With the Academy Awards coming up on Sunday, April 25, we've been thinking about some of our favorite Oscars fashions of all time and realized that some of the most beautiful gowns to grace the red carpet have been worn by pregnant celebrities. There's definitely something particularly gorgeous about a dressed-up baby bump, and a slew of stunning Hollywood moms have embraced the Oscars as an opportunity to show off their pregnant bellies in the prettiest designer and couture gowns.
To name a few, Chrissy Teigen, Kerry Washington, Natalie Portman, and Ciara have stepped out on the Oscars red carpet in some of the most incredible fashions we've ever seen, pregnant or not. Of course, it helps that they all have high-end designers on speed dial, willing to custom fit their gowns to their growing figures and make last-minute adjustments. But still, it's fun to see glowing pregnant women all decked out and glamorous for one of the year's biggest events in entertainment.
We're not sure which pregnant celebs will attend the Oscars this year or what the red carpet will look like, but for now, we're happy to take a look back at 20 memorable times when pregnant celebs flaunted their baby bumps on the Oscars red carpet in years past. See some of our faves.
Kerry Washington
Actress and activist Kerry Washington was a stunner in a strapless gunmetal gown by Jason Wu at the Oscars in 2014. The satin fabric draped beautifully around her belly, and her half-up/half-down hairstyle perfectly showed off her healthy pregnancy tresses. A bold lip and sparkly stilettos completed the look.
Chrissy Teigen
In 2016, Chrissy Teigen basically wore the same kind of gown we would have expected from her when not pregnant — she wasn't letting her pregnancy cramp her style. Her embellished mesh gown by designer Keren Craig was glamorous and ultra-feminine. It fit her to a T, perfectly flattering her baby bump.
Ciara
In 2020, singer Ciara stepped out at the Vanity Fair Oscar party in a custom Ralph & Russo gown, just two weeks after she and NFL star Russell Wilson announced that they were expecting their third child together. The insanely fit performer looked toned and healthy as she cradled her belly in the sheer and sparkly black gown.
Ciara, Again
Ciara and Russell Wilson also attended the Vanity Fair Oscar party when she was pregnant in 2017, and she looked drop-dead gorgeous in a bordeaux-colored, long-sleeved velvet gown by Jovani Couture. Between the dress's cleavage-baring cut and her hair worn long around her shoulders, she totally gave us fertility goddess vibes.
America Ferrera
Also wearing a deep red gown, actress and director America Ferrera looked stunning pregnant with her second child on the Oscars red carpet in 2020. A nominee for the animated film How To Train Your Dragon, she attended the awards ceremony in an Alberta Ferretti gown that was designed to honor her indigenous ancestors.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Model Rose Huntington-Whitely still looked beyond svelte when she attended the Vanity Fair party with her partner, action star Jason Statham, while pregnant with their son, Jack. Her silver Versace gown had a glamorous Old Hollywood vibe — it was such a knockout look that it was no surprise she topped the best-dressed lists.
Emily Blunt
Actress Emily Blunt wore the palest pink Prada gown to the Oscars in 2016, and the bejeweled dress looked both elegant enough for the red carpet and cozy enough to keep Emily's baby bump comfy all evening long. She was literally glowing and looked like the most gorgeous mom-to-be.
Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway is a statuesque beauty whether she's pregnant or not, and she proved just that at the Vanity Fair Oscar party in a sheer black gown detailed with paillettes. The gown had a sleek vintage vibe and it showed off her baby bump in a subtle but very fashionable way.
Olivia Wilde
Actress and filmmaker Olivia Wilde went retro on the Oscars red carpet in 2014. Pregnant at the time, she chose a sleek black gown by Valentino to swathe her baby bump. The high-necked gown looked simple from the front but featured a stunning open back with a striking white train that amped up the look quite a bit.
Elsa Pataky
Actor Chris Hemsworth's wife, Elsa Pataky, fully embraced her massive baby bump on the Oscars red carpet in 2014. She wore a sparkly aqua-blue gown by Elie Saab that totally highlighted her pregnancy shape and the fact that she was quite close to her due date. She was expecting twins, so her bump size isn't surprising.
Jenna Dewan
Actress and dancer Jenna Dewan looked picture-perfect on the Oscars red carpet with then-husband Channing Tatum when she was pregnant in 2013. She wore a classic black lace gown by designer Rachel Roy, featuring a plunging neckline and delicate cap sleeves. The dress was fitted enough to accentuate her belly rather than camouflage it.
Amy Adams
Actress Amy Adams was a vision in royal blue at the 2010 Academy Awards. She wore a beautiful satin Alberta Ferretti goddess gown. The fabric hugged her baby bump perfectly, and she looked so joyful and happy. The entire look was very glamorous while still being flattering.
Glenn Close
Actress Glenn Close looked like the coolest pregnant mama ever at the Academy Awards way back in 1988. She wore a short draped metallic dress that perfectly embodied the punk-rock style that was popular at the time. We love that she was able to stay true to her personality despite having a belly to work around.
Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep won the Academy Award for best actress in 1983 when she was pregnant, and she stepped out looking exactly like the star she is. She wore a beautiful long-sleeved gold gown that seemed to just float around her adorable baby bump and complemented her fair skin and short blond locks.
Paula Patton
Actress Paula Patton looked absolutely radiant in a vibrant orange gown by renowned designer Carolina Herrera. She was seven months pregnant with her son, Julian (whose father is singer Robin Thicke), at the time and looked just as glamorous as ever. The brightly hued gown was perfect with her warm skin tone.
Krysten Ritter
Quirky actress Krysten Ritter glammed it up for the Oscars back in 2019 when she was pregnant with her first child. She wore an incredibly elegant burgundy lace gown. The long-sleeved dress was designed by formalwear guru Reem Acra. At 5'9", she definitely has the frame for such a bold look.
Cate Blanchett
Actress Cate Blanchett always looks absolutely regal, but even more so when she was pregnant. She showed off her growing baby bump on the Oscars red carpet in 2008 when she was nominated for best supporting actress, and she looked stunning for the occasion in this midnight blue satin gown by Dries Van Noten.
Natalie Portman
Acclaimed actress Natalie Portman looked just like a princess at the 2012 Academy Awards. She was pregnant with her first child at the time and wore a bright purple gown by Rodarte that flattered her pregnant shape beautifully. And it must have been a lucky dress too: She took home an Oscar for best actress that night.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones turned heads on the Oscars red carpet when she was eight months pregnant in 2003. She wore a classic black gown by Versace that showed off not only her bump but some serious cleavage. That night, Catherine won the award for best supporting actress for her role in the musical Chicago, which also starred Renée Zellweger.
Jessica Alba
Actress and businesswoman Jessica Alba was pretty in plum on husband Cash Warren's arm at the 2008 Oscars. She was pregnant with her first child, Honor, at the time and wore a flowy frock by Marchesa. She looked absolutely radiant and definitely had that pregnancy glow.
