Here’s What the Oscars Red Carpet Looked Like in 2008

A decade ago the Oscars served up some timeless gowns, like Marion’s scalloped Jean Paul Gaultier and Amy’s emerald Proenza. Ah, 2008. It was the year Barack Obama was first elected, the year we got the first Sex and the City movie and the year Britney melted down—and then made her glorious comeback. The 80th Annual Academy Awards also happened, and those happier times made for a red carpet that we don’t look back on with second-hand regret. Marion Cotillard wore a Jean Paul Gaultier gown that will go down in history as one of the best Oscars looks of all time, Tilda Swinton looked fabulous in draped black velvet and Amy Adams legit stunned in a deep emerald Proenza Schouler. And aside from the fashun, Canadian Sarah Polley got a best adapted screenplay nom for Away From Her, Broadway bb Kristin Chenoweth performed, Juno won for best original screenplay and the Academy had the good sense to give Transformers nothing. Much like the decade prior, 2008 had all the makings to give this year’s Oscars a run for their money. If you don’t believe, scroll through the gallery to see all the gorg looks that graced the red carpet ten years ago.

Jessica Alba

The soon-to-be mama wore this pretty plum Marchesa gown and that bodice no doubt inspired many a bridesmaid dress that summer.

Amy Adams

A redhead in a green is kind of a no-brainer, so this romantic Proenza Schouler was the perf choice for Amy.

Katherine Heigl

Not totally sure why Katherine was at the Oscars in 2008, but she is working that old Hollywood glamour lewk.

Jennifer Hudson

This Roberto Cavalli is white without going full-on bridal, and it’s lovely on the singer/actor who, as the previous year’s winner of the Best Supporting Actress award, gave Javier Bardem his Best Supporting Actor statue.

Penelope Cruz

Miss Cruz definitely had the most high-fashion look of the night in this Chanel Haute Couture gown.

Saoirse Ronan

The little Irish beauty was just 13 here, and she looks presh repping her homeland in that Kelly-green Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti dress.

Tilda Swinton

Is Tilda even human? She looks friggin’ ethereal in this draped Lanvin dress.

Marion Cotillard

THIS. DRESS. I’ll say it again: this is one of the best red carpet looks of all time. What a gown to win your very first Oscar in.

Ellen Page

Ellen Page had an Oscar nom for her title role in Juno, and even though our Canadian girl didn’t win, she looked great in her vintage Jean-Louis Scherrer. And that long layered necklace was our go-to accessory in 2008, too.

Miley Cyrus

Miley was just 15 when she hit the Oscars red carpet for the first time, and how cute does she look in this Valentino? Totes age-approps.