What Was the Oscars Red Carpet Like 20 Years Ago? Revisit the 2006 Academy Awards

Let’s turn back the clock to March 2006: Jack Dorsey launches Twitter, V for Vendetta is in theaters, and everyone’s listening to the new Rascal Flatts album.

The 2006 Oscars red carpet is also a sign of the times. Take Keira Knightley, whose Vera Wang mermaid gown—rendered in burgundy taffeta and styled with a statement necklace—was the silhouette du jour. Charlize Theron certainly agreed; she opted for a sculptural, muted green gown courtesy of John Galliano’s Dior. Empire waistlines also ruled the carpet: Meryl Streep chose a regal Rogelio Velasco, while Jennifer Garner wore a flowing sequined Michael Kors number.

Still, the red carpet of yore featured looks that seem just as timely now as they did 20 years ago—beyond the litany of black tuxes. Lauren Hutton was cool as ever in a Saint Laurent suit with a cropped jacket, pom-pom-trimmed pants, and leather gloves, while Naomi Watts’s gauzy Givenchy dress would still wow us today.

Another constant? Vintage. While vintage today is something of an archival fashion arms race, it wasn’t nearly as competitive 20 years ago. Still, actors pulled some truly jaw-dropping pieces. Reese Witherspoon took home the best actress Oscar for Walk the Line in a 1957 Christian Dior dress, while Jennifer Lopez’s green Jean Dessès gown hailed from 1959.

Ahead of the 2026 Oscars on Sunday, revisit the 2006 red carpet—mermaid gowns, statement necklaces, and all.