2008 Oscar Fashion: Yawn

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Hitchcock once called actors cattle. Herd mentality certainly ruled the Oscar red carpet, with most actresses choosing one-shouldered gowns in black or red. Why is it that Hollywood’s finest mimic each other? Are they so afraid of critics and the fashion black list? The Rage misses Cher in a feathered headdress and Julie Christie in a gold lamé pantsuit. The coif du jour last night: a rain-resistant ponytail -- spotted on Cameron Diaz, Anne Hathaway and Saoirse Ronan.

Here’s a roundup of red carpet replay:

Amy Ryan

First look: The nominee for ‘Gone Baby Gone’ made no cannonball splash in a one-shouldered, navy Calvin Klein gown and a bun better suited to a Denny’s waitress.

Final verdict: A little red lipstick would have whispered, ‘pick me.’

Tilda Swinton

First look: Tilda Swinton, utterly bare of makeup and accessories, still captivated in a simple black sheath and trademark titian coif.

Final verdict: Even pesky Ryan Seacrest didn’t have the nerve to ask the Amazon tigress ‘Who are you wearing?’ Er, it was Lanvin.

Marion Cotillard

First look: Hmm. Was she wearing Aunt Carol’s guest room duvet?

Final verdict: The scalloped white gown by Jean Paul Gaultier had more personalities than Roseanne Barr on the red carpet, but read much better onstage as glamorous.

Amy Adams

First look: Glamorous Veronica Lake-inspired locks, gold accessories and a deep emerald satin Proenza Schouler gown nodded to classic Hollywood movie star.

Final verdict: Meet the new Rita Hayworth.

Anne Hathaway

First look: The best representation of red goes to the actress wearing a crimson Marchesa dress with a floral applique neckline.

Final verdict: Note to spray-tan addicts: A ruby dress applauds porcelain skin. The Harry Winston 10-carat earrings didn’t hurt either.

Ellen Page

First look: The vintage Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture black chiffon gown was designed way before the ‘Juno’ star was born.

Final verdict: Page’s penchant for unfitted frocks is frustrating. Duckling? Be a swan, please.

Jessica Alba

First look: An elegant aubergine strapless Marchesa with a feathered neckline well-suited the mom-to-be.

Final verdict: Thank God, here’s one pregnant actress who doesn’t flaunt her growing bosom.

Keri Russell

First look: Finally, an actress who didn’t opt for red or black. Her oyster dress and elegant updo proved stunning.

Final verdict: All it takes to stand out in Hollywood is to go against the grain.