Oscars 2003: Subdued, But Still Glamorous

This year's 75th Annual Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on March 23 was a study in contrasts: while some stars opted for the usual glitz and glamour, others went with a more scaled down jewelry look in deference to the nation's solemn mood caused by the war with Iraq. And while diamonds were still a "girl's best friend" -- getting lots of attention for this, the "diamond jubilee" anniversary of the event -- splashes of color were everywhere.

On the muted side, some of Hollywood's biggest trendsetters chose to let their gowns do the talking, leaving lots of bare necks and earlobes. For instance, Best Actress nominee Renée Zellweger sported a red, backless, vintage-looking Carolina Herrera gown with no necklace or earrings -- just a 16-carat red ruby ring from vintage/estate jeweler Neil Lane on her left hand. Best Actress winner Nicole Kidman was elegant, understated and chic in a vintage asymmetrically harnessed black Gaultier gown and minimal jewelry. Last year's Best Actress winner Halle Berry accessorized her beaded, one-shoulder Elie Saab gold gown only with chocolate diamond stud earrings. Best Supporting Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones also went bare necked, as she matched her two-tone dark brown and black chiffon Versace gown with pink coral teardrop earrings from jeweler Fred Leighton. Julia Roberts accented her classic black halter style gown with a delicate gold necklace.

"My hormones are way too out of control to be dealing with this," said Catherine Zeta-Jones as she took home best supporting actress.

On the flashy side, Best Supporting Actress nominee Queen Latifah glistened in a $2.9 million diamond studded clutch bracelet, a $1.45 million cascading waterfall diamond necklace, and 12-carat diamond earrings from famed jeweler Harry Winston. Kathy Bates wore a stunning 27-carat Harry Winston necklace with her crimson Eric Gaskins gown. Tatum O'Neill and "My Big Fat Wedding" creator Nia Vardalos also had sizable diamond bracelets around their wrists. Hilary Swank's pink ballerina-style dress included a bold Bulgari diamond brooch at her waist. Even Joan Rivers, host of E!'s pre-Oscar telecast came more than prepared wearing a 75-carat, $5 million Harry Winston necklace.

For this year's telecast, the accessory of choice for Hollywood's glamour set seemed to be long, dangling earrings, replacing last year's big, gaudy necklaces. Numerous A-list actresses sported the style, including Jennifer Lopez with her custom-made, shoulder-length green diamond chandeliers from Fred Leighton worth $250,000; Kate Hudson, who wore 43 carats of diamonds on her Leighton chandeliers worth $200,000; Zeta-Jones with her Leighton-made, vintage coral drops accented with sapphires and diamonds worth about $18,000; Best Actress nominee Diane Lane with her pink coral and diamond drop earrings from Leighton worth $75,000; Best Actress nominee Salma Hayek with her $67,500 Harry Winston diamond drops; and Best Supporting Actress nominee Julianne Moore with her dazzling Boucheron emerald drop earrings.

Vintage jewelry looks were another noticeable trend, building on the momentum of Chicago. More than a few stars outfitted themselves with one-of-a-kind, jazz age baubles to recreate old-style Hollywood glamour, pay homage to the event's rich history and revisit a past more comforting than the uncertainty of today's world. This included the many Art Deco chandelier earrings and big, bold diamond line bracelets seen at the event. Best Supporting Actress nominee Meryl Streep was a prime example, departing from her usual subdued style with an elaborate, early 20th century Fred Leighton necklace with emeralds and diamonds in a leaf pattern valued at about $150,000. Meanwhile, Jennifer Garner opted for a vintage diamond bracelet and diamond hoop earrings from Neil Lane.

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