Every year, Hollywood’s A-list shows up in droves for one of the most buzzed-about nights of the year: The Academy Awards. And while the celebration of the year’s best films is the reason for the gathering, it’s the red carpet arrivals, where we get the first glimpses of what everyone is wearing, that really grabs our attention. And, sure, it’s always an evening stacked with the dreamiest couture and more dazzling jewels than we can count, but the beauty moments are also downright iconic.
Over the last several decades, the hype around the Oscars and the enviable beauty looks put on display have only gotten bigger, better, and more glamorous. That’s why we decided to take a look back at the show-stopping hair and makeup moments that defined the 2000s, 2010s, and beyond to bring you a nostalgic edit of the 25 best Oscars beauty looks of the new millennium. Keep scrolling for all looks that still live in our heads rent-free.
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WHO: Julia Roberts
WHAT: 73rd Annual Academy Awards, 2001
WEAR: Julia’s elegant high ponytail with those smooth, side-swept bangs just scream, “give me an Oscar.”
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WHO: Jennifer Lopez
WHAT: 73rd Annual Academy Awards, 2001
WEAR: J.Lo has been synonymous with gorgeous, radiant skin since the early aughts. Just look at that glow.
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WHO: Halle Berry
WHAT: 74th Annual Academy Awards, 2002
WEAR: This spiky pixie is still undefeated.
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WHO: Nicole Kidman
WHAT: 74th Annual Academy Awards, 2002
WEAR: If you ask us, this strawberry blonde hair color and cute barrel curls are due for a comeback.
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WHO: Jennifer Lopez
WHAT: 75th Annual Academy Awards, 2003
WEAR: This ethereal, retro look is perfect. Everything just works from the sleek updo to the glowing skin and soft wash of color over the lids.
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WHO: Charlize Theron
WHAT: 76th Annual Academy Awards, 2004
WEAR: Charlize was giving sun-kissed glamazon with this look and we are still living for it.
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WHO: Gwyneth Paltrow
WHAT: 77th Annual Academy Awards, 2005
WEAR: Yes, volume! Yes, glow!
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WHO: Reese Witherspoon
WHAT: 79th Annual Academy Awards, 2007
WEAR: This shot of Reese’s flushed, glowy skin and wind-swept, brow-grazing fringes is straight up art.
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WHO: Beyoncé
WHAT: 79th Annual Academy Awards, 2007
WEAR: Beyoncé doesn’t always turn up at the Oscars, but she turns out an incredible beauty look like this one when she does. That honey-brown hair color? Just yes.
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WHO: Kate Winslet
WHAT: 81st Annual Academy Awards, 2009
WEAR: This look is so regal. Princess Grace would be proud.
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WHO: Meryl Streep
WHAT: 82nd Annual Academy Awards, 2010
WEAR: Queen Meryl can do no wrong, but this flowy updo was an especially glorious beauty moment for her.
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WHO: Angelina Jolie
WHAT: 84th Annual Academy Awards, 2012
WEAR: It’s the red lip, for us.
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WHO: Penelope Cruz
WHAT: 84th Annual Academy Awards, 2012
WEAR: This look fires on all cylinders. The dreamy, old Hollywood hair pairs so well with the shimmery eye shadow and dramatic lashes.
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WHO: Viola Davis
WHAT: 84th Annual Academy Awards, 2012
WEAR: Now, here’s an absolute goddess is we ever saw one. The shimmery green eye shadow is one thing, but the copper-colored coils are next level.
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WHO: Catherine Zeta-Jones
WHAT: 85th Annual Academy Awards, 2013
WEAR: Those shiny, luscious locks are truly something to write home about. And don’t even get us started on her flawless skin.
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WHO: Anne Hathaway
WHAT: 85th Annual Academy Awards, 2013
WEAR: We can always count on Anne for mega-volumized lashes and a pop of color on the lips, but it’s the perfectly coifed pixie cut that has been sending us since we first saw it in 2013.
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WHO: Lupita Nyong’o
WHAT: 86th Annual Academy Awards, 2014
WEAR: Lupita could show up sans makeup and still take our breath away, but we have to say this subtle eye makeup and pink lip situation is one for the books.
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WHO: Angelina Jolie
WHAT: 86th Annual Academy Awards, 2014
WEAR: This classic makeup look delivers the perfect amount of drama from the sultry, smudged-out eyeliner to the glossy lips.
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WHO: Zendaya
WHAT: 87th Annual Academy Awards, 2015
WEAR: Everything about this look is absolutely stunning, but those faux locs are our favorite part.
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WHO: Nicole Kidman
WHAT: 89th Annual Academy Awards, 2017
WEAR: Nicole is forever proving that red lips and cool skin tones go together like peanut butter and jelly.
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WHO: Halle Berry
WHAT: 89th Annual Academy Awards, 2017
WEAR: Halle snapped with those perfectly tousled curls and warm, bronze makeup.
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WHO: Jennifer Lawrence
WHAT: 90th Annual Academy Awards, 2018
WEAR: We can’t decide which part of this look is more gorgeous; the smoky eye makeup or the beachy waves.
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WHO: Regina King
WHAT: 91st Annual Academy Awards, 2019
WEAR: A wavy bob is always a good idea.
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WHO: Lady Gaga
WHAT: 91st Annual Academy Awards, 2019
WEAR: It wasn’t all that long ago that Lady Gaga blessed us with this sleek, ultra-glam updo to accept her very first Academy Award.
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