Following Bianca Censori’s bold fashion statement at the Grammy Awards, questions have emerged regarding the dress code regulations for major award shows.
The Oscars are not just about glamour and entertainment; they serve as a platform to recognize the exceptional talents in the film industry for their creative and technical contributions. Awards bestowed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are highly esteemed in the field.
Celebrities usually attend the Oscars looking polished and sophisticated. While Bianca and Kanye West made waves at the Grammy Awards in the music industry, similar scenarios could arise at the Oscars, emphasizing the importance of understanding the dress code guidelines before the event.
In 2021, event producers Steven Soderbergh, Stacey Sher, and Jesse Collins provided instructions on COVID-19 protocols for the Oscars amidst the pandemic, as reported by the Irish Star.
Additionally, the guidelines highlighted the expected attire for attendees, emphasizing a need for outfits that are “Inspirational and Aspirational,” with a preference for formal over casual wear.
The traditional “white tie” dress code, dating back to the early years of the ceremony, dictates that actresses wear formal evening gowns, preferably in pastel shades and floor-length, to maintain the event’s formality in white and gold settings.
Furthermore, the organisers emphasized the importance of longer gowns to uphold the event’s dignity, explicitly prohibiting shorter frocks for women.
A gender-specific dress code was evident, with men expected to wear a white tie and conventional formal evening accessories, a practice that has faced modern scrutiny.
Although the dress code guidelines were reiterated in 2015, flexibility has been observed in enforcement, with stars occasionally deviating from the formal attire expectations without repercussions.
Notably, in 2022, Kristen Stewart flaunted a non-traditional look at the Oscars, sparking controversy but facing no issues upon entering the main event.
Similarly, Billy Porter challenged gender norms at the 2019 Oscars by combining a skirt with his suit jacket, demonstrating individual expression. As of 2026, the Academy has not set specific dress code guidelines, leaving room for personal interpretation by designers and celebrities.
The responsibility now falls on designers and celebrities to use their judgment in defining acceptable attire limits for the prestigious event.