In pictures: Iconic Oscars outfits that broke all the rules

The Oscars celebrate the craft and creative excellence behind the best movies of the year – but the red carpet ahead of the ceremony is quite a different matter.

It's about one thing, and one thing only: Fashion. The world's most famous catwalk, it has the power to take a celebrity's style moment and elevate it into historical popular culture.

So the pressure is on to make a statement and steal the spotlight. Whether stars opt to dazzle with opulence, impress with fine tailoring or shock with the unexpected, if their outfit's getting talked about, it's job done.

So, as we get ready for the 2026 Academy Awards on Sunday, we're celebrating the red-carpet risk-takers and most memorable Oscar looks over the years..