Melissa Rivers Shares Her Favorite and Most Disappointing Celebrity Looks from the 2026 Oscars
The 2026 Oscars not only showcased remarkable films but also served as a platform for striking fashion statements. Melissa Rivers, a former star of Fashion Police and daughter of the late Joan Rivers, shared her insights on the evening’s standout styles shortly after the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Rivers praised actress Rose Byrne for her stunning look in a strapless gown designed by Jonathan Anderson for Dior. The dress, described as “absolutely breathtaking,” featured exquisite floral embroidery along the bodice and hem, paired with a graceful train. Byrne complemented her ensemble with a bold red lip and a Taffin choker necklace by James de Givenchy, which Rivers found to be a perfect match that didn’t overshadow the gown.
Teyana Taylor also drew praise, enchanting onlookers in a striking black-and-white Chanel gown adorned with crystal embroidery. The design featured a sheer panel that highlighted her sculpted abs, complemented by dramatic feather detailing from the hips down. Rivers remarked, “She actually looks like she’s having fun on the carpets and saving the best for last,” suggesting that Taylor aimed to make a memorable impression as awards season concluded.
Discussing the competition amongst top looks, Rivers stated, “You can’t even say which is better, it’s 1A and 1B. We’re gonna have to put them alphabetically because that’s how tight it is.” She further acknowledged Gwyneth Paltrow’s striking appearance in a strapless ivory silk Giorgio Armani Privé gown, characterized by a dramatic slit and sheer, sparkling fabric beneath. Rivers described Paltrow’s fashion choice as “minimal, chic, and then sideways … holy cow,” adding, “It was amazing.”
The night was also notable for Chanel, with Jessie Buckley making an elegant entrance in a light pink bustier chiffon dress accompanied by a red satin leather stole. While Rivers celebrated many fashion successes, she expressed her disappointments in the evening’s less successful styles from two actresses she typically admires.
Among the looks that fell short was Elle Fanning, who wore custom Givenchy by Sarah Burton. Rivers felt that Fanning appeared “washed out,” especially since she had sported a similar look throughout the awards season. “You disappointed me, because I expect so much from you,” Rivers remarked.
Kirsten Dunst was another disappointment for Rivers, who criticized the structural tiered dress she wore from Celine. Rivers explained, “It just didn’t work,” attributing the failure to its proportions and suggesting that the design ultimately fell flat.
As the 2026 Oscars wrapped up, it was clear that fashion was as significant an aspect of the evening as the awards themselves, leaving an impression that will resonate until the next ceremony.
