In the days leading up to the 88th Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 28, we’ll take a look at our rich Academy Award history by sharing from our 20th Century Fox Archives.
Awards season is upon us, which means spectacular clothes! After receiving a couple requests for photography from the Academy Awards, I couldn’t help but share a few of my favorite ensembles.
1941 Academy Awards (honoring films released in 1940)
I’m loving Jane Darwell’s tiered fringe and dramatic orchid corsage. (She won Best Supporting Actress for her role in “The Grapes of Wrath” that evening.)
1948 Academy Awards (honoring films released in 1947)
Here’s Loretta Young successfully pulling off some exuberant ruffles and pleats with a satin finish. In her acceptance speech, she described herself as “dressed for the stage, just in case.” (She won Best Actress for her role in “The Farmer’s Daughter.” Fredric March, pictured, was the presenter.)
1949 Academy Awards (honoring films released in 1948)
In my opinion, there’s no classier accessory than lace gloves, worn here by both Susan Hayward and Arlene Dahl. (Susan Hayward accepted the Oscar on behalf of Hein Heckroth and Arthur Lawson for Best Art Direction and Set Direction in color for “The Red Shoes.” Arlene Dahl presented for this category.)
1954 Academy Awards (honoring films released in 1953)
Charles LeMaire and Emile Santiago (in the middle) won Best Costume Design (Color) for “The Robe.” On either side of LeMaire and Santiago are Gene Tierney (right) wearing an undulating cape that would make ocean waves jealous and a model wearing a classically draped dress inspired by the costume designs of “The Robe.”
1959 Academy Awards (honoring films released in 1958)
Not to be outshined (literally), this is my favorite ensemble, worn by Jayne Mansfield. Save for the fur stole, I am all about the lamé dress, matching heeled sandals and metallic fishnet sleeves.
The Fox Archives is mandated to collect, catalog, preserve and make accessible the following assets of the 20th Century Fox studios: props, set decoration, photographs, art department and publicity materials from our film and television productions, and from the 20th Century Fox studio itself. We work primarily with internal Fox groups but also from time to time with outside organizations such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry.
