Oscars 2010: red carpet style questions we can’t wait to answer

Lauren Bravo reports:

Hurrah hurrah, Oscars night is upon us! As the stars primp, preen and polish up those pebble-sized diamonds, we at ShinyStyle are ready for a night of sumptuous Hollywood fashion.

Ever-dedicated to being first on the scene with style gossip, Andrea and I are all set in our pyjamas with Red Bull and Dairy Milk standing by, to stay up all night and bring you the good, the bad and the ugly from the red carpet…

So as we gear up for the big (Louboutin-ed) kick-off, here are the top five questions I want answering this evening:

Will maxi or mini prevail?
Ok, long dresses are the bread and butter of award ceremonies (making them the panettone and clotted cream of this, the calendar’s most important film event). But in recent years we’ve seen a few steps away from the traditional floor-sweeper and towards minis and flirty ’50s-style ballerina lengths, especially on the younger, hipper starlets. Then there’s always the kooky one or two who will plump for trousers (Meryl, my money’s on you).

Will anybody drown in Mariah’s cleavage?
For once, the woman should be exuding a bit of class. After her acclaimed turn in Precious (for which she frumped up like a pro), one would hope she’d take the chance to dress the part of a serious thespian. But then, if her appearances at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards are anything to go by, maybe she’ll stick with the diamanté-encrusted persona that we know and, um, love. Either way, I reckon there’ll be bazoomas on display.

Will the Brit girls wave the fashion flag?
Kate Winslet can always be relied on for some old-school glamour, usually in a trademark figure-hugging sheath dress. Meanwhile, rising star Carey Mulligan ought to give her a run for her money, with the combination of refined elegance and gamine edge that she’s been displaying throughout awards season. Other British ladies I’ll be excited to see include Emily Blunt, Rosamund Pike and the ever-sexy grand Dame of awards fashion, Helen Mirren.

Which of the Nine girls will come out on top?
It may have been a little bit style-over-substance, but Rob Marshall’s musical homage to Fellini delivered one of the sexiest casts we’ve seen this year. With Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman and Fergie all representing Nine tonight, I’m keen to see who will bring that showgirl pzazz to the red carpet.

What will 2010′s key colour be?
In previous years we’ve seen black, red, pink and midnight blue all take turns to be Oscar hue du jour. But this year I’m predicting that the stars will keep things pale and interesting with nude, white and pastel shades, as well as a bit of striking monochrome. Provided a sudden downpour doesn’t turn anything see-through, things should be all white on the night… (sorry).