( InStyle ) -- While the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been celebrating film 's best and brightest for more than 80 years , the glamour we associate with the Oscars truly started in the 1950s , when stars such as Audrey Hepburn , Grace Kelly and Janet Leigh brought high style to the ceremony . Anne Hathaway accessorized her Armani Prive gown with more than $ 1 million worth of Cartier jewelry . Since then , the red carpet has been a can't-miss staple of the evening , and Hollywood 's hottest stars work with fashion designers , wardrobe stylists , jewelers , hairstylists and makeup artists to create looks they hope will go down in fashion history . This year 's show was no exception , and high-wattage stars such as Anne Hathaway , Kate Winslet and Natalie Portman walked the red carpet in stunning couture gowns . Here are just a few of our favorites : . • Best actress nominee Anne Hathaway made the most of her big night , arriving in a champagne-colored strapless Armani Prive gown that glittered with paillettes and Swarovski crystals . When the `` Rachel Getting Married '' star turned to give an over-the-shoulder pose , she revealed an unexpected onyx and black crystal dragon brooch , which was affixed to the back of her gown . Diamonds are always in fashion on the red carpet , and the actress accessorized with more than $ 1 million worth from jeweler Cartier . • Best actress nominee Kate Winslet looked as stunning as ever in an asymmetrical Atelier Yves Saint Laurent gown and Chopard jewels . Despite her picture-perfect appearance , the Oscar winner for `` The Reader '' admitted , `` I 'm extremely nervous ! '' See photos of InStyle 's favorite red carpet looks » . • `` Slumdog Millionaire '' beauty Freida Pinto continued her winning awards season style streak in a John Galliano royal-blue gown made of silk tulle with delicate embroidery and metallic beading . The 24-year-old , who said an enthusiastic hello to her parents in India from the red carpet , wore Martin Katz jewelry , including a ring set with a 150-year-old diamond from her native country . • In a sea of red and white dresses Natalie Portman stood out in an orchid gown by Rodarte , vegan heels by Stella McCartney and a vintage Rialto clutch . The actress ' minimal Kwiat jewelry and elegant updo highlighted her flawless skin . Portman was truly an Oscars triple threat , making our best dressed , best hair and best makeup lists . Other colorful bests included Sarah Jessica Parker 's Dior Haute Couture gown , which we loved not only for the shade ( which she described as `` barely mint , maybe seafoam '' ) but also for its impressive size . Best supporting actress nominee Amy Adams was stunning in a crimson silk and satin gown by Carolina Herrera and a jaw-dropping , jeweled collar necklace by Fred Leighton ( as seen on Beyoncé in the November 2008 issue of InStyle ! ) . And Heidi Klum 's bright red dress was not only glamorous , but also charitable : For the second year running , the `` Project Runway '' host partnered with The Heart Truth campaign to raise awareness of women 's heart health by wearing red . Last year , Klum wore a custom red dress by John Galliano for Dior that was auctioned off for charity , and this year she hit the carpet in a red silk taffeta gown from RM by Roland Mouret . The stylish supermodel accessorized with a diamond and ruby bracelet charm of her own design that will be part of a giveaway on dietcoke.com . In total , the best-dressed women of the night span 28 years , from 16-year-old Miley Cyrus to 44-year-old Marisa Tomei . See all of our favorites , including Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Hudgens , on InStyle.com . Get a FREE TRIAL issue of InStyle - CLICK HERE ! Copyright © 2009 Time Inc. All rights reserved .
InStyle : Anne Hathaway , Kate Winslet , Freida Pinto among best dressed at Oscars . Natalie Portman , Sarah Jessica Parker , Amy Adams praised for color choices . Heidi Klum 's wore red in hopes of raising awareness of women 's heart health .