A wards season offers cinephiles the opportunity to celebrate the film industry’s greatest talents but for fashion fans the promise of a stretch of scarlet-coloured, flash-bulb lit flooring is where the allure really lies.

We are, of course, talking about the most glamorous place in the world: the red carpet.

Celebrities often make awards season appearances look easy but behind-the-scenes there is a comprehensive system of red carpet politics and secret deals that goes into ensuring those few minutes of screen time are just right.

So how do the stars really prepare for a night that could not only see them walk away with a gold statue but also rise and fall in the sartorial stakes?

According to Emily Sanchez, a fashion stylist who has dressed the likes of Renee Zellweger, Glenn Close and Naomi Watts, how a red carpet moment comes together heavily depends on who the celebrity is and what their relationship is with a designer.

Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Show all 80 1 /80 Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Cynthia Erivo Cynthia Erivo blew a kiss as she posed in her futuristic white and silver Versace gown and Maria Tash jewellery. REUTERS Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Florence Pugh The Little Women star cracked a smile on the red carpet wearing a teal Louis Vuitton gown, a silver pendant necklace and Maria Tash earrings. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Margot Robbie The Bombshell actor added a burst of colour to her look with a bright red lip, donning a black, strapless Chanel gown with a purple jewel embossed on the front. REUTERS Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Kristen Wiig and Gal Gadot The Wonder Woman 1984 co-stars laughed as they posed together on the red carpet, Wiig in red and Gadot in black lace. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Laura Dern Laura Dern attended the Academy Awards with her mother, wearing a pink and black Armani gown. REUTERS Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Spike Lee Spike Lee paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant with his Oscars outfit, wearing a purple blazer emblazoned with Bryant's basketball jersey number, 24. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Saoirse Ronan The Little Women star smiled as she had her Gucci dress adjusted on the red carpet. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Natalie Portman Natalie Portman wore a Dior dress for the Oscars embroidered with the names of female directors who were snubbed in the nominations. REUTERS Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Florence Pugh Pugh was all smiles as she and her mother walked the red carpet. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Cynthia Erivo The Harriet actor struck a powerful pose on the red carpet wearing a white and silver cut-out Versace gown. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Charlize Theron Theron attended the Academy Awards wearing an elegant black Dior gown, designed with a thigh-high split. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Gal Gadot The Wonder Woman star put on a glamorous display in an ethereal Givenchy gown, featuring a black lace, high-neck top and bubblegum-pink lace, layered skirt. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Brie Larson Captain Marvel herself looked every inch a superhero in a blush pink, sequinned Celine design, complete with a cape. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Kathy Bates and Rebel Wilson Kathy Bates wore a black and navy suit for the Oscars, posing alongside the golden-clad Rebel Wilson on the red carpet. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Tom Hanks The A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood actor looked sharp in a black tuxedo. REUTERS Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Margaret Qualley The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood actor chose to wear a stylish, black Chanel design on the red carpet. REUTERS Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix smiled for the cameras, Mara in a black lace Alexander McQueen ensemble and Phoenix in his environmentally-conscious Stella McCartney suit. REUTERS Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Kristen Wiig and Gal Gadot Wiig matched the red carpet in a bright, scarlet design, while Gadot chose to wear a contrasting, two-tone dress for the Academy Awards. REUTERS Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Antonio Banderas The Oscar nominee looked dashing in a black tuxedo. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Sandy Powell and Christopher Peterson Costume designer Sandy Powell wore a suit autographed by several high-profile Hollywood figures, which she is planning on auctioning for charity. Powell attended the Oscars with fellow costume designer Christopher Peterson. REUTERS Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Adam Driver and Joanne Tucker Adam Driver, wearing a black tux, attended the Oscars with his wife, actor Joanne Tucker, who wore a white and black floral Oscar de la Renta gown, designed with practical pockets. REUTERS Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Lucy Boynton and Rami Malek Bohemian Rhapsody co-stars and couple Lucy Boynton and Rami Malek looked effortlessly stylish on the red carpet, Malek in an all-black Yves Saint Laurent ensemble and Boynton in a white and black Chanel dress with checkered sleeves. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Sunrise Coigney and Mark Ruffalo Actor Sunrise Coigney donned a fuchsia, ruffled gown for the Oscars, while her husband, Avengers: Endgame star Mark Ruffalo, looked suave in a black tuxedo. EPA Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Rita Wilson Actor and producer Rita Wilson appeared to mimic the Oscars statuette with her shimmering, gold Tom Ford number. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost dressed smartly in a black suit, while Scarlett Johansson looked radiant in a metallic, strapless Oscar de la Renta gown. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Timothee Chalamet Timothee Chalamet appeared to dress in a particularly casual manner for the Academy Awards, wearing a navy blue tracksuit by Stella McCartney. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Mahershala Ali and Amatus Sami-Karim Oscar winner Mahershala Ali opted for an all-black Zegna ensemble for the awards ceremony, while his wife, Amatus Sami-Karim, wore a lilac gown and white headpiece. REUTERS Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Lucy Boynton Lucy Boynton dressed elegantly for the red carpet, wearing a white and black Chanel gown with checkered, exaggerated sleeves. REUTERS Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Lea Seydoux The No Times to Die actor oozed old-school Hollywood glamour in a white, halterneck Louis Vuitton gown, designed with a black hem on the skirt. REUTERS Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Leonardo DiCaprio The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood star looked sophisticated in a smart black Armani tuxedo. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Scarlett Johansson The Marriage Story actor shimmered on the red carpet in a metallic strapless Oscar de la Renta gown. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Kristen Wiig Wiig wore a standout scarlet Valentino outfit at the Academy Awards, designed with ruffles down the side and a train. REUTERS Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Rooney Mara Rooney Mara opted for a signature gothic look at the awards ceremony, wearing a black lace, cut-out Alexander McQueen design. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson The couple made a stylish pair in Tom Ford on the red carpet, Hanks in a black tux and Wilson in a rose gold, tassled gown. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Margot Robbie The Academy Award nominee was styled in a black, chiffon Chanel dress, which featured a purple jewel at the front. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Renee Zellweger The Oscar nominee went for a simple but impactful look, wearing a one-shoulder, white sequinned Armani design. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Brad Pitt The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood looked ever stylish in a black Brioni tux. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Florence Pugh The Oscar nominee dazzled in a teal Louis Vuitton number on the red carpet, designed with a layered skirt. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Saoirse Ronan The Little Women star stood out on the red carpet in a multi-coloured Gucci design, featuring a black, V-neck torso, a lilac skirt and a cream, ruffled midriff. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Natalie Portman Natalie Portman looked radiant in a black and gold Dior ensemble, featuring a cape and gold embellishments. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Keanu Reeves and his mother Patricia Taylor Keanu Reeves attended the Oscars with his mother, costume designer Patricia Taylor. The pair contrasted one another on the red carpet, Taylor in a white suit and Reeves in black. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Joaquin Phoenix In January, Joaquin Phoenix vowed to wear the same custom-made Stella McCartney suit to every awards show in an effort to reduce waste. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Salma Hayek Salma Hayek looked angelic in a white, one-shoulder Gucci dress, accessorising with a silver headpiece and matching bangles. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Maya Rudolph Maya Rudolph struck gold in a sequinned orange Valentino gown, accessorising with gold, strappy heels and wearing her hair in a chic bob. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Sandra Oh The Killing Eve star looked breathtaking in a gold, sequinned Elie Saab design, topped with a ruffled hem and shoulder details. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Taika Waititi The Jojo Rabbit director knows how to work a red carpet, as shown during his many red carpet appearances. During this year's Oscars, he chose to go for a somewhat understated black tux, a departure from his usual colourful style, and a pair of Tod's patent lace-up shoes. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Penelope Cruz Penelope Cruz's Chanel ensemble featured several different eye-catching elements, including a white rose, a pearl belt, a pocketed skirt and a halter neck. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Rebel Wilson The Pitch Perfect actor dazzled in a gold, sequinned floor-length Jason Wu design. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Janelle Monae The singer had a Cinderella moment on the red carpet, donning an extravagant, unique, silver Ralph Lauren ballgown, designed with a matching hood. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Olivia Colman Olivia Colman, who won the Best Actress Oscar last year for her performance in The Favourite, attended this year's Academy Awards in a navy, cut-out, velvet Stella McCartney dress, complete with a train. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet James Corden and Julia Carey Corden attended the awards ceremony wearing a black tuxedo, while his wife, Julia Carey, donned a silver, embellished gown with a royal blue belt. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig Little Women director Gerwig wore a strapless, khaki Dior dress on the red carpet, while her partner, Marriage Story director Baumbach, was dressed in a black suit. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Oscar Isaac and Elvira Lind The Star Wars actor donned a black suit for the occasion, while his wife, director and producer Elvira Lind, brightened up the red carpet in a sunshine yellow, layered gown. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Kelly Marie Tran The Star Wars favourite opted for a black strapless Schiaparelli gown, designed with blue floral detailing at the top. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Julia Louis-Dreyfus The Veep star contrasted with the red carpet in a navy custom Vera Wang gown, accessorising with a eye-catching diamond necklace. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Gerard Butler The actor struck a pose on the red carpet, wearing a svelte navy suit. AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Billie Eilish The singer stunned on the red carpet in a white Chanel ensemble, complete with lace gloves. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Laura Dern The Oscar nominee opted for a pale pink Armani number with black detailing at the top, accessorising with understated jewels. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Mindy Kaling The Late Night star attended the Academy Awards wearing a bright marigold one-shoulder Dolce and Gabbana gown with pleating detail. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet America Ferrera The Ugly Betty actor looked regal in a scarlet, floor-length Alberta Ferretti gown, accessorising with a golden headband. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Gam Wichayanee The Thai singer looked every inch a princess on the red carpet, wearing a stunning, off-the-shoulder, ombre, chiffon Poem couture gown. REUTERS Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Anthony Ramos and Jasmine Cephas Jones The actors, who both starred in the original Broadway production of Hamilton, made for a stylish pair on the red carpet, Ramos in a white and black ensemble and studded shoes, and Jones in a black, blouson-sleeved Yanina couture gown. REUTERS Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Beanie Feldstein The Booksmart star brought a touch of old-school glamour in a white and black floral Miu Miu gown, her hair styled in classic waves. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Billy Porter Billy Porter arrived on the red carpet in a skirt and top combination by Giles Deacon, accessorising with custom Jimmy Choo shoes. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Tonya Lewis Lee and Spike Lee Tonya Lewis Lee attended the Oscars in a white gown alongside filmmaker Spike Lee, who opted for a purple suit with yellow detailing. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Kaitlyn Dever The Booksmart actor oozed glamour in a red, embellished, strapless Louis Vuitton gown. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Vanessa Nadal and Lin-Manuel Miranda Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda looked chic in a black tuxedo, while his wife, lawyer Vanessa Nadal, contrasted in a white, embellished gown. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Caitriona Balfe The Irish actor made a bold entrance on the red carpet, wearing a black Valentino fishtail gown designed with a sheer, pink top and bow. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Sigourney Weaver Sigourney Weaver attended the Oscars in a green long-sleeved Dior gown with a matching clutch. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Chrissy Metz Chrissy Metz attended the Oscars in a pillared red Christian Siriano gown. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Regina King Regina King chose a pale pink structured Versace gown for the Oscars. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Julia Butters Julia Butters also chose a pink outfit, arriving on the red carpet in a long-sleeved Christian Siriano gown with matching pink purse. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Idina Menzel Idina Menzel went with a pink theme, arriving on the red carpet in a strapless fuchsia J. Mendel gown. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Ryan Piers Williams and America Ferrera America Ferrera chose a red Alberta Ferretti gown for the red carpet and accessorised with a headband. Ryan Piers opted for a simple black tuxedo. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Zazie Beetz Zazie Beetz chose a strapless black Thome Brown dress for the Oscars. EPA Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Kerri Higuchi and John Cho Kerri Higuchi chose a black and silver Monique Huillier gown for the red carpet, while John Cho opted for a burnt orange Zegna suit. Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Robin Roberts Robin Roberts arrived on the red carpet wearing a one-shouldered sparkling green Badgley Mischka gown. EPA Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet George MacKay George MacKay opted for a simple tuxedo for the 92nd annual Oscars. EPA Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Norwegian singer-songwriter Aurora Aurora arrived at the Oscars wearing a pale green ensemble by costume designer Viktoria Aksnes with red accents. AFP via Getty Images Oscars 2020: Best-dressed stars on the red carpet Kelly Ripa Kelly Ripa arrived on the red carpet in a black structured one-shouldered Christian Siriano gown. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

“It often makes sense for a talent to think of a designer they have a relationship with first to wear for a big event as it’s sentimental and a way of honouring that relationship for that big moment,” Sanchez explains, adding that stylists will often reach out to brands weeks in advance of nomination announcements.

However, the topic of nominations can complicate things further, with many brands holding out on their decision to dress an actor until after it has been revealed whether or not they are a contender for an award.

“With nominations it’s not always clear to say who will be nominated or who will attend which event,” Sanchez says.

“Presenters are often announced the week before an awards show, so that adds another element but brands are definitely motivated to dress nominees and presenters as those are bigger press opportunities.”

Like most things in the fashion and film industries, dressing an actor for an award show mostly appears to be a business transaction and while Sanchez remains tight-lipped about the costs involved with dressing a celebrity, previous reports have indicated how much money is potentially at stake.

In 2017, it was revealed that Meryl Streep turned down the opportunity to wear a custom couture Chanel creation to the Oscars after the fashion house refused to pay her to wear it.

As reported by Women’s Wear Daily, Chanel’s then-creative director Karl Lagerfeld hit out at the actor, saying: “I made a sketch, and we started to make the dress”, before stating that he later received a text message reading: “Don’t continue the dress. We found somebody who will pay us”.

According to celebrity stylist Jessica Paster, whose clients have included Cate Blanchett, Miranda Kerr, Sandra Bullock, a designer paying a celebrity to wear a certain dress is considered the norm.

“It's prevalent across the board,” Paster told Business Insider. "Jewellery people are paying, shoe people are paying, tampon companies are paying, everyone is paying!”

However, she warns: “If the dress looks awful on a client, $250,000 or less is not worth wearing it.

“If it looks gorgeous on you and this is the dress we were going to pick anyway, why not be paid?”

While financial gain is important to some, for others the opportunity to wear, and possibly even take home, a designer creation is enough to convince them to partner up with a specific brand.

In 2014, Lupita Nyong'o got to keep the ethereal pale blue Prada dress she wore to the Oscars, while Glenn Close still has the shimmering Carolina Herrera cape-gown she chose for the 2019 ceremony hanging in her wardrobe.

But, Sanchez says that keeping the clothes isn't a given, even for actors who win on the night.

“The most special option and highest honour is always a bespoke dress made just for that event but unless the dress is custom, there is an understanding that the dress will be returned after the events,” Sanchez says.

“I will show up the morning/day after an event to gather jewellery, accessories, and the dress.

SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Show all 30 1 /30 SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Jennifer Aniston The Morning Show's Jennifer Aniston – who took home the statuette for best female actor in a drama series – switched up her signature style by forgoing her trusty LBD for a white satin gown designed by Christian Dior. Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Scarlett Johansson Marriage Story star Scarlett Johansson made a memorable entrance wearing a custom teal silk Armani Privé gown with a plunging neckline and crystal-embroidered straps. Getty Images for Turner SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Cynthia Erivo Cynthia Erivo stepped out in a show-stopping strapless Schiaparelli gown with a red top and dramatic fuchsia train. The Harriet star accessorized with multiple diamond earrings and rings by Maria Tash, as well as a flat chain necklace. Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Margot Robbie Margot Robbie has worn a number of Chanel looks on the red carpet this season, but this checkered halter neck number just might be our favourite. The actor accessorised the look with layered gold chains and a black bow belt. Getty Images for Turner SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Lupita Nyong'o Lupita Nyong'o arrived at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards wearing a Louis Vuitton gown that was embellished with 32,000 sequins and crystals. She paired the dress — featuring a white satin draped bustier and intricate floral embroidery on the bodice and skirt — with 90 carats of Forevermark diamonds. AFP via Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Reese Witherspoon Big Little Lies star Reese Witherspoon glimmered in a Celine dress by Heidi Slimane. The one-shoulder gown featured a high slit and was fully embroidered in crystals and black sequins. The actor accessorised with Harry Winston diamond rings, bracelets and earrings, along with strappy Celine shoes. Getty Images for Turner SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Jennifer Lopez Hustlers star Jennifer Lopez made a grand entrance in a black strapless gown with a regal train by Georges Hobeika and over $9m worth of Harry Winston diamonds. The actor finished the looked with a black satin Tyler Ellis clutch trimmed with Swarovski crystals and black satin Casadei heels. Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Millie Bobby Brown Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown sported a long-sleeve, v-neck dress layered over matching trousers by Louis Vuitton. The look also featured pronounced shoulders, a belt, and an oversized brooch. Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Kathryn Newton Big Little Lies actor Kathryn Newton broke all the rules of traditional red-carpet with this neon orange Valentino gown. The billowing design featured a tiered skirt and dramatic shoulders that were tempered by a plunging neckline. Getty Images for Turner SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Charlize Theron Bombshell star Charlize Theron stunned in a look by Givenchy, consisting of a silver embroidered top, black crepe skirt, black leather sandals and a black clutch. She accessorised the ensemble with $4 million worth of Tiffany diamonds, including 11-carat diamond earrings and a Victoria tennis bracelet worn in her hair. Getty Images for Turner SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Sophie Turner Game of Thrones actor Sophie Turner stood out on the red carpet in a pink strapless Louis Vuitton column gown with bustier-style bodice and pink belt. Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Phoebe Waller-Bridge Phoebe Waller-Bridge was dripping in diamonds at the SAG Awards in a two-piece by Armani Privé that consisted of a bandeau top with a sheer overlay and a column skirt. AFP via Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Renee Zellweger Renee Zellwegger looked glamorous in a custom Maison Margiela midnight blue satin column gown that featured a structural bustier top created by John Galliano. The star paired the dress with Jimmy Choo heels and added a touch of sparkle with a Cartier Paris Nouvelle Vague bracelet. Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Danai Gurira The Walking Dead star Danai Gurira attended the ceremony wearing a fiery red Mugler scoop neck gown. She accessorised with diamond earrings, rings and a multi-colored Bulgari necklace. Getty Images for Turner SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Noah Schnapp There was a return of cummerbunds on male attendees at the SAG Awards on Sunday night. Noah Schnapp looked sharp in a satin baby blue Balmain tux that was cinched with a matching cummerbund and paired with a crisp white button-front shirt and white Balmain sneakers. Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Winona Ryder Winona Ryder returned to her coveted 1990s all-black roots with a a gothic-style gown and matching jacket that would have made her Beetlejuice character proud. Getty Images for Turner SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Nathalie Emmanuel Game Of Thrones actor Nathalie Emmanuel sported a floral Miu Miu couture gown that featured a huge bow at the crown of the dress. Getty Images for Turner SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Glenn Close Glenn Close oozed sophistication on the red carpet wearing a floor-length navy gown that featured sheer sleeves and a subtle train. Getty Images for Turner SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Elisabeth Moss Elisabeth Moss followed Cynthia Erivo's lead in this contrasting red-and-pink long-sleeved gown designed by Monique Lhuillier. Getty Images for Turner SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Zoe Kravitz Big Little Lies star Zoe Kravitz opted for a peach-coloured strapless gown by Oscar de la Renta with a belted bow detail. She paired the ensemble with ladylike white gloves and Tiffany & Co. jewels. Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Nicole Kidman Nicole Kidman opted for a custom sequinned, long-sleeved gown from Michael Kors Collection with a ruffled, thigh-high slit. She accessorised with black leather sandals that were embellished with colourful Swarovski crystals. Getty Images for Turner SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Lili Reinhart Lili Reinhart wore a black and white Miu Miu dress with Harry Winston jewelry for the occasion. The dress featured delicate pearl detailing across the top and a a plunging neckline which contrasted with the voluminous tiered ballgown skirt. Getty Images for Turner SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Mahershala Ali Mahershala Ali looked dapper as always in a floral-patterned navy velvet tuxedo, a navy shirt, and silk scarf with a matching silk pocket square and dress shoes – all from Ermenegildo Zegna’s 2020 Red Carpet Collection. Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Laura Dern Marriage Story best supporting actress winner Laura Dern opted for bold shoulders in a custom Stella McCartney gown with circular gold chain detailing. She added Chrisitan Louboutin gold leather sling-back heels and more than $11,000-worth of Tiffany & Co. diamonds. AFP via Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Jennifer Garner Jennifer Garner arrived at the SAG Awards wearing a red Dolce & Gabbana ruched ballgown that featured spaghetti straps and a glamorous full skirt. She accessorised with Harry Winston jewellery. AFP via Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Margaret Qualley Margaret Qualley looked miles apart from her character in Once Upon A Time in Hollywood by opting for a chic two-piece suit by Chanel. She wore the iridescent black jacket and trousers with a navy silk blouse, and accessorised with an oversized brooch. Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Joey King Joey King walked the red carpet looking elegant and sophisticated in this sheer, black corset gown by Jason Wu. Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Catherine Zeta-Jones Catherine Zeta-Jones brought sophistication to the red carpet wearing a high-shine silver Julien x Gabriel gown that featured a plunging neckline, slit at the skirt and embroidered bodice. Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Dakota Fanning Once Upon A Time in Hollywood star Dakota Fanning shimmered in a seafoam green Valentino gown with a keyhole cutout and a sheer panel on the back. Fanning completed her look with rings and earrings by Fred Leighton and Sophia Webster heels. Getty Images SAG Awards 2020: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet Andrew Scott Fleabag's hot priest Andrew Scott opted for a mauve Azzaro Couture tux paired with a pale pink silk shirt. He accessorised with a black bow-tie and cummerbund and Christin Louboutin black patent lace up Greggo dress shoes. Getty Images for Turner

“We show up and make the fashion magic happen for the awards show and just as quickly the next day it all must go back and be returned.”

Stylist Micaela Erlanger, who has worked with both Nyong'o and Streep, agrees, adding that when it comes to gifting, every brand is different.

“Some brands want to keep them for their own archives," Erlanger told ABC.

"The brand decides that and the client is happy either way. I'd say it's 50-50. If someone wins in a dress, generally speaking the brands are more inclined to give that as a gift because it's very sentimental.”

While red carpet events are always critical occasions for celebrities to exhibit their sartorial credentials, they are also a great opportunity to raise awareness.

Most recently, awards season has been dominated by the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, with the Golden Globes prompting fashion and activism to collide on its red carpet in 2018.

The coordinated protest, referred to as the “blackout”, was an effort by Hollywood’s most famous and accomplished women, including Emma Watson and Tracee Ellis Ross, to make a bold statement against sexual harassment in their industry by choosing to wear all-black ensembles.

This year, however, celebrities have turned their attention to the topic of sustainability and the impact that the fashion industry is having on climate change.

At the BAFTAs, guests were asked to make sustainable choices on the red carpet as part of its efforts to be a carbon neutral awards ceremony by either re-wear something they already owned or hiring an ensemble as opposed to buying something new.

Saoirse Ronan was one of a handful of celebrities who stuck to the new guidelines, with a black Gucci gown made from discarded satin, while the Duchess of Cambridge re-wore a white and gold gown by Alexander McQueen from her 2012 tour of Malaysia.

“Sustainability is a very hot topic in fashion right now,” Sanchez says.

“Inherently the idea that a VIP may borrow a sample dress is quite sustainable. They are borrowing, wearing on the carpet, returning, and then the dress goes on to be worn for other shoots or trunk shows.

“Red carpet dressing has the central core of sustainability as the borrowed pieces go on to have another life (or lives).”

The stylist adds that the concept of a custom dress is trickier to navigate as they are a one of a kind pieces made for celebrities.

“Occasionally designers will use a fabric that’s from their collection, so it could be reusing excess fabric, which falls in line with sustainability,” Sanchez says.

“However, if a fabric is custom dyed or printed that’s a bit less on the sustainable side. I think as an industry we are thinking of consuming less and reusing things a bit more.