Oscars 2013 red carpet: Best dressed

Nicole Kidman’s all-over black-and-gold beaded L’Wren Scott gown was a modern art piece, with unique curlicue motifs on the skirt.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Zoe Saldana’s belted, silvery gray gown by the little-known French designer Alexis Mabille was classically beautiful but with lots of surprises, including petal-like details on top and asymmetrical tiers on the bottom. It was nice to see a new designer name in the mix too.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times; Jason Merritt / Getty Images)

Anne Hathaway’s icy pink duchesse satin Prada column gown made her look like a modern-day Audrey Hepburn (and wow, those Tiffany diamonds!). But Hepburn probably would have worn another layer underneath to keep things from popping up.  (Jason Merritt / Getty Images)

Jane Fonda, a diva in a class of her own, wore a canary-yellow corseted Versace gown with strong shoulders and sequin details that were a deliciously retro throwback to the “Dynasty” era.   (Michael Buckner / Getty Images; Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Kerry Washington’s coral-colored Miu Miu gown with crystal bodice was the freshest color choice of the night.  (John Shearer / Getty Images; Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)

Jennifer Garner’s plum-colored Gucci gown, framed by cascading ruffles, was almost as stunning as her Neil Lane necklace.  (Michael Buckner / Getty Images; Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)

Quvenzhane Wallis in a custom Armani Junior blue tulle dress scattered with crystals, a matching wrap and puppy purse looked adorable and age appropriate.  (Joe Klamar / Getty Images; John Shearer / Associated Press Photos)

Halle Berry looked fierce in a Bond-girl-meets-glam-rock way, wearing a black-and-silver striped, long-sleeve Versace gown.   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times; Paul Buck / EPA )

First Lady Michelle Obama, the evening’s surprise guest brought in via satellite, made the ultimate sparkly style statement in an Art Deco-inspired Naeem Khan gown.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)