I look forward to awards season all year long. I love the suspense of who will win, the hobnobbing of a-listers in their exclusive little bubble, and most importantly, the unforgettable fashion. The Oscars are the climax of awards season in every aspect, and the red carpet looks this year were as stunning and contrastive as any fashionista could have hoped.  The women walking the carpet this year impressed me with their boldness and unique approaches to wearing this season’s enviable couture pieces.

            One nominee whom I was thrilled to see striking the perfect red carpet note was Vera Farmiga in an ethereal, fuschia confection by Marchesa. Swirled all over by knife-pleated ruffles , Vera might have been reenacting The Birth of Venus.

            Another favorite of mine was Amanda Seyfried. She’s come a long way since her Mean Girls days. Seeing her on the promotion circuit for Dear John has definitely made me see her in a new light. She’s been making consistently refreshing and daring choices, and tonight’s gown was especially fabulous. Seyfriend chose a glacially elegant Armani Privé gown complemented by subtle, shimmering makeup, simple earrings, and unexpectedly modern bronze cuffs layered on her right arm. With a straight, structured bodice and asymmetrical gathers at the waist, the regal sophistication of this princess gown makes an strikingly stylish statement.

             Sandra Bullock’s Marchesa gown looked like it was made for her – and made to be accessorized by a tiny golden man named Oscar. Crystal flowers adorned the sheer bodice of the dress while the fitted skirt was a shimmering sea of gold. It was not my favorite of the dresses, but it suited Sandra – who looked great, but admitted to planning to eat a burger, double-fried fries, and a milkshake after the ceremony. Looking good in haute couture is not easy, but Sandra certainly did it.

            Maggie Gyllenhaal always marches to the beat of her own drummer when it comes to fashion, and tonight she continued that trend by being one of the only stars to wear a printed frock. But I think she hit it out of the park. I loved Maggie’s impressionistic blue, black, and white Dries Van Noten gown. The dress’s impressionistic pattern took center stage with a fitted silhouette and straight, strapless neckline that didn’t try to compete. She looked perfect and was absolutely glowing.

            I think my favorite gown of the evening was of a non-nominee. It was the dress of the Scientific and Technical Oscars hostess Elizabeth Banks. Her Versace gown was absolutely breathtaking. A lavender-tinted grey, the dress featured a sweetheart-necked bodice offset by cascading ruffles. With a low chignon accessorized by a diamond headband, her diamond flower studs were the only other jewels the gown needed. Overwhelming, but not overdone, Elizabeth Banks seems to have finally hit her fashionable stride on the awards circuit.

          There were so many more amazing gowns: Rachel McAdams, Sarah Jessica Parker, Penelope Cruz, and Diane Kruger all deserve honorable mentions. I'm sad to see awards season end, but this incredible finish to it just makes me yearn all the more for what next year will offer.