The Most Memorable Oscars Updos Ever

The best ponytails, chignons and over-the-top twists have all made a statement on the Academy Awards red carpet through the years. Here, the ones worth remembering
By Jillian Ruffo
February 21, 2017 05:19 PM

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AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Every year, the Academy Awards bring the biggest stars in Hollywood together - not to mention the biggest dresses, jewelry and, yep, hair. Here, we’ve ranked our favorite updos throughout the past 10 years, based on size, creativity and straight–up stun factor.

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ROONEY MARA, 2016

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

The star closed out last year’s award season with a bang, showing up with slicked, sectioned hair tied into four tiny knots.

We give this look: 5 Oscars

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DAISY RIDLEY, 2016

Credit: AKM-GSI

From the front, Ridley’s strands seemed to be pulled into a simple bun — but the back revealed an intricate series of twists that resulted in a gorgeous one-of-a-kind style.

We give this look: 4 Oscars

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GINA RODRIGUEZ, 2015

Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty

From her pumped-up volume at the top of her head to the braided side chignon, Gina gave us a lot to look at — and swoon over — with this elegant style.

We give this look: 4 Oscars

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ROSAMUND PIKE, 2015

Credit: Dan MacMedan/WireImage

One of the most unexpected surprises in Oscars hair history? Rosamund’s undercut, which was revealed by her otherwise classic textured bun.

We give this look: 5 Oscars

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LADY GAGA, 2014

Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty

Her short, platinum strands were swept to the side and pulled back into a low, structured ponytail at the nape of her neck.

We give this look: 4 Oscars

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AMANDA SEYFRIED, 2013

Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty

The star kept it classic — and gorgeous — with this piecey, textured updo.

We give this look: 3 Oscars

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EMMY ROSSUM, 2013

Credit: Jason Kempin/Getty

Her jaw-dropping pearl-and-jewel-encrusted crown added the perfect ethereal touch to her elegant braided bun and off-white gown.

We give this look: 5 Oscars

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JENNIFER LOPEZ, 2012

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

There’s a good chance that J. Lo’s oversized high bun sparked the topknot craze that shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.

We give this look: 4 Oscars

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REESE WITHERSPOON, 2011

We’ll go ahead and consider this the Most Valuable (half-up) Pony in Oscars Hair History.

We give this look: 5 Oscars

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JENNIFER HUDSON, 2011

Credit: Getty

Volume! Twists! Knots! Jennifer’s low ponytail combined nearly every component of an award-winning updo into one major statement.

We give this look: 3 Oscars

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SARAH JESSICA PARKER, 2010

Credit: Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty

Leave it to SJP to bring the tried-and-true chignon to the next level with this huge, extravagant look.

We give this look: 4 Oscars

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EVAN RACHEL WOOD, 2009

Credit: J. Emilio Flores/Corbis via Getty

It simply doesn’t get more Old Hollywood than Evan Rachel’s side-swept pompadour and equally glamorous topknot.

We give this look: 5 Oscars

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HEIDI KLUM, 2008

Credit: Jeff Vespa/WireImage

An early adopter of the topknot trend, Heidi went over-the-top (literally) with an oversized style that definitely turned heads.

We give this look: 2 Oscars

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PENELOPE CRUZ, 2007

Credit: Lester Cohen/WireImage

This wasn’t your average low bun — but the braid-wrapped style certainly provided endless hair-spiration.

We give this look: 4 Oscars

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