Hilary Swank's navy Guy Laroche gown could easily win an award for the best Oscar dress of all time. The actress created controversy when she reportedly stated that she would be wearing another designer, but switched to her final decision at the last minute.

Unlike her decision to join "Beverly Hill 90210", this final hour change of heart was a choice for the better. With a high neckline and long sleeves, the dress embodied the idea of business in the front. The back, however, was all party. A wrapped waist came down into a deep V at the tailbone, exposing Swank's taut, toned back. Swank, we hate to watch you go, but we love to watch you leave. 

Jessica Alba looked like an Oscar herself on the 2006 red carpet. Her golden Versace dress complemented her tanned skin. A wrapped bust and halter neck sucked her waist in and lifted her bust. A layer of lace at the skirt toned down the sheen, keeping the attention on her top half. 

Nicole Kidman, though not known for being outrageous, always manages to choose red carpet dresses that stand out from the crowd. Like any good trendsetter, Nicole Kidman took a risk that ended up being copied by another celebrity in 2012.

An oversized bow at the nape of the neck added interest to the simple, monochromatic Balenciaga sheath. Kidman paired the dress with a simple Bottega Veneta purse and sparkling cuff, ensuring that the focal point stayed at her face and neck.  

2008: Marion Cotillard 

In 2008, Marion Cotillard won an Oscar for her role as Edith Piaf in "La Vie En Rose." Her red carpet choice was similarly successful. Cotillard knew immediately that this was the dress for her when she saw a golden version on the Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2009 Couture runway. Not one to settle for anything less than perfect, Cotillard asked Gaultier to create a custom silver version for her to wear on the red carpet

Like any good piece of art, Cotillard's dress draws responses on both sides. Some say that the dress is too fish-like. Even so, this sea creature is one that would make King Triton blush. The dress's bright white color contrasted perfectly with Cotillard's dark locks, while the scaly texture camouflaged imperfections. A long Chopard necklace lent a 1920's vibe and drew the eye vertically. Cotillard paired the dress with a Daniel Swarovski clutch.

The glitz and the glamour-- this is what the oscars is all about. Anne Hathaway took this to heart in 2009, and shone like a trophy herself in a strapless silver dress.

Though the majority of the Armani Prive gown was a warm tone, strips of silver with a winter base drew attention to the bust and waist, and the cut showed off her toned arms. Hathaway paired the dress with custom Casadei 1616 pumps. 

The "Twighlight" star may have one facial expression, but she sure made fans smile on the 2010 red carpet. Who wouldn't be excited in a custom Monique Lhuillier? 

Cosmopolitan Magazine considers the navy dress to be one of the best Oscar dresses of all time, and with good reason. The strapless style drew attention to Stewart's delicate collarbone. A nipped-in waist showed off a feminine figure, while the navy hue was a gorgeous alternative to basic black while still working with her moody persona.

The trumpet dress was a welcome alternative to Bella's usual jeans-and-a-hoodie ensemble, and paired perfectly with a set of "Amantea" sandals by Bally and an H.Stern Marquis bracelet.

In 2011, Mila Kunis proved that she has come a long day from her Jackie days. Kunis may have gone on an extreme diet for her role in "Black Swan", but our eyes sure feasted on her red carpet look. The public obviously approved, as a whole host of prom dresses inspired by this gown emerged.

The Elie Saab Haute Couture gown featured tiers of lavender chiffon. A grosgrain ribbon tied at the waist accentuated her curves, and a large front ruffle hid imperfections. Kunis paired the gown with Neil Lane jewelry and a Bottega Veneta clutch. 

Tom Ford secretly showed his Fall 2012 collection; the runway was even excluded from the London Fashion Week roster. Though the rest of the collection was shown only to buyers and the press, this piece made its debut on the red carpet.

And what a debut it was! In this cape dress, Paltrow looked fit to save a city from the forces of evil (or at least from bad fashion). Paltrow stated that this was the only dress she tried on, and there truly was no need for a backup choice. Her daughter weighed in too, showing that little Apple has a lot of style.

This dress was born to be worn by Paltrow. The pale tone made sure that she did not look washed out. The simple design fit her toned-down personality. Paltrow paired the gown with platinum Anna Hu jewelry and gold Jimmy Choo "Koko Platform" sandals. Her skin was tanned by St. Tropez, and her makeup was done by Leslie Lopez.

Eponine may have been on her own, but we are pretty sure that actress Samantha Barks had more than enough suitors after she arrived on the red carpet. Barks wore a black Valentino gown straight off of the Spring 2013 runway. The simple silhouette, complete with a plunging neckline, proved that you don't need neon colors to catch a few eyes. Barks kept the accessories to a minimum, wearing only a pendant necklace from House of Waris for Forevermork.