FOR the first time in recent Academy Awards history, six of the nine Oscar nominated actresses are newcomers to the Big O red carpet, often called the most important fashion runway in the world.
Dual nominee Cate Blanchett, Julie Christie and Laura Linney have all walked the Oscar red mile before. But what a strange year this must be for Ruby Dee, Saoirse Ronan, Ellen Page, Tilda Swinton, Marion Cotillard and Amy Ryan, what with all the nervous speculation over whether there would even be a red carpet. But while the fashion frenzy has been dimmed this season, there's still anticipation about who will wear what.
Here's a look at the veterans' past Oscar gowns and the newcomers' recent awards attire, all of which could predict the choices they'll make on Sunday.
Cate Blanchett (supporting actress, "I'm Not There"; lead actress, "Elizabeth: The Golden Age") wore a burnished metallic Armani gown to last year's Oscars. If the now-pregnant actress attends, Armani is a safe bet.
Ruby Dee (supporting, "American Gangster") may be 83 but she's still one hot mama. Check out her bejeweled pale gold satin unconstructed gown at the recent SAG Awards. We expect nothing less steamy on Sunday.
Saoirse Ronan (supporting, "Atonement") wore a demure white lace gown to the U.K. premiere of the epic love story. Isn't it refreshing to see a 13-year-old actress dressing her age? Sources say Saoirse will not try to look 21 and may not wear a designer gown.
Amy Ryan (supporting, "Gone Baby Gone") wore an emerald green satin Badgley Mischka frock to the IFP Gotham Awards. Here's hoping she finds another color that flatters her gorgeous strawberry hair.
Tilda Swinton (supporting, "Michael Clayton") often turns up on red carpets in trouser suits by Jil Sander, Prada or Haider Ackermann. But the striking redhead also gives great gown and isn't the slightest bit afraid of bright color. Check out her bold yellow gown with a deep purple jacket at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004.
The last time Julie Christie (lead, "Away From Her") went to the Oscars was in 1998 when she was nominated for her role in "Afterglow." Her sparkly sheath dress would probably look as stunning this year as it did then. But I have a feeling she'll go low-key. "I know I should enjoy getting all dressed up but I prefer to be comfy," she told The Envelope after her SAG win.
