Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Witchy black outfits kick off the Oscars red carpet

Vanessa Hudgens and Laverne Cox are some of the first celebrities to arrive at the event.

Prudence Wade
Monday 28 March 2022 00:01 BST
Vanessa Hudgens (Jae C Hong/AP)
Vanessa Hudgens (Jae C Hong/AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Early arrivals have started trickling along the red carpet for the 94th Academy Awards, and one overwhelming trend is already emerging.

Stars are all about dark, gothic-inspired outfits – the bigger, the better…

The best part of Laverne Cox’s outfit is the architectural silhouette, with exaggerated hips, an asymmetric neckline and a fishtail train trailing along the floor. She set off the dramatic black gown by August Getty with a statement shawl.

Vanessa Hudgens amps up the sex appeal in a slinky black sequinned Michael Kors dress – bang on trend with cut-outs and a knock-out diamond and emerald Bulgari necklace.

If you’re going to pull out all the stops, the Oscars is the place to do it – and Sofia Carson did so in a voluminous tulle gown from Giambattista Valli’s couture collection.

A trend already seems to be emerging for dramatic black gowns – and Maddie Ziegler walked her first Oscars red carpet dressed in all-black, her outfit set off by sparkling Swarovski jewels.

Taking a risk on the red carpet is internet personality Rickey Thompson, wearing black trousers, a super crop top with a cape, and his bare chest bedazzled to look like sparkling ribs.

While not technically black, Jamie Lee Curtis’ sparkling midnight blue makes a statement – particularly as she holds up a blue ribbon in support of those affected by the war in Ukraine.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in