Best Dressed: Cate Blanchett

Whether or not you tuned in to watch the 83rd annual Academy Awards this Sunday or not, you have most likely seen a flood of photos documenting the red carpet hits and misses. One thing is for sure, though: Purple was the color of the night. From the delightfully delicate violet of Mila Kunis’ Elie Saab Haute Couture ensemble to the rich, dark plum of Natalie Portman’s flowing Rodarte gown, no shade of purple was off-limits.

So, who wore it best? Cate Blanchett, of course! When Cate stepped onto the red carpet, heads turned and a chorus of clicks filled the air as photographers tried to capture her in all of her goddess-like glory.

The Oscars is not only a celebration of film: It’s also a time for audiences to celebrate fashion. That being said, “playing it safe” is not a requirement when it comes to picking out an Oscar-worthy gown. This beautiful gown, courtesy of Givenchy Haute Couture (Spring/Summer 2011), is a perfect fit for Cate: The pale violet complements Cate’s pale skin, while her short bob allows for the beaded, structured shoulders of the bodice to take center stage.

This choice of gown–coupled with the long list of red-carpet successes Cate has had in the past–firmly places Cate in the ranks of this generation’s most cherished fashion icons.

Photography: Michael Caulfield/WireImage.