MANILA, Philippines?The red carpet during the Oscars was populated by restrained, somber, and dark-hued gowns that echoed LA?s cloudy weather and the bitterness of the recently ended writer?s strike.

There were very few show-stoppers this year as stars paraded down in, sad to say, nondescript couture.

Laura Linney, Ellen Page, Olivia Thirby and then some were in various incarnations of the black gown that hardly left an impression.

Keri Rusell, on the other hand, looked like a prom queen, albeit a glowing one, in a creamy confection that didn?t echo the Hollywood vibe. Meanwhile, Kelly Preston aka Mrs. John Travolta wore a gown in an unflattering tangerine hue. Where are the stylists when you need them?

Thank God a handful of celebrities saved the day with their Hollywood-worthy looks. Cameron Diaz was the epitome of effortless style in a pale pink Dior by John Galliano bustier gown, Bulgari jewels, Roger Vivier clutch and minimal makeup. Penelope Cruz was as glamorous as ever in a Chanel Haute Couture navy feather embroidered gown accessorized with a Roger Vivier clutch and Chopard diamonds.

Jennifer Garner smoldered in a black silk taffeta Oscar de la Renta fishtail gown, Van Cleef & Arpels diamonds and Roger Vivier clutch, while Amy Adams turned heads in an emerald-green strapless Proenza Schouler gown and Fred Leighton diamonds.

Red also ruled the red carpet. Anne Hathaway went for a modern romantic look in a flowered and draped Marchesa gown, Harry Winston diamonds and a sleek ponytail, while Heidi Klum went for high drama in a John Galliano red silk taffeta Haute Couture stunner.

Fashion A-lister and best supporting actress Tilda Swinton wore a black Lanvin that?s far from your typical Oscar look. Best actress winner Marion Cotillard, meanwhile, donned a white Gaultier Paris Haute Couture gown, Chopard jewelry and a Daniel Swarovski clutch.

The Oscar awardees? fashion-forward choices gained both fashion fans and naysayers, as reporters and fashion watchers shared conflicting reviews and comments. But hey, it doesn?t really matter when you?ve won top honors, right?

Till next year then. See you at the movies!