HOLLYWOOD, Feb 23, 2009 (AFP) - Beneath overcast skies and the threat of rain, stars of the silver screen literally shone on the red carpet bringing excitement, style and old-fashioned glamour to this year's Academy Awards.

Photo : Gabriel Bouys/AFP

Shimmering gowns of gold and silver; glittering crystal, sequins and beading were the most popular choices for the icons of the movie industry on the most famous fashion runway in the world.

Presenter Sarah Jessica Parker set a high standard as an early arrival wearing a spectacular mint green strapless dress by Dior haute couture with a crystal beaded belted bustier and full-fifties-style silk tulle skirt.

Also presenting was Jennifer Aniston who chose a silver beaded sheath dress with her hair styled in loose waves in contrast to the formality of the look.

Jessica Biel's oyster silk structured column dress by Prada, accented with Louis Vuitton jewelry, though striking and lovely in itself appeared ill fitting and uncomfortable.

Anne Hathaway's beaded Armani champagne colored sheath dress by contrast fitted like a glove and looked as elegant as her sleek up-do.

Marisa Tomei's spectacular one shouldered Versace gown in silver grey satin had an extraordinarily long pleated train.

Viola Davis shimmered down the red carpet in a matt gold lame halter dress by Reem Acra and a vintage Fred Leighton clip broach.

Best supporting actress winner Penelope Cruz dazzled in a vintage strapless Pierre Balmain cream silk gown with a long train and embellished with silver embroidery all set off with spectacular diamond jewelry.

And best actress winner Kate Winslet looked stunning in a graphite silk Yves St Laurent one shouldered gown with sheer beaded tulle draping at the waist and cascading down the back of the dress.

Miley Cyrus wore a cream silk dress with heavily embellished fish scale tiers by Zuhair Murad apparently inspired by "The Little Mermaid".

Taraji P. Henson looked striking in a cream chiffon Roberto Cavalli gown contrasting with her red Mary Norton clutch.

Angelina Jolie chose a plain strapless black dress by Elie Saab accented with huge emerald earrings and subtle makeup.

Also in Elie Saab was Evan Rachel Wood who teamed the dress with Neil Lane jewelry and Stuart Weitzman shoes.

Amy Adams wore a red satin Carolina Herrera with unnecessary black piping but managed to score a spectacular Fred Leighton collar of emeralds sapphires and rubies.

Natalie Portman wore lavender silk strapless dress by Kate and Laura Mulleav who designs the California based label Rodarte.

This year Meryl Streep looked elegant and poised Alberta Ferretti chiffon quite unlike some unflattering choices of the past.

Tilda Swinton in a Lanvin beige matt satin blouse with black draped evening skirt was a striking and as bold a statement as her scarlet lipstick with little other makeup.

Last year's best actress winner Marion Cotillard dazzled in a petrol blue beaded gown with silk tulle skirt. Also in blue was Freida pinto wearing a beaded lace John Galliano one sleeved gown.

The menswear was mostly the traditional tux with a number of notable exceptions. John Legend wore a chic brown Prada suit and Micky Rourke showed off his individual style by sporting a cream tuxedo by Jean Paul Gaultier with metallic accessories and the obligatory shades.

However, the accessory of choice for not only the "Milk" team was the knotted white ribbon worn by numerous attendees in support of gay marriage.by Philippa Leach