The Academy Awards' red carpet took twists and turns where couture had gone before but hasn't gone for a while. No, Lady Gaga wasn't there, and Bjork's swan remained in hiding. But the women took chances, and as the fashion police and watercooler crowds gather for Oscar chats, we all say, amen to that.

Two of the first ladies on the red carpet were best supporting actress nominees Anna Kendrick, in an Elie Saab romantic, rosy gown with a wispy up-'do, and Mo'Nique, in electric blue, with all-over ruching, an asymmetrical neck and a touch of glitter at the shoulder. Mo'Nique, the mortal lock in that category, had a severe bun decorated with white flowers.

It's fair to say the rest of the night went very much that way -- no two gowns in a row were alike. In fact, it was hard to find a trend that stood out in the red-carpet glam parade.

Golden girl Sandra Bullock wore a fabulous vintage-fabric gown that beamed as wide as her smile; the appliqued bodice was reminiscent of Halle Berry's Elie Saab gown in her Oscar-winning year.

Ms. Bullock, with presenters Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, bucked the trend of hair pulled up or back into loose or structured buns and instead went with Veronica Lake-era hairstyles that poured over one shoulder.

If you were looking for a trend, shades of striking red were seen on Vera Farmiga, Penelope Cruz and Sigourney Weaver. Ms. Farmiga's dramatic Marchesa gown had a "Project Runway" look to it -- the episode when contestants used coffee filters as accents.

Meryl Streep's gown did have a "Project Runway" pedigree; it was designed by contestant Chris March.

There was a definite lack of black, thank goodness.

Singer Faith Hill and young Carey Mulligan of "An Education" were among the few in all-over black.

Ms. Mulligan's blond hair is ultra short these days, and it was off-set by long, dangling earrings, one of the main jewelry trends of the night. Diamond earrings of a certain size -- large -- and glittery cuffs were by far the favored accessories.

Three women of a certain age, Ms. Weaver, Ms. Streep and Helen Mirren, were seen in red, white and beaded tulle all over, and all looked great, for their ages or any age.

The presenters took the most chances with over-the-top couture.

"Avatar's" Zoe Saldona wore a gown that seemed almost demur from the waist up, with a glittery strapless top that faded into a lavender satin waistband that power into ruffles akin to shower poufs, that graduated to purple and then black. It was a gown with a whole lot going on, including a deep slit.

There were other gowns that showed leg, or were sculptured, or draped, or wrapped in tulle with beading, or put satin front and center. Speaking of which ... Sarah Jessica Parker's dress is destined to polarize the fashion police. The Chanel Couture number was cream satin with sculptured silver accents at the neck and the elegantly gathered back.

"Crazy Heart's" Maggie Gyllenhaal needed all of her height to pull off a Dries Van Noten dress. She was wrapped in a column of blue and black print fabric that faded to white, with frayed edges. Her brother, Jake Gyllenhaal, was quizzed about how nervous he was for his sister while rocking a couple of trends -- he was one of the guys who didn't shave (with Tom Ford, Jason Reitman, Robert Downey), although some were scruffier than others.

The designer and director of "A Single Man," Mr. Ford, had an immaculately tailored tux, of course, and a pocket square. "Avatar" creator James Cameron's handkerchief gave his jacket a spot of color.

Jeremy Renner was one of the few men to wear a tie that wasn't black -- the best actor nominee for "The Hurt Locker" wore a silvery tie and, like Mr. Cameron, wore a vest, too.

The best of the guys on the red carpet was, as always, George Clooney, who looked boyish with his hair a little longer than usual. He snuggled with his girlfriend, Elisabetta Canalis, all in red, and the classy dresser and class act broke away from interviewers to sign autographs for eager fans.

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