Everything was indeed everywhere all at once at this year’s Oscars ceremony. With Michelle Yeoh becoming the first Asian woman to win Best Actress and Ke Huy Quan finally being recognized after years of struggling to find acting jobs, this year’s ceremony proved monumental in more ways than one. 

Before the awards took place, Hollywood’s biggest stars took to the champagne carpet (sorry, red carpet) to show off their outfits from the hottest fashion designers. Here are the five celebrities who made The Daily Californian’s list of the best dressed at the 2023 Oscars. 

Austin Butler 

Austin Butler’s all-black look may not have received Lady Gaga’s “talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, showstopping” seal of approval, but it could very well have been rocked by the legendary Elvis Presley himself. 

Designed by Yves Saint Laurent, the suit featured padded shoulders reminiscent of the King of Rock and Roll’s signature bell-bottomed jumpsuits. It reminds us that even though Presley has left the building, his legacy of challenging, gender-bending fashion lives on.

The ensemble was completed with Elvis-inspired platform heels and a golden retriever version of the rockstar’s trademark hairdo, making Butler appear ready to pull out a guitar and serenade the Academy with a classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

Sabrina Dhowre Elba

Usually, when one thinks of bows in popular culture, JoJo Siwa comes to mind. But Sabrina Dhowre Elba subverted expectations in her slinky neon green maxi gown topped with a metallic bow at the hip.

Dating back to the Middle Ages with the introduction of the ribbon, the bow has been a looking glass for the rise of self-expression, even if it has long been associated with hyper-femininity. From high fashion designers like Giambattista Valli, Comme des Garçons and Moschino to the trending ballet core, cottage core and coquette aesthetics, the delicate detail can now be seen everywhere.

Individuals of all genders are no longer shying away from the element that was once deemed too “girly.” Instead, they’re embracing it intentionally and excessively.

Paul Mescal 

Donning a red rose and a black tie, Paul Mescal looked as though he emerged straight from the set of “The Phantom of the Opera” — or at least a ’70s version.

This is not surprising considering he is wearing Gucci, a fashion house whose designs are heavily influenced by the “Me” Decade thanks to former creative director Alessandro Michele.

Paired with a dashing bow tie and patent leather loafers, it looks like this ’70s version of the Phantom might just finally be over Christine and ready to attend a dance party. If we’re lucky, we may even see him bust out some disco.

Janelle Monáe 

Hollywood’s biggest night is renowned for celebrities flaunting bold and flashy outfits in a bid to make headlines. However, the “Glass Onion” star diverged from the norm with an authentic approach.

Designed by Vera Wang, the custom two-piece set featured a black plunging corset and an orange maxi skirt held together with crisp pleats. The striking white-carpet look was completed with a thick choker and cornrows.

Although her fit may not have adhered to the black-tie dress code, it was undeniably Janelle Monáe as the audience knows her. Ultimately, fashion is about expressing oneself and having fun, and Monáe’s outfit was exactly that. It remained true to her flamboyant style and personality.

Cate Blanchett

No stranger to the Oscars — after all, she’s been nominated eight times — Cate Blanchett graced the carpet yet again, but this time, in head-to-toe Louis Vuitton.

Reminiscent of the glistening ocean, the draped velvet top resembled the grecian toga, a garment traditionally worn by the noble for ceremonious occasions. It could not be more fitting for Blanchett, considering she is Hollywood royalty.

However, that is not the only reason we should focus on Blanchett today. With a skirt cut from sustainable silk, the “Tár” actress was one of the only individuals on this list who followed the Academy’s “Sustainable Style Guide,” created in partnership with the Red Carpet Green Dress organization in an effort to make the prestigious ceremony more eco-friendly. We love to see a fashionable and sustainable queen.