The spotlight is on at the Golden Globe Awards, so whether attendees have a flair for fashion or just enjoy getting dolled up, what they wear matters.

Since 1944, Hollywood’s most talented stars have gathered in Beverly Hills to celebrate the year’s greatest achievements in film and television. They do so in high style, arriving in ensembles that push boundaries, establish new trends, and every now and then, leave audiences in awe. To honor the iconic and sometimes surprising choices of our favorite actresses, here’s a look back at some of the most memorable gowns and dresses in Golden Globe history.
Kate Hudson, 2002: The boho-chic star showed off her glamorous side in 2002 as she arrived in a sparkling Atelier Versace gown that plunged down to her naval. The sexy frock accentuated her curves and let everyone know that her California girl-next-door style only gets better with time.
Lara Flynn Boyle, 2003: This was one tiny dancer we’ll never forget. Her David Cardona ballerina pink tutu, prim bow, and lace-up shoes had fashion critics shocked and up in arms.
Diane Keaton, 2004: She won Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) that year, but Something’s Gotta Give with this ensemble. Paying homage to her signature menwear style, Keaton arrived in an all white ensemble, featuring a Nehru-collared duster coat with a tulle gown, long string of pearls, white gloves, and sequined boots.
Jennifer Aniston, 2004: Though we had to say goodbye to her “Friends” character, Rachel Green, in 2004, Aniston celebrated her last year with the gang in a black low-cut Valentino gown that, while simplistic, showed her audience America’s sweetheart was here to stay.
Nicole Kidman, 2005: Transforming an otherwise minimalist teal Gucci gown into a sartorial wonder, Nicole Kidman added a flourish of peacock feathers to one shoulder. She also carried a limited edition Bottega Veneta clutch that complemented the textured accent.
Scarlett Johansson, 2006: Scarlett Johansson sure knows how to make an impression. The blonde bombshell flaunted her famous assets in a curve-hugging, fiery-red Valentino gown that captured everyone’s attention, including Isaac Mizrahi’s who groped her on live television.
Reese Witherspoon, 2007: While others wear revealing and over-the-top numbers, Reese lit it up in a canary yellow Nina Ricci cocktail dress and red-hot Brian Atwood heels. Upon her separation with beau Ryan Phillippe that year, she amazed everyone debuting this sophisticated number that would leave any man weak in the knees.
Anne Hathaway, 2009: The “Les Misérables” actress has worn a number of unforgettable Golden Globes ensembles, but her 2009 gold Armani Privé takes the cake. Hathaway wowed the audience in gold sparkling sequined number that hugged her feminine silhouette flawlessly.
Jennifer Lopez, 2009: Notorious for her deep plunging necklines, Lopez played up her golden skin with a sexy barely-there number from Marchesa. The shimmery gilded gown was accompanied by Lorraine Schwartz jewels, which showed off her perfectly toned bod, making it one look we will never forget.
Angelina Jolie, 2011: In 2011, the Best Actress nominee shocked the nation in this sophisticated long-sleeved emerald green Atelier Versace gown featuring an open back. The dress was covered entirely in Swarovski crystals, and was accessorized with Salvatore Ferragamo heels and jewels by Robert Procop.
Emma Stone, 2011: Nominated for Best Actress (Musical or Comedy) that year, Emma Stone stepped onto the red carpet in an open-back peachy Calvin Klein dress that complemented her blonde locks and glowing tan. The “Easy-A” actress kept her look to a minimum with Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, displaying absolute sophistication at its finest.
Click here to see of the most memorable Golden Globes looks of all time.