Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger

Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger
Fans eagerly anticipate Oscar® night every year to see what movie gets top honors, which actors win the coveted statuette—and what all the stars are wearing, of course! At the 78th Annual Academy Awards® last year, some of the biggest names in Hollywood told Gayle King how they choose that all-important outfit.

Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger were both nominated for their performances in Brokeback Mountain after falling in love on the set. Michelle, who gave birth to their daughter, Matilda, in October 2005, wore a bright yellow Vera Wang gown. While Michelle's look took some planning, Heath said he kept it simple. "It was easy for me—black with a bow tie."
Amy Adams

Amy Adams
Amy Adams, who received her first Oscar® nomination in 2006 for Junebug, rolled down the red carpet in a dark brown, pocketed gown. "Carolina Herrera had dressed me for the [Screen Actors Guild] Awards. And she sent me some sketches and I was in love with her ideas, so I just went with her right away," Amy said.
Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts
Presenter and 2003 Oscar® nominee Naomi Watts graced the red carpet in a nude tulle Givenchy gown. "I wanted it to be unusual and I wanted it to be classic but modern and have some interesting details, and this is why I ultimately chose it," Naomi said.
Charlize Theron on the red carpet

Charlize Theron
Best Actress nominee Charlize Theron looked glamorous in a gown designed by John Galliano for Dior. She said Galliano had created two dresses for her and that she had to choose between them. "I loved that Mr. [Christian] Dior came up with the scissor dress, which is what this is. So it's the original Dior scissor dress, and the fabric is hand painted."
Nicole Kidman in a Balenciaga gown

Nicole Kidman
Academy Award® winner Nicole Kidman dazzled in a white gown by Balenciaga.
Rachel Weisz

Rachel Weisz
In March 2006, mother-to-be Rachel Weisz—who gave birth to a son in May 2006— wore a black gown designed by her friend, designer Narciso Rodriguez. "He made me three beautiful dresses, and I just tried them all on this morning and I chose this one," she said.
Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton
Country legend and Oscar® nominee Dolly Parton was a stunner in a pink chiffon Robert Behar dress. "I had a lot of people helping me out that said I had to wear something pastel and beautiful, and I'm a girly girl," Dolly said.
Jessica Alba in Versace

Jessica Alba
A golden-hued Versace gown paired with her honey-colored skin and hair made presenter Jessica Alba, of the movies Fantastic Four and Sin City, shine. She said she chose the dress because it fit her so well.
Salma Hayek in Versace

Salma Hayek
Salma Hayek graced the red carpet in a jewel tone Versace gown. She said she chose the dress because of its rich color and because Donatella Versace "makes good dresses for curvy girls."
Hilary Swank in Versace

Hilary Swank
Two-time Oscar® winner Hilary Swank wore a sleek, strapless Versace gown.