After a year under wraps, Hollywood glamour bursts back with a blaze of colour 

Now that’s a RED carpet! After a year under wraps, Hollywood glamour bursts back with a blaze of colour

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Twelve months of languishing in designer sneakers and sweat pants has taken its toll on Hollywood’s A-list, who couldn’t wait to dress up in their finery, putting on a spectacular show on the Oscars red carpet.

A dazzling display of attention-grabbing gowns saw red walking away as the winning colour choice of the night, in shades from brightest cherry to deep burgundy and everything in between.

This was also the night when the upper-half got the upper hand: an array of cutaway styles revealed toned midriffs, sculpted shoulders and deep decolletages, accessorised with glittering gems — all designed to showcase bodies perfected for a season of Zoom chat-show interviews (shot from the waist up).

Amanda Seyfried appeared in Armani Privé, wearing an hourglass-shaped, strapless bodice that featured a waist-deep V-shaped plunge and swathes of swirling scarlet tulle

Reese Witherspoon arrived in burgundy Christian Dior to present an award

Former Best Actress winner Olivia Colman chose a crepe frock by Dior

Also in the red were Reese Witherspoon, in a column of ombre georgette, and Olivia Colman, in a more demure crepe, belted day dress with long sleeves, both by Dior Couture

Crimson queen Laura Allen, nominated for hair and make-up on Emma, sported flamboyant sleeves teamed with shimmering gold

Crimson queen Laura Allen, nominated for hair and make-up on Emma, sported flamboyant sleeves teamed with shimmering gold 

Inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood and the style of stars such as Vivien Leigh and Rita Hayworth, this was high-octane Old-School Glamour wrought for 2021.

Amanda Seyfried appeared in Armani Privé, wearing an hourglass-shaped, strapless bodice that featured a waist-deep V-shaped plunge and swathes of swirling scarlet tulle, complemented with deep vermilion lips.

Also in the red were Reese Witherspoon, in a column of ombre georgette, and Olivia Colman, in a more demure crepe, belted day dress with long sleeves, both by Dior Couture. She styled her ensemble with a Liberty-print silk face mask.

Satin splendour as filmmaker Garrett Bradley, whose work Time was up for Best Documentary on the night

Satin splendour as filmmaker Garrett Bradley, whose work Time was up for Best Documentary on the night

Cherry chic as Minari actress Yeri Han looks fabulous in crimson Louis Vuitton at the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles

Cherry chic as Minari actress Yeri Han looks fabulous in crimson Louis Vuitton at the 93rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles

Angela Bassett should take a bow as she made a statement in red Alberta Ferretti at the Academy Awards held at Union Station

Angela Bassett should take a bow as she made a statement in red Alberta Ferretti at the Academy Awards held at Union Station

Screenwriter Nina Pedrad, nominated for her work on Borat, takes the plunge as she arrives at the Oscars ceremony

Screenwriter Nina Pedrad, nominated for her work on Borat, takes the plunge as she arrives at the Oscars ceremony

Frill-seeking Promising Young Woman producer Ashley Fox covered up in an elegant tiered dress

Frill-seeking Promising Young Woman producer Ashley Fox covered up in an elegant tiered dress

In the midriff-revealing cutaway category, Andra Day’s molten-gold Vera Wang draped style echoed the big-skirted drama of British nominee Carey Mulligan’s shimmering Maison Valentino number.

British star Vanessa Kirby’s sleek Gucci column of palest rose-pink silk gave a crescent-shaped glimpse of her midriff and featured an elegant train — a look given a modern edge with slicked-back hair and claret lipstick. While Halle Berry wore a violet chiffon Dolce & Gabbana gown with a voluminous skirt.

But Chinese-born Chloe Zhao, who won best director for Nomadland, needed no adornment other than her groundbreaking golden statuette, appearing in an understated sand-coloured Hermes gown, paired with white sneakers and a pair of schoolgirl plaits.