A lot goes into choosing the perfect look for a red carpet as important as the Oscars [1]. It's Hollywood's biggest night of the year, after all. Over the years, we've seen our fair share of absolutely stunning Oscars gowns [2], from Jennifer Lawrence [3]'s Dior princess gown in 2013 to Zoe Saldana's purple Givenchy number in 2013. We've truly seen a bit of everything [4] from the big screen's leading ladies — including some who have shown up in gowns that, while stunning, reminded us a whole lot of a gown that another actress wore already. Take a spin through the gallery to see the few times this happened, and then take a peek at what we think the actresses will show up in this year [5].
Reese Witherspoon, 2016
Reese showed up to the 2016 Academy Awards in this beautiful purple Oscar de la Renta dress. She paired the strapless floor-length dress with Tiffany & Co. jewels. The boning in the bodice nipped in at her waist but flowed out into a stunning trumpet shape to show off her curves.
Tina Fey, 2016
The very same year [7], Tina walked the red carpet in a strikingly similar strapless purple gown. Her Versace number also nipped in at the waist to show off her figure, though her dress is a bit more flowy than Reese's. Tina paired her purple dress with Bulgari jewels and opted to wear her hair up instead.
Jennifer Lopez, 2015
For the 2015 Oscars, Jennifer wowed in this dreamy Elie Saab gown [8]. From the sparkles to the plunging neckline, the dress had a bit of everything. The blush-coloured tulle gown is truly unforgettable.
Gina Rodriguez, 2018
Gina's 2018 Oscars dress [9] bore a striking resemblance to Jennifer's 2015 one. From the colour to the neckline and sparkles, Gina's Zuhair Murad gown had many of the same elements as Jennifer's Gina, however, belted her dress to give it that little something extra.
Gwyneth Paltrow, 2012
Gwyneth rocked up to the red carpet in this flawless Tom Ford dress in 2012. The white column dress and matching cape were both simple and elegant, especially when paired with her slicked-back hair.
Karlie Kloss, 2017
Karlie's 2017 Academy Awards dress [10] looked so familiar as soon as she hit the red carpet. Her white Stella McCartney column gown may not have had quite the full cape that Gwyneth's dress did, but the shape is all the same. Karlie accented her dress, though, with her blue ACLU ribbon.
Renée Zellweger, 2004
In 2004, Renée wore a Winter white Carolina Herrera dress to accept her Oscar for best supporting actress in Cold Mountain. The figure-hugging dress had a large bow and train in the back, which Renée couldn't help but keep showing off.
Saoirse Ronan, 2018
Saoirse's 2018 dress had a similar silhouette to Renée's 2004 look. Saoirse's custom pink Calvin Klein by Appointment dress [11] had a giant bow and train in the back, just like Renée's. And just like Renée, she couldn't help but show off the back [12].
Catherine Zeta-Jones, 2003
Catherine took home the Oscar in 2003 for her role in Chicago and she did so while in a beautiful black Versace gown. The pregnant actress looked chic in this flowy silhouette with a sweet strap and sleeve combination.
Rachel Weisz, 2006
The year Rachel took home the Academy Award for her role in The Constant Gardener, she wore a similar flowing black Narciso Rodriguez gown. She was pregnant with her first child at the time, and this gorgeous floor-length dress cascaded right over her baby bump and showed it off in a precious way. The dress's sleeves were reminiscent of Catherine's, with their strap and sleeve combo.
Nicole Kidman, 2007
Wearing red on a red carpet can be tricky, but not for Nicole. Her 2007 Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière red gown still popped out from the crowd. The sleek silhouette was accented by an oversize bow at her neck with a thin train cascading away from it. It was simply stunning from top to bottom.
Emma Stone, 2012
We still can't quite tell if Emma's 2012 Oscars dress was red or reddish pink, but nevertheless, it's quite like Nicole's from 2007. Emma's Giambattista Valli gown had a bit of a different silhouette from Nicole's — Emma's had a noticeable waistband and more pronounced skirt — but Emma, too, had an oversize bow at her neck as an accent.
Charlize Theron, 2005
The year after winning her own Oscar, Charlize returned to the award show in this John Galliano for Christian Dior gown. The bodice was fitted, subtly pale blue, and strapless but had all the drama in the skirt. It was massively ruffled and extended four feet behind her.
Amy Adams, 2013
Amy's 2013 dress brought all the same drama as Charlize's from 2005. The pale silver Oscar de la Renta gown that Amy chose also had a strapless, fitted bodice with a dramatic skirt. Amy's was full of ruffles and flowed right into a train as well.
Rita Moreno, 1962
In 1962, Rita took home the Oscar for her role in West Side Story. That year, she wore this stunning black and gold gown that matched her trophy. According to The New York Times, the dress was created in Manila, Philippines, and the skirt was made from a single piece of obi fabric, which is traditionally used to make kimonos [13].
Rita Moreno, 2018
Leave it to Rita to show up to the Oscars 56 years later in the same exact dress! She had her dress from the '60s altered slightly to be strapless for the modern award show and wore it with long black gloves like she did originally but added a chunky necklace and black headband.
Kate Winslet, 2002
Kate chose an elegant red column gown from London-based designer Ben de Lisi. The custom dress fell just to the floor and was accented with a one-shoulder flower garland that added just a hint of excitement.
Katherine Heigl, 2008
Katherine's 2008 Escada gown was a bit similar to Kate's earlier look. Katherine's red floor-length gown was more fitted in the waist and had a train that Kate's didn't, but the one-shoulder accent gave us a bit of deja vu, not to mention the vibrant shade similarity.