28 FEBRUARY 2005

There was no shortage of glamour on the red carpet as a galaxy of Tinseltown's biggest stars donned their finest for this year's Academy Awards.

Strapless structured gowns with flowing fishtails were the choice of leading ladies such as Renee Zellweger and Charlize Theron, who were greeted with an explosion of flashbulbs when they sashayed up the red carpet. Renee looked radiant in a Carolina Herrera-designed scarlet gown with a trailing ruffled ivory trim and Cartier jewellery. And Charlize turned heads in Gone With The Wind-style Dior ruffles.

Another strapless wonder was Spanish sensation Penelope Cruz whose fabulous primrose yellow gown was topped off by a cheeky oversized bow.

Meanwhile, best supporting actress winner Cate Blanchett echoed the fishtail theme in her scene-stealing yellow silk Valentino with burgundy sash.

Backless gowns also figured amongst the Oscar's most memorable trends. Hilary Swank - looking a million dollar babe - donned a long-sleeved Guy Laroche dress in sapphire blue that highlighted her fabulous curves. Melanie Griffith followed suit making a bold fashion statement in a Versace gown with a sheer back panel.

Also drawing rapturous cheers from fans seated in the traditional red carpet grandstands were nominees Kate Winslet and Natalie Portman who opted for flowing Greek goddess-inspired gowns complete with plunging necklines. Kate went with a jewel-encrusted Badgley Mischka frock which reflected the popularity of blue both at the awards ceremony and on this season's catwalks.