Best Over-50 Looks From Oscar History

The Academy Awards is one of fashion’s top nights, with up-and-coming and established designers competing to dress Hollywood’s biggest stars in the most glamorous (and often most daring) gowns. In anticipation of the 95th annual show on March 12 that honors the best in film, take a look back at some of the stunning looks worn by the 50-plus crowd.

Audrey Hepburn, then 62

The Breakfast at Tiffany’s star dazzled in a hot pink, one-shouldered dress with bold pearl earrings at the 1992 Academy Awards.

Ruby Dee, then 85

Actress and activist Ruby Dee stood out in a ruby-red long-sleeved belted gown from Kevan Hall at the 2008 show. Nominated for best supporting actress for her role in American Gangster, Dee told The New York Times that she chose Hall’s designs to complement her petite 5-foot frame. “I like to look tall, thin and young,” she said. “He can stretch me.”

Sophia Loren, then 74

Sophia Loren gave the shiny Oscar statuette some stiff competition at the 2009 Oscars. The Italian beauty glowed in a yellow-gold tiered dress with ruffles and sheer sleeves paired with a pearl choker necklace and chunky pearl-drop earrings.

Helen Mirren, then 64

Helen Mirren looked simply regal at the 2010 Oscars. Her ice-blue Badgley Mischka gown with a straight neckline and tulle sequin overlay was complemented by eye-catching Chopard jewelry.

Meryl Streep, then 62

A solid gold Streep picked up her third best actress Oscar for The Iron Lady in 2012 wearing a custom-made Lanvin gown with an elegantly draped train and deep V neckline.

Goldie Hawn, then 68

Bubbly Hawn chose a champagne-hued Versace gown with off-the-shoulder beaded sleeves for the 2014 awards show.   

Angela Bassett, then 62

Hello, color! Hello, sleeves! Angela Bassett could not be missed at the 2021 Academy Awards. The Black Panther actress wowed in a red Alberta Ferretti gown with oversize organza sleeves, a leg-baring slit and dramatic train.

Rita Moreno, then 89

The unstoppable EGOT (the rare Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winner) took on the red carpet in 2021 wearing a strapless burgundy gown with mermaid-style skirt and matching coat. Moreno completed the ensemble with a chunky burgundy beaded necklace.