Kate Winslet

Whatever happens on the Oscars red carpet, Kate Winslet will always channel old-school elegance with the kind of classic lines that conjure Grace Kelly’s glamour. The British actress has dabbled in unusual colors over the years and earned several awards, but she has always been careful to stick to the kind of classic silhouettes that would have pleased Old Hollywood’s costume-design madame Edith Head.

A garland of silk flowers draped over one shoulder complemented the classic gown. Winslet went big for her Titanic credit nomination, promising to wear Givenchy on the condition that the French couture house does not make a dress for any other candidate. Alexander McQueen modeled a deep-sea-green gown with gold silk thread and crystal embroidery in dragonfly and weeping-willow designs. Winslet made best-dressed news around the world with a custom design by London-based designer Ben de Lisi, who crafted a chic scarlet column dress for the actress for her third nomination.