Oscars Beauty Moments, from Grace Kelly to Cynthia Erivo

Curated by Claudia Shannon / Research Scientist / ishonest

While much of the focus at the Academy Awards is on who won (and what they wore)–the most memorable looks of all time wouldn’t have gone down in history without the right hair and makeup. And whether these actresses opted for a more refined glamour with polished curls and minimal makeup or a more daring approach with bold lips and edgy pixie cuts, these stars define grace and style on the red carpet. There is, of course, Grace Kelly and Cher, who wore embellished up- dos, Farrah Fawcett and her iconic beach waves, and Halle Berry’s ultra sleek pixie cut. All of these leading ladies prove that hair is ultimate beauty accessory. Meanwhile Michelle Williams’s scarlet red lips, Cate Blanchett’s bright pink berry lip, and Marion Cotillard and Jennifer Lawrence’s shimmering smokey eyes, make it clear that at the Oscars, beauty is more than just a finishing touch.

Grace Kelly celebrates her Oscar for her role in The Country Girl in a soft wavy up do with flowers and a pink lip at the 1955 Academy Awards.

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At the 41st Annual Academy Awards, Barbra Streisand wore a voluminous bob with simple black eyeliner as she accepts her Oscar for her role in Funny Girl in 1969.

In 1970, Elizabeth Taylor wore her soft curls swept back with a blue ribboned headband and a shimmery eye at the 42nd Annual Academy Awards.

Jane Fonda won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1972 for her role in the 1971 film Klute, which launched a shaggy, feathered hairstyle of the same name.

When Diana Ross was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar in 1973, she arrived at the 45th annual Academy Awards with short, loose curls and a big smile.