Oscars Red Carpet: Modern's Facebook Fans' Favorites
Rooney Mara, Milla Jovovich and more Oscars stars get high marks from readers
by Jessica Galliart
February 28, 2012
4 min to read
At this point in the annual awards season, it's usually pretty clear who the front-runners are and are going to be with each new red carpet. And although the usual suspects did, in fact, bring their A-game with edgy and elegant styles, a few best-dressed newcomers surprised us, and Modern's Facebook fans, with their head-turning looks. Here are a few of the most-liked 'dos spotted on the 2012 Oscars red carpet, according to social media.
Viola Davis
At first glance, it might be difficult to identify this award-winning actress who switched up her usual look for her first Academy Awards appearance (after being nominated for Best Actress). But Viola Davis told InStyle magazine she’s flirting with the idea of leaving her wigs at home and donning her natural hair more often, as suggested by her husband. “He said, ‘If you want to wear it for your career, that’s fine, but in your life wear your hair. Step into who you are!’ It’s a powerful statement.” Modern’s Facebook fans commented on her new ‘do, pleasantly surprised:
Ad Loading...
“WOW - I didn't even recognize her at 1st with her hair like this. I LOVE that she wore her hair natural,” -Lauren E. Thompson.
Ellie Kemper
Another starlet who we did a double-take for? “Bridesmaids” and “The Office” co-star Ellie Kemper with her new, much heavier fringe. This the first time we’ve seen Ellie really shine on the red carpet, and the combination of her bangin’ blunt fringe and a stunning gown made her a hit with our Facebook fans:
“Gorgeous hair, gorgeous dress, gorgeous colors for hair & dress!” –Jane Kelly
“love that heavy fringe!!!!” –Chelsea Soudipour
Ad Loading...
Rooney Mara
The “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” star didn’t disappoint with her now signature edgy style. Her straight-as-an-arrow fringe and pop of a red lip contrast with her flowy white gown in the best way possible, creating an oddly romantic overall look. What did our Facebook fans say?
“I love everything about this look. Think I am a bit biased though because I love the heavy bang look. Her choice of dress was perfect. Think this is my favorite of the night.” – Steph Hunt
“fresh and edgy , love it !” –Ewa Frye
Milla Jovovich
Sultry, much? Noone does it quite like Milla Jovovich. The TK star brought her A-game to the Oscars red carpet with a classically chic gown paired with an old Hollywood hairstyle that stayed put throughout the evening. “Sexy,” “Best dressed” and “Perfect” were among the ways Milla’s look was described on Facebook on Sunday evening:
“My Fave pick of the night!!” –Lori Fangmeier
“Absolutely beautiful! Just perfection. The dress, hair, makeup, jewelry, shoot even the bag. Just perfect.” –Susan Deters
Ad Loading...
Emma Stone
The jury may still be out on Emma Stone’s oversized bow, but most seem to be in agreement that “The Help” star’s hair and makeup were both flattering and befitting of her irresistible and universally likeable personality. Soft, subtle with a few slight twists in the form of a low-placed bun. Emma’s bright red bow may have been the center of attention, but Modern Facebook fans were still focused on her lovely hairstyle:
“Love Emma and this look” –Jayne Thompson-Chillo
“I love this, fits her personality.” –Steph Hunt
Jessica Chastain
Ad Loading...
Emma Stone's "The Help" co-star was a favorite on the red carpet for her bold gown choice, but her half-updo helped to pull the entire look together effortlessly. Not only does her red color blend beautifully with her gown, but her piecy waves swept away from her face let her natural-esque makeup and bare decolletage lead the way. Our Facebook fans said:
"love her hair color with this dress!" -Bianca Seymour
"She cleans up well." -Vicki Smith Guffey
Michelle Williams
Well, of course Michelle Williams made the list. She's been a reoccurring figure on all of this awards season's best-dressed lists and has been on our radar for quite a while for her lovely close crop. But the Best Actress nominee really won over stylists with this combination of her bright golden hue--previously a bit on the warmer side at past awards shows--and her flirty red gown. The styling of her 'do was also a bit different at the Oscars, a bit more mussed to the side than we've seen before. Check out what Modern's Facebook fans said:
Ad Loading...
"absolutely adorable and fresh as a daisy!" -Christine Ruggaber-Wood
"The color of her dress is simply stricking! Love the whole look." -Shar Turner
The best look on the 2012 Oscars red carpet was ________. Fill in the blank over on Modern's Facebook page at facebook.com/modernsalon.
Celebrating 60 years in haircare, Dippity-Do is honoring its styling heritage with its Girls with Curls collection, a reimagined Light Hold Gelée inspired by the brand's original 1965 styling gel.
Covet & Mane has expanded its Pro Color System with the launch of Color Boost Drops, completing what the company says is the first professional color system engineered specifically for hair extensions.
The 2026 Beauty Changes Lives Legacy Award has been awarded to Sam Villa for his trailblazing contribution, advocacy and mentorship that has profoundly transformed and elevated the professional beauty industry.
Curl Cult founder Janine Jarman, a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, and product creator, is opening a community investment round that gives hairdressers and clients the opportunity to own a stake in the company they helped grow.
Aura Salonware is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients. This first-time scholarship in partnership with the Professional Beauty Association awarded three different scholarships to support beauty professionals at every point in their professional journey.
SalonCentric has announced its expansion into Alaska, marking the distributor’s presence across all 50 states and bringing additional access to professional beauty products, education and business support to licensed salon professionals in the region.
Though their Astronaut of Hope collection of brushes and clips, ERGO Styling Tools raises $33,000 to support HairToStay, the first and only national nonprofit dedicated to making scalp cooling treatments affordable for cancer patients.
At the America’s Beauty Show press conference—hosted in collaboration with Cosmetologists Chicago—these standout professionals were recognized for their contributions to the industry.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
amika's new Stylist Circle is a community-first model designed to reflect and support the full spectrum of today's working stylists. Find out how you can join.