee, wearing a figure-hugging black gown with a sheer bodies and a sweeaping train. The layers of black featured white feathers that streamed down in a mermaid-style skirt.
“I like it BUT i expected more from her,” was one fan’s verdict, while another quipped, “It's ok not impressed.”
“I expected so much more from her, this is very underwhelming but she’s gorgeous,” said another.
“I like the look, but for Teyana at the Oscars I expected something a bit more dramatic or directional,” another wrote. “This feels more Vanity Fair after-party than main carpet.”
“It’s nice, would have loved to see something more jaw dropping,” wrote another. “In addition, the necklace is too busy for this dress. Wishing her good luck on bringing home the gold!”
20points
#11 Alice Carvalho
Brazilian actress Alice Carvalho’s outfit had a noteworthy story, but viewers claimed that was the only thing interesting about her look.
Designed by Normando, the tailor-made dress was made of jute and mauve, sourced from the Amazon. The designer said the dress was “100% organic” and made from “Brazilian fabric.”
“Very very cool story but… mhm… no,” a Redditer user wrote on the platform.
“The dress is overwhelming her,” said another.
“I’ve seen better on those Project Runway alt material challenges,” another snarked. “It’s not even the material, it’s the style. It’s giving boho burlap table runner.”
Another Reddit user said, “I appreciate the story, but this dress has no shape. It's swallowing her up.”
“The dress is fine and has a neat backstory. I think the backstory is more the point than the fashion,” agreed another.
Designed by Normando, the tailor-made dress was made of jute and mauve, sourced from the Amazon. The designer said the dress was “100% organic” and made from “Brazilian fabric.”
“Very very cool story but… mhm… no,” a Redditer user wrote on the platform.
“The dress is overwhelming her,” said another.
“I’ve seen better on those Project Runway alt material challenges,” another snarked. “It’s not even the material, it’s the style. It’s giving boho burlap table runner.”
Another Reddit user said, “I appreciate the story, but this dress has no shape. It's swallowing her up.”
“The dress is fine and has a neat backstory. I think the backstory is more the point than the fashion,” agreed another.
19points
#12 Arden Cho
“What’s on her arms?” the internet asked when Arden Cho showed up to the 98th Academy Awards.
The actress gave some love to her Netflix hit KPop Demon Hunters by wearing a sculpted fishtail gown designed by the Korean designer, Miss Sohee.
“She’s a Korean couture designer. It’s fully hand-embroidered,” Cho said during a red carpet interview.
“It has a lot of Korean culture and history in it,” she added. “And, you know, it was a nice nod to our movie.”
Not all viewers approved the olive green shawl-like sleeves that cascaded from her arms to the floor.
“I’m really wondering what those green puffy long hands are for??” one asked.
“Not the kind of dressing we expected,” a second commenter said, while a third wrote, “The green puffy hand isn’t really giving but she looks good.”
“The black dress would have been okay without the green puffy sleeves,” read a fourth comment.
The actress gave some love to her Netflix hit KPop Demon Hunters by wearing a sculpted fishtail gown designed by the Korean designer, Miss Sohee.
“She’s a Korean couture designer. It’s fully hand-embroidered,” Cho said during a red carpet interview.
“It has a lot of Korean culture and history in it,” she added. “And, you know, it was a nice nod to our movie.”
Not all viewers approved the olive green shawl-like sleeves that cascaded from her arms to the floor.
“I’m really wondering what those green puffy long hands are for??” one asked.
“Not the kind of dressing we expected,” a second commenter said, while a third wrote, “The green puffy hand isn’t really giving but she looks good.”
“The black dress would have been okay without the green puffy sleeves,” read a fourth comment.
18points
#13 Anna Wintour
Anna Wintour had a moment onstage as she presented the award for Best Costume Design and Best Makeup & Hairstyling with The Devil Wears Prada star Anne Hathaway.
But her black-and-white Dior outfit had fans saying, “No one would recognize her without her 80s hairstyle
“Hollyweirdos,” one commented, while another suggested, “She needs Demi Moore’s stylist.”
Another harshly called her “the worst dressed woman.”
“We have seen enough she can stay home with her grandkids now,” one said.
“Ok I am officially old and do not know fashion. To me, this is ugly,” wrote another.
Another wrote, “She’s wearing two different dresses.”
But her black-and-white Dior outfit had fans saying, “No one would recognize her without her 80s hairstyle
“Hollyweirdos,” one commented, while another suggested, “She needs Demi Moore’s stylist.”
Another harshly called her “the worst dressed woman.”
“We have seen enough she can stay home with her grandkids now,” one said.
“Ok I am officially old and do not know fashion. To me, this is ugly,” wrote another.
Another wrote, “She’s wearing two different dresses.”
17points
#14 Beca Michie
“Oscar’s Ready,” Beca Michie told her 921K Instagram followers ahead of the big show!
The model and influencer shared several clips of herself getting ready, saying she was “obseesed” with her dress.
“I had them tailor the dress so that I look super snatched on the carpet,” she said about her dress. “Look how snatched this makes me look! I am obsessed.”
As she held up her heels for the camera, she said: “These are the shoes that we’re wearing. They’re very tall.”
“Will I fall in front of a bunch of important people at the Oscars? Probably,” she added. “But that’s okay.”
Some netizens tsk-tsked at her outfit, calling it “a mess.”
Many felt there was too much going on and said, “Several ideas combined and a bad result.”
“That dress needed to pick a lane,” another agreed.
The model and influencer shared several clips of herself getting ready, saying she was “obseesed” with her dress.
“I had them tailor the dress so that I look super snatched on the carpet,” she said about her dress. “Look how snatched this makes me look! I am obsessed.”
As she held up her heels for the camera, she said: “These are the shoes that we’re wearing. They’re very tall.”
“Will I fall in front of a bunch of important people at the Oscars? Probably,” she added. “But that’s okay.”
Some netizens tsk-tsked at her outfit, calling it “a mess.”
Many felt there was too much going on and said, “Several ideas combined and a bad result.”
“That dress needed to pick a lane,” another agreed.
16points
#15 Ginnifer Goodwin
There was definitely a striking design somewhere in Ginnifer Goodwin’s dress. The only problem was that some viewers couldn’t find it.
The Zootopia 2 star wore an all-black gown that attempted to make a case for sheer dressing. But the internet was left asking, “Oh Ginny, what is that dress?”
“I feel like that hair just ages her,” one said.
The actress nevertheless made people swoon when her longtime partner Josh Dallas posed beside her.
Dallas was seen straightening out Goodwin’s train for her on the red carpet, letting her have her moment in front of the flashing cameras.
“The way he looks at her,” one said.
“They are relationship goals,” another declared.
“Damnnnnn Josh Dallas settttt the barrrrrsssss,” said another. “What a gentleman.”
The Zootopia 2 star wore an all-black gown that attempted to make a case for sheer dressing. But the internet was left asking, “Oh Ginny, what is that dress?”
“I feel like that hair just ages her,” one said.
The actress nevertheless made people swoon when her longtime partner Josh Dallas posed beside her.
Dallas was seen straightening out Goodwin’s train for her on the red carpet, letting her have her moment in front of the flashing cameras.
“The way he looks at her,” one said.
“They are relationship goals,” another declared.
“Damnnnnn Josh Dallas settttt the barrrrrsssss,” said another. “What a gentleman.”
15points
#16 Janet Yang
It was hard to miss Academy Award President Janet Yang’s bright pink spectacle on the red carpet.
Mixing what appeared to be a bouquet and stage curtains, the film producer’s dress had oversized flowers and a cape that dramatically flowed down from her shoulders.
But Yang seemed to be all about embracing oneself unapologetically, having told Vanity Fair last year, “You should be yourself. We’re a bunch of crazy artists—nobody wants a bureaucrat.”
Mixing what appeared to be a bouquet and stage curtains, the film producer’s dress had oversized flowers and a cape that dramatically flowed down from her shoulders.
But Yang seemed to be all about embracing oneself unapologetically, having told Vanity Fair last year, “You should be yourself. We’re a bunch of crazy artists—nobody wants a bureaucrat.”
15points
#17 Alice Smith
Alice Smith arrived at the Oscars in an outfit that made some viewers yawn.
The singer‑songwriter wore a sultry black gown with a deep V‑neck and a little bit of a train following her around.
But as she stood on the red carpet, fans were left wondering whether the outfit was minimalist chic or simply underwhelming.
The singer‑songwriter wore a sultry black gown with a deep V‑neck and a little bit of a train following her around.
But as she stood on the red carpet, fans were left wondering whether the outfit was minimalist chic or simply underwhelming.
14points
#18 Julia Aks
The extra touch of gold was more than welcome to the red carpet. But something about Julia Aks’ outfit made her look more like a glamorous sea creature.
Aks and her fellow YouTube creator Steve Pinder had written and directed the 13-minute short film Jane Austen’s Period Drama was nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards.
To mark the occasion, she wore a strapless golden-colored dress that had overlapping metallic discs. The detailing made the outfit feel closer to costume design than couture.
Aks and her fellow YouTube creator Steve Pinder had written and directed the 13-minute short film Jane Austen’s Period Drama was nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards.
To mark the occasion, she wore a strapless golden-colored dress that had overlapping metallic discs. The detailing made the outfit feel closer to costume design than couture.
13points
#19 May Hong
May Hong aimed to make a statement, but some viewers shook their heads in disapproval after she appeared on the red carpet.
The actress gave life to the character of Mira in the animated blockbuster KPop Demon Hunters, whose co-director and writer Maggie Kang and producer Michelle Wong became the first people of South Korean descent to ever win an Oscar in the animated feature category.
However, Hong’s black gown, with its mermaid-style cut and skin-baring panels on the side, did not receive much applause.
“I don't like the dress,” one said.
“Am I the only who thinks that she's overrated?” another quipped.
“What’s this - doesn’t look good,” another said about her dress.
Another wrote, “she's not dressing properly...respectfully.”
The actress gave life to the character of Mira in the animated blockbuster KPop Demon Hunters, whose co-director and writer Maggie Kang and producer Michelle Wong became the first people of South Korean descent to ever win an Oscar in the animated feature category.
However, Hong’s black gown, with its mermaid-style cut and skin-baring panels on the side, did not receive much applause.
“I don't like the dress,” one said.
“Am I the only who thinks that she's overrated?” another quipped.
“What’s this - doesn’t look good,” another said about her dress.
Another wrote, “she's not dressing properly...respectfully.”
12points
