Eva Longoria, Angelina Jolie and more showcase the most iconic black dresses in red carpet history

Julia Roberts won an Oscar for her part in Erin Brockovich in 2001, wearing a black velvet vintage Valentino dress, it came from their Haute Couture autumn-winter 1992/93 collection.

Beyonce showed off her figure in this strapless black velvet dress with flattering train by Atelier Versace, during the 2005 edition of the Oscars.

Venezuelan designer Carolina Herrera was the firm favorite of Renee Zellweger for many years so choosing one of her designs for the 2006 Golden Globes was a no-brainer. The simple silhouetted dress had a leg-showing split in the skirt and was draped in black chiffon ending in a soft train.

In 2008 Hilary Swank was one of the presenters at the Oscars and was the embodiment of classic elegance in this Atelier Versace dress. The dress was layered with lace and a fine, see-through top layer which evolved into a train as it reached the floor. The one-shoulder top part of the dress boasted black floral detailing.

A simple halter neck neckline coupled with a relaxed, mermaid train by Azzedine Alaïa is transformed into a very elegant ensemble thanks to the sumptuous black velvet that it is made from. It was the perfect choice for Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, who donned it for the SAG Awards in 2008.

This black Zac Posen dress has a low neckline and mermaid-style skirt which helped Eva Longoria glide down the red carpet at the 2011 Golden Globes. The style of the dress is one frequently favored by Eva, thanks to its elegance and elongating properties.

Once again, the maestro of Hollywood glamor, Zac Posen, created this spectacular geometric, semi-transluscent dress. Worn at the 2012 Emmys, it contrasted perfectly with January Jones ’ pale skin tone and was a wonderful combination of folds and asymmetrical magic.

This strapless black velvet dress by Atelier Versace has a thigh-high split which gave actress Angelina Jolie plenty of opportunity to set off all the flash bulbs on the red carpet at the Oscars in 2012. One of the most show-stopping appearances of all time.

Amy Adam’s alabastar skin and auburn locks give a high impact contrast to black dresses – as shown perfectly at the BAFTAs in 2013. This Elie Saab design with lace sleeves and decolletage plus a long, thigh-split skirt made her the belle of the ball.

Simple in appearance and very effective in style, Taylor Swift rocked up at the Brit Awards in 2013 in the very definition of modern elegance in this Elie Saab dress. It featured see-through panels in the skirt, to highlight her never-ending legs and a golden belt to bring a touch of light, also reflected in her golden hair.

Sofia Vergara had a princess moment on the red carpet at the Golden Globes in 2014 in this Zac Posen strapless ball gown. Thanks to its voluminous skirt and strapless neckline, she was easily crowned as one of the most glamorous of the event.

Since she was one of Christian Dior’s muses, it was to be expected that Charlize Theron would attend the 2014 Oscars in one of their designs. She looked incredible in a fitted black dress by the French Haute Couture house – featuring a dramatic transparent train, trimmed with horizontal folds.

Cate Blanchett cleaned up at most of the awards ceremonies in 2014 for her performance in Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine and this dress by Armani Privé with its delicate cristals and lace was the icing on the cake at the Golden Globes.

We can always count on Angelina Jolie , to work the black dress to the maximum – especially now that the bad girl of old has matured into a sophisticated glamor queen. During the world premiere of Maleficent in 2014, she looked incredible in this long, draped leather dress from Versace.

Her white gloves may have split the fashion pundit’s opinion but there’s no denying that they helped make this outfit unforgettable. From the asymmetrical neckline, to the cape-like train, this Dior gown that Amal Clooney wore to the Golden Globes in 2015 will go down in fashion history.

The relaxed elegance that characterizes Emma Stone ’s style is embodied perfectly in this black Dior suit dress which had the structural elements of a suit up top combined with a see through skirt, giving a hint of her legs at the SAG Awards in 2015.

Layers of different types of lace and velvet created a beautiful, original black dress by Oscar de la Renta for Sienna Miller at the 2015 Oscars.

Versace created this elegant asymmetrical dress with a draped train for Jennifer Garner at the 2016 Oscars.

Hot off the Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2016 runway for Chanel, this black, low-neckline, full-skirted dress with cut out details was the perfect fit for Julianne Moore at the 2016 Oscars.

Lady Gaga won ‘Best Original Song’ for Shallow from the film A Star is Born in an Alexander McQueen dress inspired by Old Hollywood, with accentuated hips, a strapless neckline and full skirt.