It’s nice to know even potential Academy Award-winners weren’t always style icons but it’s funny what fame, fortune and an Oscar nomination can do for you (hint: it gives you an entire glam squad to prepare for an event).
Ahead of this year’s Oscars, we take a step back in time and check out what the nominees looked like on their first red-carpet outings – and, boy, they’ve come a looooong way!
Our personal favourite is home-grown hero Nicole Kidman’s unique accessory that she rocked in 1993 but click through the gallery and decide for yourself.
![](https://www.nowtolove.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/now/2017/02/23/1487821479727_Ryan1.jpg)
Photocalls in 2003 used to look like this for Ryan Gosling. He’s since gone all La La Land on us and we like it.
![](https://www.nowtolove.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/now/2017/02/23/1487821479693_Emma1.jpg)
While Emma Stone’s style was, er, Superbad in 2007, she’s making all the best dressed lists now.
Emma Stone on her ‘man voice’
![](https://www.nowtolove.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/now/2017/02/23/1487821479655_Andrew1.jpg)
Back in 2008, Andrew Garfield was the ultimate shy guy. Fast-forward eight years and he’s now as polished as an Oscar.
![](https://www.nowtolove.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/now/2017/02/23/1487821479705_Natalie1.jpg)
These days, Natalie Portman is swamped with movie offers. But back in 1994, the only thing swamping her was that oversized coat.
![](https://www.nowtolove.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/now/2017/02/23/1487821479689_Dev1.jpg)
Would you believe Dev Patel once rocked the red carpet in a cardigan? This 2009 look is a far cry from the suave star we’re now used to seeing.
![](https://www.nowtolove.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/now/2017/02/23/1487830492048_Denzel1.jpg)
Denzel Washington
The swag is real when it comes to Denzel Washington. But we don’t know what happened in 1986…
![](https://www.nowtolove.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/now/2017/02/23/1487821479696_Michelle1.jpg)
Judging by Michelle Williams expression, she wasn’t feeling the strapless number she wore in 1998. Luckily the Best Supporting Actress nominee has since found her stunning Pixie-inspired aesthetic.
![](https://www.nowtolove.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/now/2017/02/23/1487821479681_Casey1.jpg)
Jumpers on the red carpet are so 2002! Only suits will do now that Casey Affleck’s a leading man and a Best Actor nominee.
![](https://www.nowtolove.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/now/2017/02/23/1487821479714_Nicole1.jpg)
Bless Nicole Kidman for wearing a sun hat to an event in 1993. Well, her future was that bright so she needed it.
![](https://www.nowtolove.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/now/2017/02/23/1487830637349_Viola1.jpg)
Viola Davis
Thanks heavens Viola Davis realised that coats with the fur belong in 2002.