Nicole Kidman was hardly a household name when she appeared at the 1997 Academy Awards. In fact, most of America knew her only as Mrs. Tom Cruise. But the Aussie actress held her own on the red carpet that night in a chartreuse Dior gown designed by John Galliano. The sleeveless dress, adorned with floral embroidery, was a departure from the pastel and primary colors that dominated awards shows at the time.
TIME's Feifei Sun and Claire Suddath pick the most unforgettable dresses ever to appear at the Academy Awards