These Are the Most Head-Turning Hair Moments Debuted at the Oscars

With the 2020 Oscars in close reach, it's hard not to daydream about what exciting new looks will be debuted on the red carpet this year. But before we look forward, we want to look back and remember some of the best hairstyles in the history of the Academy Awards. Complete with side-swept curls, edgy new cuts, and groundbreaking bangs, the stars who have attended the Oscars have left us with more inspiration than we deserve. From Lupita Nyong'o's diamond-accented curls to Kate Winslet's faux bob, these 'dos are without a doubt worthy of an award.

Whether you're looking for a new style for a glam night out with the girls or you just want to appreciate some of the best hair days in history, take a look at the standout Oscars hair moments throughout the years. Just a fair warning: you might want to get your stylist on the phone now, because these looks are too good not to replicate.

Additional reporting by Jessica Cruel

01
Danai Gurira, 2018
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Danai Gurira, 2018

Black Panther actress Danai Gurira took her strength from the big screen and emulated it on the red carpet when she debuted this short hairstyle featuring a gorgeous white design. No matter what angle it was seen from, it looked equally as striking.

02
Rooney Mara, 2012
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Rooney Mara, 2012

Actress Rooney Mara's high-shine black updo featured straight-across bangs and a tight bun at the 2012 show. Notice how her dark hair looked extra sophisticated against her sheer white dress.

03
Andra Day, 2018
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Andra Day, 2018

Andra Day has had her share of hairstyle wins, but this 'do deserves an award of its own. Her slicked-back pony was expertly intertwined with delicate flowers that matched her playful dress to a T.

04
Jennifer Hudson, 2011
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Jennifer Hudson, 2011

Sleek and sexy, Jennifer Hudson's twisted ponytail gave her tangerine Versace gown an air of divine beauty on the 2011 red carpet.

05
Lupita Nyong'o, 2018
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Lupita Nyong'o, 2018

In a gilded crown, Lupita Nyong'o looked like royalty at the Oscars. Her intricate updo was intertwined with a bright gold hairpiece that perfectly complemented her entire ensemble.

06
Emma Stone, 2017
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Emma Stone, 2017

Emma Stone channeled her best Old Hollywood actress vibes when she sported this side-parted curly hairstyle. Her soft, full waves turned more than just a couple of heads, to say the least.

07
Amandla Stenberg, 2019
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Amandla Stenberg, 2019

Amandla Stenberg wished for fingerwaves with cornrows, and the outcome was dreamier than ever. Her low, twisted bun was the epitome of chic, making waves behind her perfectly swooped bangs.

08
Audrey Hepburn, 1954
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Audrey Hepburn, 1954

With a short, choppy pixie cut that almost stole the show, Audrey Hepburn accepted an Academy Award for best actress for her performance in Roman Holiday.

09
Reese Witherspoon, 2007
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Reese Witherspoon, 2007

Glam, chic, and totally tasteful, Reese Witherspoon opted for feathery bangs at the 2007 show and looked — per usual — effortlessly gorgeous.

10
Zendaya, 2018
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Zendaya, 2018

With not one flyaway in sight, Zendaya was an absolute vision with her tight ballerina bun on the red carpet. Not even her diamond earrings could distract us from her glamorous updo.

11
Angelina Jolie, 2009
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Angelina Jolie, 2009

The 81st annual Academy Awards were graced with luscious cascading curls, courtesy of Angelina Jolie. Her tousled half-up, half-down look was stylish, sexy, and something we could only wish to re-create.

12
Salma Hayek, 2017
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Salma Hayek, 2017

Actress Salma Hayek knows how to accessorize, as seen by her fabulous jewel-studded headband. With her hair parted straight down the middle and lightly curled, Hayek looked like nothing short of a bombshell.

13
Jennifer Lopez, 2012
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Jennifer Lopez, 2012

The taller the topknot, the better! Jennifer Lopez sported a sky-high, oversize ballerina bun at the Oscars, accentuating her lovely earrings and glam makeup.

14
Kerry Washington, 2016
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Kerry Washington, 2016

Edgy yet classy, Kerry Washington's tousled pony had just the right amount of volume and elegance needed to complete her 2016 look. With a volumized crown, this everyday look took on a much sexier feel.

15
Angelina Jolie, 2012
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Angelina Jolie, 2012

Although this was the year Angelina Jolie's leg got the most attention, we couldn't help but notice her casual and sexy waves. Sorry, leg, but these were way more important.

16
Chrissy Teigen, 2017
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Chrissy Teigen, 2017

Chrissy Teigen pulled her hair into a swirled bun to show off her low-back dress and dangly earrings on the red carpet. While some may have noticed her white cape, we couldn't take our eyes off her relaxed, glam hair.

17
Kerry Washington, 2014
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Kerry Washington, 2014

Actress Kerry Washington's half-up, half-down hairstyle showed off her high cheekbones and bright eyes with ease. Her tousled waves were full of volume, leaving her with a polished and sophisticated finished product.

18
Mila Kunis, 2011
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Mila Kunis, 2011

Mila Kunis stunned the 2011 show when she flaunted a twirly bun with loose finger waves and a deep side part.

19
Saoirse Ronan, 2018
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Saoirse Ronan, 2018

Saoirse Ronan's to-the-point sleek bob was as sharp and put-together as the actress herself. Her dark roots matched her perfectly sculpted brows, giving her whole look a feeling of balance.

20
Anne Hathaway, 2011
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Anne Hathaway, 2011

Anne Hathaway paired a glorious red Valentino dress with a swept-back low bun at the 2011 show. Lightly curled strands of highlighted hair effortlessly shaped her face to complete her look.

21
Winona Ryder, 1996
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Winona Ryder, 1996

Winona Ryder made a splash when she debuted these elegant finger waves in the '90s.

22
Jennifer Lawrence, 2018
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Jennifer Lawrence, 2018

Playful, fierce, and glamorous are just a few ways to describe Jennifer Lawrence's windblown curls. Her waves did the talking, even while competing with her bright red lipstick and sultry dress.

23
Emma Watson, 2014
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Emma Watson, 2014

Emma Watson paired a pulled-back hairstyle with sparkly star clips, giving her look an essence of sheer elegance and grace.

24
Beyoncé, 2015
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Beyoncé, 2015

Queen Bey rocked a short honey-colored bob on the red carpet at the 2015 show. Her large diamond necklace only brought more attention to her head-turning cut.

25
Emma Stone, 2018
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Emma Stone, 2018

Sleek and polished, Emma Stone had all eyes on her with this side-parted lob in 2018. Let's just say the glossy finish of her hair gave her satin blazer a run for its money.

26
Shailene Woodley, 2012
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Shailene Woodley, 2012

Shailene Woodley looked as flawless as ever when she arrived on the red carpet wearing a sleek, swirled bun and dangly crystal earrings.

27
Sandra Bullock, 2010
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Sandra Bullock, 2010

Complete with a soft, curled finish, Sandra Bullock's side-parted look was both elegant and timeless. Applause all around, please.

28
Andra Day, 2015
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Andra Day, 2015

Andra Day's billowing and beautiful curls gave her sharp cat eye and red lipstick a softer look on the red carpet in 2015. The style had a glamorous retro feel that made her look elegant and refined.

29
Halle Berry, 2002
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Halle Berry, 2002

Halle Berry won best actress for her performance in Monster's Ball, but she should've won an award for her fierce pixie cut, if you ask us.

30
Natalie Portman, 2005
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Natalie Portman, 2005

Actress Natalie Portman channeled major ballerina vibes when she finished off her '05 Oscars look with a sleek, dainty bun and dreamy jeweled headband.

31
Cher, 1983
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Cher, 1983

Complete with blue eye shadow and a shimmery dress, Cher rocked voluminous curls at the 1983 award show.

32
Sandra Bullock, 2012
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Sandra Bullock, 2012

With a pin-straight, glossy black ponytail, Sandra Bullock proved that pulled-back hair is just as classy, if not classier, than wearing it down. Enough said.

33
Charlize Theron, 2019
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Charlize Theron, 2019

In a bold and daring move, Charlize Theron dyed and cut her hair before the huge show. (It was no surprise to anyone that she looked absolutely stunning with her new cut and color.)

34
Jessica Chastain, 2013
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Jessica Chastain, 2013

Jessica Chastain looked as dreamy as can be when she settled for loose waterfall curls. Her beautiful hair color only made her 2013 look stand out even more.

35
Beyoncé, 2009
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Beyoncé, 2009

As if Beyoncé already couldn't do it all, the star showed us another one of her talents at the 2009 show: pulling off a tight and low pony. Now that is talent.

36
Lupita Nyong'o, 2014
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Lupita Nyong'o, 2014

Lupita Nyong'o accented her natural curls with a stunning 18-carat yellow-gold and diamond headband by Fred Leighton.

37
Lady Gaga, 2015
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Lady Gaga, 2015

Lady Gaga transformed her hair into a vase via a taut, wrapped low ponytail.

38
Sandra Bullock, 2013
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Sandra Bullock, 2013

Sandra Bullock went with a stick-straight style, which she glammed up with a diamond barrette right above the ear.

39
Olivia Wilde, 2016
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Olivia Wilde, 2016

The actress wore her hair in a plaited bun complete with a headband braid, which looked even more stunning thanks to her blond highlights.

40
Brie Larson, 2016
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Brie Larson, 2016

The Oscar winner punctuated her timeless half-up hairstyle with a gorgeous accessory from Jennifer Behr.

41
Gwyneth Paltrow, 2012
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Gwyneth Paltrow, 2012

The year Gwyneth Paltrow wore "the cape," she also sported this sleek yet voluminous low ponytail.

42
Michelle Williams, 2006
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Michelle Williams, 2006

Back when Michelle Williams had long blond hair, she wore her curls in this off-center chignon and added a bold crimson lip.

43
Jessica Alba, 2008
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Jessica Alba, 2008

Braids are actually a rare occurrence at the Oscars, but this double plait/chignon style on Jessica Alba was one to remember.

44
Kate Winslet, 2009
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Kate Winslet, 2009

Kate Winslet wore a version of the faux bob on the red carpet before it became a popular trend. This style has an architectural feel that will never go out of style.

45
Jennifer Aniston, 2009
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Jennifer Aniston, 2009

Jennifer Aniston added a minitwist to her long layers back in 2009. The braid was an exciting departure from her typical straight-hair looks.

46
Reese Witherspoon, 2011
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Reese Witherspoon, 2011

Nothing gets us more excited than a ponytail on the red carpet. Reese Witherspoon wore this formal, extralong pony back in 2011.

47
Emma Stone, 2012
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Emma Stone, 2012

Once you tear your eyes away from Emma Stone's oversize bow, you'll see an intricate updo worthy of an award.

48
Jennifer Lawrence, 2011
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Jennifer Lawrence, 2011

We hardly remember when Jennifer Lawrence had long blond locks, but this blowout was one hairstyle to go down in the Oscars history books.

49
Scarlett Johansson, 2011
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Scarlett Johansson, 2011

Beach waves at the Oscars? It totally worked for Johansson, who also wore an unexpected burnt-orange eye shadow that year.

50
Zendaya, 2015
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Zendaya, 2015

We loved Zendaya's ultralong half-up, half-down dreadlocks at the 2015 show.