Oscars 2012 Fashion Highlights: Angelina Jolie’s Leg and More

The Oscars are always a big deal, and the 2012 ceremony was no exception. Held on February 26 at the Hollywood & Highland Center, the 84th Academy Awards brought out the stars for a night of celebration, with "The Artist" taking home five awards, including Best Picture. Living in Europe, I had to wrestle with the time zone difference from the US, so I caught the event in bits and pieces rather than watching it live. The highlights, though, were more than enough to keep me hooked. It’s not just about the awards—seeing talent get recognized is great—but the red carpet fashion is what really draws me in. This year, Angelina Jolie’s leg pose stole the show, and stars like Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Ian Somerhalder, Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, and Emma Stone brought their own style to the night. Let’s dive into the fashion highlights that made it unforgettable.

The Oscars are known for spotlighting the year’s best films, and was a strong lineup. "The Artist," a silent black and white film, swept up awards like Best Director for Michel Hazanavicius and Best Actor for Jean Dujardin, proving that old school storytelling still has a place in Hollywood. Other nominees like Brad Pitt for "Moneyball" and George Clooney for "The Descendants" kept the night buzzing with star power, even if they didn’t win the top prizes. Hosted by Billy Crystal, the ceremony had a classic feel, but the red carpet was where the real drama unfolded. Fashion at the Oscars isn’t just about looking good—it’s about making a statement, and it delivered some moments that people still talk about today.

Angelina Jolie’s appearance was the standout of the night, hands down. She walked the red carpet in a black Atelier Versace gown that was sleek and strapless, with a thigh high slit on the right side. It was a simple design on paper, but the way she wore it turned it into something else entirely. During the ceremony, while presenting the Adapted Screenplay award, she struck a pose that thrust her right leg out of the slit, angled just so, with a hand on her hip. The crowd went wild, and the internet exploded. That moment spawned a Twitter account, @AngiesRightLeg, which racked up thousands of followers overnight, tweeting things like “I’m a leg, not a prop!” It became a meme, a cultural touchstone, and arguably the most talked about thing from the entire event—more than any award or speech. Donatella Versace later said she didn’t know the dress would become “fantastic” until Angelina wore it, and that leg pose sealed its place in fashion history. Black gowns and slits owe a debt to that night—it’s the kind of impact that changes red carpet trends for years.

Jolie’s look wasn’t just about the pose, though. The dress itself was stunning—velvet, structured, and paired with Neil Lane jewelry and a Jaime Mascaro clutch. She kept her makeup minimal and her hair in loose waves, letting the gown and that bold stance do the talking. It was classic Angelina—elegant with an edge—and it showed why she’s a red carpet legend. She was there with Brad Pitt, nominated for Best Actor, and their power couple status only amplified the moment. The leg pose got mocked too—Jim Rash, co winner for "The Descendants," mimicked it on stage—but it didn’t overshadow her. If anything, it proved her star power could turn a simple outfit into a global conversation.

Tom Cruise was another highlight, bringing his signature style to the night. He presented the Best Picture award, closing out the ceremony, and looked every bit the leading man in a Tom Ford tuxedo. It was black, satin peaked lapels, tailored to perfection—nothing flashy, just sharp and timeless. His hair was slicked back, and he had that effortless cool that’s made him a red carpet staple for decades. There’s something about the way he wears a suit that feels both classic and modern, and this year was no different. He didn’t need bold colors or wild patterns to stand out—his presence did the work. It’s why he’s always a favorite of mine to watch at these events; he knows how to keep it chic without trying too hard.

David Beckham brought a different kind of flair to the Oscars scene, showing up at the Vanity Fair afterparty. He wasn’t at the main ceremony, but the post show parties are just as big for fashion, and he didn’t disappoint. He wore a dark grey suit, likely from a designer like Giorgio Armani or his own brand, paired with a crisp white shirt and a slim tie. The fit was impeccable—tailored to his athletic build—and he kept it simple with polished black shoes. His hair was styled in that iconic swept back look he was rocking around that time, adding a touch of swagger. Victoria Beckham was there too, in a sleek gown from her own line, but David’s understated elegance stood on its own. He’s not an actor, but he fit right in with Hollywood’s elite, proving his fashion game is as strong off the pitch as it is on.

Ian Somerhalder turned heads at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Viewing Party, another key Oscars night event. He went with an Armani suit—dark, probably charcoal or black—with a white shirt and no tie, giving it a relaxed yet polished vibe. His hair was tousled just right, and that brooding charm he’s known for from "The Vampire Diaries" came through. He was there with Nina Dobrev, who wore a J. Mendel gown, but her black dress and makeup didn’t impress me as much—it felt too plain for the occasion. Ian, though, looked his usual best. He’s got a knack for balancing casual and classy, and this suit hit the mark. It wasn’t over the top, but it was sharp enough to make him one of the night’s style winners in my book.

Jennifer Lopez brought serious glamour to the red carpet, presenting an award in a Zuhair Murad gown that was pure Hollywood dazzle. The dress was silver, with a plunging neckline and sheer long sleeves, hugging her curves in all the right places. It had a dipped back too, adding extra drama, and she paired it with Lorraine Schwartz earrings that looked like they weighed a ton—in a good way. Her hair was piled into a high bun, keeping the focus on the gown’s intricate design. Some worried about a wardrobe slip during the show, but she pulled it off flawlessly. Later, at the Vanity Fair party, she switched into another Murad dress—cream, just as revealing—and looked even better. J Lo knows how to make an entrance, and it was a reminder of her red carpet prowess. Both looks were bold, sexy, and unforgettable.

Cameron Diaz had a different approach, and honestly, it left me wanting more. She wore a Gucci Premiere gown to the main event—off white, strapless, with ruching and a fishtail hem. It was tight and showed off her figure, but it felt too safe. Her short, blunt cut platinum hair added some edge, but the dress itself lacked that umph factor I was hoping for. She’s got this vibrant energy, and I thought she’d go bigger for the Oscars. At the Vanity Fair party, she changed into a Victoria Beckham design—a bright orange dress that was more playful—but it still didn’t wow me. Cameron’s beautiful, no doubt, but her choices were ordinary compared to the night’s bolder looks. I kept thinking a pop of color or some standout detail could’ve elevated it.

Emma Stone, though, was a breath of fresh air. She wore a Giambattista Valli gown in a fire engine red that popped against the carpet. It was sleeveless, with a huge bow tied at the neck—almost as big as her head—and a flowing skirt that added some drama. On the red carpet, she admitted she wasn’t sure about the color, joking it was like a pomegranate fruit, but she pulled it off with confidence. The bright hue suited her, and the bow gave it a quirky, youthful twist. She was there for "The Help," nominated for Best Picture, and her look felt like a celebration of that. It wasn’t subtle, but it was pretty and memorable, landing her on plenty of best dressed lists. Emma’s got a knack for standing out without overcomplicating things, and this was a perfect example.

The night wasn’t just about these stars, of course. Others made waves too. Gwyneth Paltrow wore a white Tom Ford gown with a cape detail—simple, elegant, and a preview of his Fall collection. Meryl Streep, who won Best Actress for "The Iron Lady," shimmered in a gold Lanvin dress that matched her trophy. Viola Davis stunned in a custom emerald Vera Wang gown, going wig free and embracing her natural hair. Jessica Chastain’s black Alexander McQueen with gold brocade was a showstopper, paired with $2 million in Harry Winston jewels. These looks added to the night’s glamour, but Jolie’s leg, Cruise’s chic, Beckham’s cool, Somerhalder’s edge, Lopez’s dazzle, Diaz’s safe play, and Stone’s bold red are what I keep coming back to.

The awards themselves were a mix of expected and surprising. "The Artist" took Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Original Score, and Best Costume Design—a clean sweep for a film that charmed voters with its silent film throwback. Jean Dujardin’s win over Pitt and Clooney was a highlight, his speech full of French flair. Meryl Streep’s upset over Viola Davis for Best Actress was another big moment, her third Oscar after a long gap. Christopher Plummer won Best Supporting Actor for "Beginners" at 82, setting a record, and Octavia Spencer took Best Supporting Actress for "The Help." The night had its laughs too—Billy Crystal’s opening medley poked fun at the nominees, and the Cirque du Soleil performance wowed the crowd. But fashion kept stealing the spotlight.

Angelina’s leg pose wasn’t the only thing that went viral. The meme culture kicked in fast—her stance was photoshopped into everything from movie posters to historical photos. It was silly, but it showed how one red carpet moment could dominate the conversation. Jim Rash’s onstage imitation, with his Oscar in hand, added to the fun, though he later said it was spontaneous, not planned. The buzz drowned out some of the awards chatter—people were tweeting about that slit more than "The Artist"’s wins. It’s a reminder of how the Oscars blend film and fashion into a cultural juggernaut, where a dress can outshine a statuette.

For the men, Tom Cruise’s Tom Ford tuxedo was the gold standard. It’s hard to mess up a black suit, but he made it look exceptional with that perfect fit and quiet confidence. David Beckham’s grey suit at the Vanity Fair party was a close second—less formal than the ceremony looks but just as stylish. Ian Somerhalder’s Armani choice worked because it was laid back yet sharp, fitting the party vibe. Pitt and Clooney were dapper too—Brad in Tom Ford, George in Armani—but Cruise, Beckham, and Somerhalder had that extra something for me. The men’s fashion was less risky than the women’s, but it didn’t need to be. A well cut suit can say plenty, and these guys proved it.

Jennifer Lopez’s double dose of Zuhair Murad was a masterclass in glamour. The silver gown at the ceremony was dramatic enough, but the cream dress at the afterparty took it up a notch. Both had that plunging, curve hugging style she’s known for, and the switch showed her versatility—sexy in two different ways. Cameron Diaz’s Gucci Premiere gown didn’t grab me the same way. It was fine—cream, strapless, fishtail—but it felt like a missed opportunity. Her orange Victoria Beckham party dress was livelier, but still not a knockout. Emma Stone’s red Valli gown, though, was a winner—bright, bold, and fun. That bow could’ve been too much, but she made it work with her charm.

The pre parties and afterparties added to the fashion story. Elton John’s event at West Hollywood Park raised over $5 million for his AIDS Foundation, and the looks there—like Somerhalder’s suit—kept the night going. The Vanity Fair bash at Sunset Tower was the place to be after the show, with Beckham, Lopez, and Diaz switching up their outfits. Wolfgang Puck catered the Governors Ball, serving up smoked salmon and caviar, while stars mingled in their finery. These events extend the Oscars’ glamour, giving more chances to see standout style.

This year fashion matched the films’ impact. "The Artist"’s wins were well deserved—a love letter to cinema’s past—but the red carpet was all about the present. Angelina Jolie’s leg became the night’s defining image, a moment of pure star power. Tom Cruise’s chic tux, David Beckham’s cool suit, Ian Somerhalder’s sharp look, Jennifer Lopez’s dazzling gowns, Cameron Diaz’s safe picks, and Emma Stone’s bold red—they all shaped the story. It’s why I love the Oscars: the mix of talent and style, captured in moments that stick with you. Jolie’s slit might’ve started it, but the whole night was a fashion highlight reel worth revisiting.