![Amy Adams takes a risk that pays off in Marchesa. Jason Redmond / Reuters](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130117154346im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Image/SaxoPress/AD20130115438815-Amy_Adams_takes.jpg)
The good
Amy Adams in Marchesa
She took a risk with this dress and we think it pays off. The ballet pink tone works beautifully against her pale complexion and the decision to keep the neck bare was spot on. She looks elegant and confident.
Kerry Washington in Miu Miu
This is exactly how to do the red carpet - and what a treat to see something a little different among a sea of mermaid dresses. The intricate feather-like embroidery works beautifully with the Prada pumps and a green Chopard ring. It's a difficult length to wear but the sheer overlay panel, which allows the outline of the legs to be seen, helps with the overall line.
Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka
Let's face it: Dame Mirren can do no wrong. At 67, she looked jaw-droppingly elegant as she posed on the red carpet. Her hair was loose and wavy, the perfect way to soften lines on ageing skin. And the clever use of embroidery at the waist accentuated her fabulous shape. We are in awe.
Julianna Margulies in Emilio Pucci
Emilio Pucci you did it again. Margulies stunned in this sophisticated sheer blue lace gown with an infinitely low-cut back. The somewhat racy sheerness was offset by a high neck and cap sleeve. A firm favourite.
Anne Hathaway in Chanel
This was Hathaway's year and a lot was resting on this dress. The result? Perfection. The snow-white couture gown looked as if it was designed solely with her in mind with its structured, form-fitting top that delicately flared out at the waist, and a matching skirt. Hathaway's fabulous elfin crop accentuated her delicate features. Take note, girls: not a frill or a flounce in sight. Just simple, understated elegance. A definite winner.
The bad
Jennifer Lopez in Dior
We get it, Jennifer. You have a fabulous hourglass figure. That doesn't mean every dress you wear has to be sprayed on - or lacy, for that matter. You remind us of something from the top of a wedding cake. You have been rocking this same dancing-on-ice look for more than two decades now. It's high time for a makeover - or make-under we should say.
Taylor Swift in Donna Karan
We had to do a double take before we realised it was little Taylor Swift hiding under those swathes of aubergine silk. We don't have a major problem with the dress (although it is pulling at the hips and the fish tail could have done with a steam) - we simply feel she is too young for such a dark and heavy dress.
Adele in Burberry
We feel hugely guilty about this, considering it was her first night out after having a baby, but all is fair in love and war. Here we have what we call the classic style rut. The signature black, the scoop neck, the heavy liner, the three-quarter sleeve, topped off with the same old backcombed 'do and some Cartier gems. We understand it's slimming, Adele, but the world thinks you are gorgeous. Stop hiding away.
Halle Berry in Versace
Oh, Halle. Frock horror! We have said it once and we will say it again: never, ever go for a loud print on the red carpet. Especially a 1990s-inspired monster like this one. The oddly placed slashes and cut-outs make it look like some devilish toddler got his hands on it. Better luck next time.
Kelly Osbourne in Zac Posen
We like the idea of this from afar but the execution is a big fail. We applaud her for her efforts but the mint green and lavender hair simply do not pair well. Plus we are slightly baffled by the pleating at the bottom of the dress, which almost appears detachable.
* Katie Trotter
Most dapper
Jason Bateman and Aziz Ansari set the sartorial bar high for the gents with their well-cut tuxedos. Bateman's slick shawl collar tux - once a go-to for old Hollywood's elite - was nothing short of classic. But Ansari's one-button peak lapel aced the night. Cut slimmer and shorter than usual, with the arms high and tight, it's a sharp, contemporary take on the black tie. Never mind that when the red carpet hostess Giuliana Rancic asked him who he was wearing, Ansari cited "Kevin Dior" as the designer of his tux. He soon realised his error - it's Christian Dior - and cracked: "Kevin works at a Home Depot in Burbank."
* James Gabrillo
To read Nadia El Dasher's best and worst and see more pictures visit our fashion blog All Dressed Up