While it’s incredibly common to see naked dresses at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party, it’s much more rare to see a lot of skin (or the illusion of skin) at the Academy Awards itself. However, a few bold women have dared to bare all at the illustrious event over the years, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Cher, Halle Berry, Nicole Kidman, and others.
Cher, of course, is the godmother of the sheer trend. She walked so everyone else on this list could run. She infamously wore a revealing Bob Mackie creation to the 1988 Oscars, where she took home the Best Actress statue for Moonstruck. Scandalous, sheer, and headline-making, Cher’s gown instantly made fashion history. In later years, brands like Gucci, Dior, Alexander McQueen, and Armani Privé have designed see-through dresses for winners, nominees, and presenters attending the Academy Awards. Ahead of this year’s ceremony, which is on Sunday, March 15, 2026, let’s take a walk down memory lane with the most memorable naked dresses that have ever walked the Oscars red carpet.
Cher in Bob Mackie, 1988
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Bjork in Marjan Pejoski, 2001
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Lady Gaga in Versace, 2023
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Nicole Kidman in Armani Privé, 2017
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Jennifer Aniston in Atelier Versace, 2015
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Jennifer Lawrence in Dior, 2016
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Gwyneth Paltrow in Alexander McQueen, 2002
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Halle Berry in Elie Saab, 2003
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Rihanna in Bottega Veneta, 2023
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Charlize Theron in Gucci, 2004
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Halle Berry in Elie Saab, 2002
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé, 2014
(Image credit: Getty Images)