International

Only one of them would be taking home the Best Actress Oscar.

But as Jennifer Lawrence, Cate Blanchett and eventual winner Brie Larson arrived for the 88th annual Academy Awards on Sunday, it seemed the nominees had each hit upon the same winning red carpet formula.

The hopeful trio took the plunge in low cut gowns at the high-profile bash at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday.

But it was former winner Charlize Theron who proved most daring - in a red number that was slashed nearly to the navel.