Oscars 2011: Role to Red Carpet

To play ballerina Nina Sayers in Black Swan, Natalie Portman danced between stretchy jersey dancewear and spectacular Rodarte tutus. For her red carpet appearances, the actress drapes her burgeoning baby bump in luscious satin gowns like this pink Viktor & Rolf design.

To play unhappy-at-home pre-med student Cindy Heller, Michelle Williams bundled up in ultra-'90s flannels. In real life, the actress complements her platinum pixie with mod designs like a crisp scallop-hem Balenciaga.

The actress played Boston matriarch and manager Alice Ward in big hair and flashy separates. For her real-life red carpet excursions, she forgoes the flash in timeless column gowns like her sequined Marc Bouwer.

The actor unbuttoned for his role as bohemian sperm donor Paul Hatfield in The Kids Are All Right. Offscreen, well, let's just say Mark Ruffalo cleans up wonderfully in classic tuxedos.

From tracksuit to tuxedo! As criminal mind James "Jem" Coughlin, Renner rocked matching (and oddly menacing) warmup gear. In real life, the actor wears flawlessly tailored suits like this navy blue number from Dolce & Gabbana.

In Winter's Bone, Jennifer Lawrence's tomboy layers and fatigue jacket convey her character's hardscrabble life and desire to enter the military. In real life, the actress shows her fashion daring (and her legs) in edgy gowns like this ruffled Louis Vuitton number.

Jesse Eisenberg donned an array of hoodies to play Facebook founder (and Harvard undergrad) Mark Zuckerberg. On his own time, Eisenberg goes grownup in fanpage-worthy two-button tuxes, like this one from Dolce & Gabbana.

The actor battled the elements in a sunflower tee as crunchy mountaineer Aron Ralston. The multi-talented Franco makes his far less perilous visits to the red carpet in hot looks like this all-black ensemble.

As Mattie Ross, Hailee Steinfeld sat tall in her saddle in an oversize coat that symbolized her character's big quest. In real life, the young actress makes fun, fashion-forward choices like this fruit-striped custom Prada gown.

In The King's Speech, Geoffrey Rush played Lionel Logue, an Australian speech therapist in pre-WWII tweeds. In real life, Rush has a style all his own, choosing unexpected accessories for his dapper suits.

The actor played well-decorated military man (and future monarch) Prince Albert in The King's Speech. For his forays down the red carpet, Firth trades in his character's ribbons and medals for streamlined suits.

As the would-be Queen Elizabeth, Helena Bonham Carter was the picture of propriety in hats and furs. Off the big screen, the actress favors dramatic, frilled dresses (like this lace number from Marc Jacobs) and whimsical accessories like hats, quirky evening bags and even mismatched shoes.

As former boxer Dick "Dicky" Eklund, Christian Bale hung his lanky frame with baggy T-shirts and trousers. In real life, a back-to-fighting-weight Bale is a knockout in slouchy suits.

In The Kids Are All Right, Annette Bening played Nic, a no-fuss, no-muss obstetrician with a partner and two kids. In real life, the acting legend plays up her sleek shape in elegant gowns like this one from Tony Ward Couture.

As fiery Charlene Fleming, Amy Adams tended bar (and her boxer boyfriend) in down-to-there tanks and tiny skirts. In real life, Adams walks the red carpet in Old Hollywood-inspired gowns like this navy Marchesa.