9. Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab, 2010

Decidedly more demure than Blanchett’s showstopper, this draped watercolor dress by Elie Saab is still gorgeous, even in its simplicity. Call it the perfect marriage of dress and face: no other look has captured Rachel McAdams’ edgy sweetness quite like this. The tight bodice and flowing skirt gave a Vienna-esque illusion as McAdams swooped down the red carpet like a gondola on the river. Like Blanchett’s look before, the lack of jewelry helped accentuate the unique beauty of Saab’s dress.