IT was a night of sparkles, pearls and washing-up gloves - and that was just the red carpet.

The annual Oscars celebration is the biggest night on the Hollywood calendar thanks to A-list stars and their emotional winners' speeches.

But forget the awards, because it's the fashion highs and lows we really want to talk about.

The best-dressed on the night was Reese Witherspoon, who looked stunning in an off-the shoulder Tom Ford gown with black velvet straps across her bust and waist.

She may have missed out on a Best Actress gong for Wild, but her dazzling earrings deserved a prize of their own.

Lupita Nyong'o, of 12 Years a Slave fame, opted for a pearl-encrusted Calvin Klein Collection dress which was simply stunning against the red carpet backdrop.

Best Actress winner Julianne Moore, who scooped her accolade for Still Alice, also flew the flag for the neutral-colour trend in a custom-made Chanel dress, which she said Karl Lagerfeld made especially for her.

A sleek chignon and deep red lipstick completed her sophisticated look.

Fifty Shades of Grey star Dakota Johnson brought some welcome colour to the event in a red Saint Laurent show-stopper.

Rosamund Pike, who was also nominated for Best Actress with Gone Girl, wore red in the form of a Givenchy strapless gown.

The risqué leg slit showed off the actress's gorgeous red sandals.

Risk taker Emma Stone looked sensational in lime-green Ellie Saab. The backless number was a bespoke design for the redhead.

Jessica Chastain, who was presenting an award at the ceremony, oozed elegance in a deep navy Givenchy gown.

Australian actress Naomi Watts won marks for choosing a daring metallic Armani gown, with a black bandeau style top underneath.

Never one to disappoint, veteran actress Meryl Streep stuck to her own style rules in a velvet maxi skirt, delicate camisole and to-die-for belt by Lanvin.

The best dressed man on the night had to be Bird Man star Michael Keaton, who never fails to impress in a well-cut suit and bow-tie.

However, not everyone looked their best.

Gwyneth Paltrow's sickly sweet pink Ralph and Russo dress had a corsage that made it look like a Sex and the City costume throwback.

Elsewhere on the red carpet, Brit star Keira Knightley's floaty number lacked character, while Felicity Jones' Alexander McQueen puffball creation was the wrong proportions and made her resemble a toilet roll cover.

The worst dressed of the night goes to Lady Gaga, who rocked up to the red carpet wearing red washing up gloves and a stiff Azzedine Alaia gown.

But what else would you expect from the woman who wore a raw meat dress?