Penelope Cruz is generally known for playing it safe when it comes to her fashion choices. She usually opts for classic colors like black, white and brown and doesn’t usually choose anything too attention-grabbing.

It wasn’t until 2005’s Oscar Awards that Penelope really began to shine on the red carpet. She chose this stunning yellow gown by Oscar De La Renta. The floor-length, eye-catching design had critics drooling and was one of the most talked about dresses from last year’s event.

Penelope’s Oscar Look

Penelope stayed true to her roots in this lovely strapless gown. She remained the classic beauty that she has always been. She chose to compliment the dress with a light yellow bracelet and small clutch. Her neck was bare, since too many accessories would make her look overdone and tacky. She created the perfect look for the Oscars and was definitely recognized for her efforts. Penelope has a natural way of making clothes look good. It seems so effortless for her beauty to radiate like it did that day.

Her Classic Hairstyle

Penelope chose a classic up-do for her hairstyle at the 2005 event. This style suits Penelope to a tee and was definitely the best choice for the event. The Sahara actress tends to have very thick, somewhat puffy hair that can sometimes overpower her natural beauty when worn down. Her cute side bangs complete the look, leaving Penelope looking like an absolute goddess.

Overall Rating – 8.5/10

I chose to give Penelope Cruz an 8.5/10 for her award winning gown. It was definitely a great choice for the event and was a huge hit with audiences. Maybe next year Penelope will push the limits a little more and we might see her in a more risqué dress – although I do applaud her for her style and grace.