28 FEBRUARY 2005

The days when only the girls dressed to impress for the Academy Awards are long since gone, and Hollywood's leading men didn't miss the chance to show off their fashion sense when they hit the red carpet on Sunday night.

Perhaps the most striking statement was the blue tux with black shawl collar worn by best actor nominee Johnny Depp. The Finding Neverland star, who coupled the outfit with a pair of two-tone glossy shoes, didn't reveal who was behind the ensemble, saying only that it had been made "locally".

There was no mystery as to the most popular designer of the evening, though. The inimitable Giorgio Armani may not have been in the running for any awards, but he had plenty to celebrate anyway after a series of big names wore his creations. Both best actor Jamie Foxx and best director Clint Eastwood were sporting his tuxedos when they took to the stage to receive their gongs.

Spanish hunk Antonio Banderas and director Martin Scorsese likewise turned to the silver-haired style guru for their sharply-cut outfits, while British movie veteran Jeremy Irons took a step back in time by opting for vintage Armani with a knee-length frock coat and frogbutton shirt.

Leonardo DiCaprio was playing it cool in understated Prada, but R&B star Usher made a characteristically dazzling impression in a white jacket and textured shirt. Last year's best supporting actor Tim Robbins also turned heads, with a little help from Versace and a peace symbol on his tie, but Troy heart-throb Orlando Bloom was looking rather more formal in a peak-lapelled tux and waistcoat.

There was also a touch of Savile Row on the red carpet, thanks to the Oswald Boateng numbers worn by Ray director Taylor Hackford and Hotel Rwanda's Don Cheadle. And the Big Apple was represented too, with New York native Sean Combs wearing one his own creations. Silver screen veteran Morgan Freeman was looking equally dashing in a black shirt and tux by Aussie designer Richard Tyler.