The Best And Worst Of Oscars 2023 Red Carpet: Melissa Rivers Weighs In

Back in February 2021, the TV host and daughter of legendary comedian (and equally frank fashion critic) Joan Rivers told Page Six Style that the red carpet was “on life support.”

She’s now singing a different tune after seeing the parade of looks at the Academy Awards.

“I thought it was a beautiful carpet,” she told the publication. “I thought the women looked glamorous and beautiful, and it was gowns and your hair was done and the big jewels were back out.”

“It felt like how you wanted it to be. It felt like the first really real one since COVID,” she added.

Rivers also shared her favorite and least favorite looks of the evening. The winner in her opinion? Angela Bassett, who might have missed out on the Best Supporting Actress award but landed on top in the style department.

The 64-year-old Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star indeed looked phenomenal in a purple Moschino mermaid gown with an oversized bow along the neckline.

Rivers likened her to a “queen of the red carpet” walking among “peasants.”

Another celeb that got the fashion expert’s stamp of approval was Cara Delevingne, who wore an asymmetrical red Elie Saab Couture gown with a high slit and a statement bow on one shoulder.

“I love that she went in a ballgown; she didn’t come slinking out [in something sexy],” Rivers said.

Also landing on her list of favorites was Best Supporting Actress winner Jamie Lee Curtis, who came decked out in a beige sequin gown by Dolce & Gabbana.

She praised the label for their flawless design, and the actress for dressing like a winner in the “elegant, slightly conservative” look.

Rivers also got a little too excited when Mindy Kaling’s name was mentioned. The Velma star looked stunning indeed in a white Vera Wang corset gown with a see-through midriff.

“Best she has ever looked,” the fashion critic stated, adding that everything – from the hair to the makeup and accessories – was perfect.

Moving on to her least favorite, Rivers made it clear she “didn’t think there were that many misses,” but there were several she didn’t find too impressive.

Among them was Michelle Williams, who gave off bride vibes in an embellished white Chanel Haute Couture gown with a sheer cape.

“It aged her,” she said, especially against the champagne carpet and white background, which gave it a washed-out look. However, she noted that it “looked ethereal” in the theater.

She said she also felt underwhelmed with Ana de Armas’ taupe Louis Vuitton mermaid gown despite its sparkles and scallop detailing.

She thought the dress needed jewels and a better hairstyle and makeup. And again, she took issue with the color against the light background.

Rivers also found Zoe Saldana’s Fendi Couture gown underwhelming, especially since “she’s usually one of my favorites,” she added.