Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, nominee for best actress for her work on the film "Volver", arrives for the 79th Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, the United States, Feb. 25, 2007. The 79th Academy Awards was held here Sunday. (Xinhua/Qi Heng)(Xinhua/Qi Heng) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Feb. 26 (Xinhuanet) -- Bright, vivid colors and extravagant gowns by famous makers made a return to the red carpet at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood as the stars arrived for the 79th Academy Awards.

    Jennifer Hudson boldy strode red carpet in a brown ruched gown with a metallic python bolero by Oscar de la Renta, and Cate Blanchett wore a shimmering one-shoulder Swarovski crystal mesh gown by Giorgio Armani Prive. Helen Mirren didn't shy away from her sexy side in a champagne-colored Christian Lacroix gown with gold-leaf embroidery on the skirt and a plunging V-neck.

    Calling it her "dream dress," Mirren, who won best actress, told The Associated Press, "It chose me. It makes me feel comfortable. I don't feel like I'm trying to be something I'm not."

    Gwyneth Paltrow announced her presence in Zac Posen's apricot spider-web tulle-and-chiffon gown, and Nicole Kidman made a ravishing color choice with her bright red Balenciaga halter gown with an oversized bow at the neck. Reese Witherspoon's strapless Nina Ricci with a tiered bottom was a deep purple, and Naomi Watts¡¯Escada gown was yellow with a sapphire blue sash.

    Jada Pinkett Smith wore a corset-style strapless gown in gold lame by Carolina Herrera, and Jessica Biel's hot pink halter was selected straight from Oscar de la Renta's fashion show earlier this month in New York. Kelly Preston's animal print gown was by Dolce & Gabbana.

    Penelope Cruz's strapless Versace was a blush color with an intricately swirled tight bodice that exploded into an exaggerated skirt.

    "This is the year of extravagant designs -- fancy fabrics, feathers as trim, unexpected stones and metallics," observed Tom Julian, fashion commentator for the website Oscar.com.

    Jennifer Lopez's lilac Marchesa gown had an antique jeweled neckline that created a chain-link effect. Asked why she chose the gown, Lopez¡¯s husband, Marc Anthony, spoke up: "I chose it."

    "It makes me feel very glamorous, chic and sexy," Lopez added.

    Meanwhile, Rachel Weisz said her strapless art deco-style platinum Vera Wang gown with jewels sewn onto the hem and bust, including a small glistening bow, was "very romantic."

    Beyonce's Armani gown also had an interesting neckline. It was basically a light green strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline, but there was a strand of stones over one shoulder.

    Giorgio Armani attended the ceremony, presumably in his own design.

    "It's very important to be elegant and simple rather than be flashy," he said.

    Many top actors chose classic tuxedos by Armani, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg, Clint Eastwood and Martin Scorsese.

    Meryl Streep, in a nod to the film that brought her to the Oscars, wore a Prada black silk radzmire coat over a black satin skirt and an emerald green belt. She further accessorized with colorful bead necklaces.

    Hudson wore a 1960s diamond necklace with a 32-carat yellow diamond pendant by Fred Leighton, and 10-year-old Abigail Breslin's pink sundress was adorned with flowers. Cameron Diaz jazzed up her white off-the-shoulder gown with silver shoes.

    (Agencies)