The Best Red Lips in Oscars History

Like finger waves and coiffed bobs, red lips have become a staple in awards season beauty. First popularized by Old Hollywood heroines such as Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardner, the bold, feminine accents are worn with a naked face or heavy glam, and every makeup aesthetic in between.

Ahead of the 98th annual Academy Awards on Sunday, where there will likely be a healthy serving of statement-making looks, WWD is rounding up the best red lip moments in Oscars history, from Angela Bassett’s rosy stain in 1994 to Marissa Bode’s ruby shine in 2025.

Angela Bassett – 1994

Nominated for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the 1993 film “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” Bassett arrived at the 66th annual Academy Awards, donning a deep rose red hue on her lips. With subtle pink undertones, the vibrant accent complimented the blush dotting her cheeks and temples.

Sharon Stone – 1998

With a freshly trimmed pixie cut, a half-buttoned blouse and a cardinal-colored lip, Sharon Stone arrived at the 70th annual Academy Awards alongside her then husband, Phil Bronstein.

Jennifer Connelly – 2003

Dressed in all black, Jennifer Connelly stepped onto the 75th annual Oscars carpet with a red velvet lip and an even-toned complexion. Having won best supporting actress the year prior, Connelly was asked to present the new class of nominees later in the night.

Vanessa Paradis – 2008

Vanessa Paradis’ ruby lip cut through the celebrity noise on the 80th annual Oscars carpet. The “White Wedding” actress paired the bold beauty accessory with baby-doll blush, charcoal-mauve shadow and bottom mascara.

Jessica Chastain – 2013

At the 85th annual Academy Awards, Jessica Chastain dressed like the gold statue she received. With her hair styled in a sleek side part, her eyes lids stamped with shimmer and her lips coated in a shiny red hue, the “Molly’s Game” lead was the picture of Old Hollywood beauty.

Solange Knowles – 2015

Wrapped in a coral-colored Christian Siriano pantsuit, Solange Knowles graced the 87th annual Oscars carpet outside the Dolby Theatre. To complete the monochromatic look, the singer coated her lips in a matching matte hue.

Jennifer Lawrence – 2018

With a glass of white wine in hand, Jennifer Lawrence arrived at the 90th annual Academy Awards, sporting a Dior sequin gown, a smoky amber eye and a burnt red-orange lip by makeup artist Hung Vanngo. She also donned muddy blond mermaid waves courtesy of Jenny Cho.

Sandra Oh – 2023

Sandra Oh completed a complimentary color palette at the 95th annual Oscars, where she wore a mustard yellow Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown, airbrushed royal blue nails and a blood red lip.

Marissa Bode – 2025

Dressed in a sequin red dress and a shiny rose lip courtesy of Armani Beauty Lip Power Lipstick in shade 400, Bode was in full “Wizard of Oz” force at the 97th annual Academy Awards. The “Wicked” star collaborated with hairstylist Fabio Petri and makeup artist Cherish Brooke Hill for the special night.