THE OSCARS

 

LAST YEAR'S FASHION QUEENS OF THE OSCARS. WHAT WILL THEY WEAR THIS YEAR?

Photos from 1 to 3: THE GLAMOUR GIRLS: Charlize Theron packed on 30 lbs. for her role as serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster, but offscreen, she covers her usually slim frame in sleek, full-length gowns (from left, in 2002, 2003 and at the 2004 Golden Globes). Expect this Best Actress nominee to grace the Oscars red carpet in elegant, floor-length couture. Photos from 4 to 6: THE CLASSIC: From a '50s haute couture Jean Desses dress and custom-made Carolina Herrera gown (left, in 2001, and right, in 2003) to the Valentino cocktail dress she wore to 2003's Golden Globes (center), Best Supporting Actress nominee Renee Zellweger recalls old Hollywood in soft, feminine, classically cut gowns. Look for her to set flashbulbs popping at the Oscars in something elegant and ladylike.
 

THE INDIE DARLINGS: Best Actress nominee Naomi Watts (from left, in 2002, 2003 and 2004) has graduated to the A-list, but she hasn't forgotten her indie roots, often opting for flirty dresses by Aussie designer Collette Dinnigan and funky pieces from Prada. Watts may streamline her look for this year's Oscars, but she's likely to include some of her signature spice. Photo 3 to 6: THE CHIC: Best Director and Best Screenplay) may not be a movie star, but she's certainly a fashion leader (from left, in August, November and at the 2004 Golden Globes). Known for her hip, deconstructed black dresses, expect Coppola — recently named one of Vogue's best dressed — to step up her understated style for the Oscars in an edgy, floor-length gown.
 

Photos from 1 to 3: THE ECCENTRIC: Since she won an Oscar as the menswear-clad title star of 1977's Annie Hall, Best Actress nominee Diane Keaton has become known almost as much for her unconventional styles as for her work (from left, in 1976, 1994 and at the 2004 Globes). Sometimes it works, sometimes not — but she's sure to be as fearless as always at this year's Oscars. Photos from 4 to 6: THE DARING: Best Actress nominee Samantha Morton isn't afraid to play unconventional characters in smaller, less mainstream films, and she's proved that her fearlessness extends to her style sense with daring, eye-popping outfits (as in, from left, this sexy, black leather number, graphic shift and lingerie-inspired cocktail dress). Expect something just as bold at this year's Oscars.

 

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