The Globe and Mail

Rachel McAdams in Giambattista Valli
The Canadian star tends to favour airy, almost ethereal, gowns. And while this couture creation would overwhelm many women, she’s cute enough to shine through.

Meryl Streep in Carolina Herrera
Full skirt. Check. Pockets. Check. Arms covered. Check. You’re welcome, Meryl.

Michelle Williams in J. Mendel
Hi, Michelle. Remember when you wore that stunning mustard-coloured gown to the 2006 Golden Globes? Can you try that again, please?

Bérénice Bejo in Dior
Word on the street is that Bejo will be wearing Elie Saab. Which wouldn’t be the worst thing. But how fabulous would she look in this gown? If anyone should go for old Hollywood-style glamour, it’s her.

Jessica Chastain in Elie Saab
More often than not, Chastain goes for slightly awkward dresses in drab colours (see above). This delicate yellow number, on the other hand, would be stunning with her red hair and green eyes.

Viola Davis in Giambattista Valli
Davis went for a plunging neckline at a recent awards show, and while there is nothing wrong with showing off the girls, perhaps the Academy Awards is not the place to do it. She’s looked smashing in one-shoulder dresses before.

Melissa McCarthy in Carolina Herrera
This beautiful dress keeps with the funny lady’s trend of dark colours and deep necklines. But the flowing material and dramatic pattern provide extra visual interest. Knockout.

Emma Stone in Atelier Gustavo Lins
The hair, the skin, the body – Stone looks good in just about everything, but truly shines in jewel tones. This emerald gown is a little out of the box, but she’s been known to push boundaries. And that slit? Oh, maybe it’s a bit much. But she’s young. Flaunt it while you’ve got it.

Angelina Jolie in Stephane Rolland
The actress-turned-director has been rather boring this red-carpet season, one column dress after another. It’s enough to make one long for her crazy Goth days. Hence this little number. The ‘breastplate’ is intense. But then again, so is Jolie. And if anybody’s ever going to pull it off, it’s her.

Penelope Cruz in Dior
The actress is always a red-carpet favourite because she goes all out with rich fabrics and big gowns. This couture masterpiece would be perfect.

Rooney Mara in Giorgio Armani
Even if you are nominated for a movie about a serial killer, that’s no reason to dress in black all the time. f you don’t want to do the whole poofy princess thing, that’s fine. But this is the Oscars. Do something interesting. Like this dark, moody, almost reptilian gown.

Stacy Kiebler in Marchesa
It’s pretty much a given that Kiebler (George Clooney’s squeeze of the moment) will wear Marchesa. She always wears Marchesa. And, hey, if you’re a trophy girlfriend, why not play the part? There’s a good chance it’s the only gold Clooney will be going home with anyway.