LOS ANGELES — Hollywood amped up the lights and colours at the Oscars on Sunday as leading women such as Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz and Zoe Saldana donned shimmering metallic gowns to celebrate the big night.

“The red carpet had less of the restrained elegance of other awards shows this season, and more edgier — and sometimes shocking — choices.

“We saw a heightening of the glamour we’ve seen all awards season. For the Oscars, we saw actors pull out all the stops, taking hair, jewels and make-up to the next level,” said Melissa Liebling-Goldberg of People Magazine’s Stylewatch.com.

Style experts said stars took more risks, like Sarah Jessica Parker, who wore a pale yellow Chanel, sixties-inspired gown in silk charmeuse with exposed shoulders. But some attempts misfired, as in the case of Charlize Theron’s light purple gown with ruching detail on the bodice reminiscent of a torpedo brassiere.

“People have held back, but now they want to have fun and want to escape,” said Lawrence Zarian, TV Guide fashion expert, but he said some went too far. “A lot of celebrities missed the mark,” he said, noting that Theron looked like she had two hands holding her breasts.

Zarian also gave a thumbs-down to Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Dries Van Noten strapless blue-and-black patterned gown. “She looked like she was dressed for a luau not the Oscars.”

Blue played a leading role on the red carpet, coinciding with the blue-tinged movie Avatar, which features a world populated by blue aliens.

Those who wore blue included Oscar-winning Mo’Nique, who took home the best-supporting actress Oscar for her role in Precious , and Mariah Carey, who showed off a plunging decollete in a navy gown — and a lot of leg.

Best actress nominee Gabourey Sidibe of Precious also wore a blue-grey Marchesa gown with silver flowers at the bodice and said her first Oscars were “like Hollywood prom”.

Marchesa was a favourite designer among the female nominees, and was also worn by Bullock and by Vera Farmiga, who chose a ruby red strapless gown with a dramatic ruffle at the bodice. “It’s incredible to be able to dress three nominees, but also to dress such different body types and ages so beautifully. Marchesa really gets the red carpet,” said Liebling-Goldberg.

Getting one’s creation on the red carpet can define a designer’s career.

Most actors stuck to traditional tuxedos or dark suits, but played nice supporting parts to the women. George Clooney, asked by TV host Ryan Seacrest whether he had anything in common with the “lonely guy” he plays in Up in the Air, said: “I am not a lonely guy. I am surrounded by stunning women in long dresses.”