The 82nd Annual Academy Awards literally took Hollywood by storm this past weekend; and luckily for us all it didn't rain on the red carpet parade. Although, it may have been the dreary weather that prompted Hollywood's A-list to play it safe when selecting an Oscar gown. The night's trends included classic black dresses, ruffles, and champagne flavored gowns. While glamorous, all were lacking the risk-taking haute couture influence the fashion realm craves.

Of course leave it to our favorite starlet Zoe Saldana and her stylist Petra Flannery to deliver big with a Givenchy Haute Couture gown and shoes direct from Riccardo Tisci's Spring 2010 collection.

The dress was chosen just a few days before the awards. When InStyle asked Saldana what her Oscar fashion plans were at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon on March 4, she said she had yet to decide. She told InStyle, "My stylist Petra Flannery knows me more than I know myself when it comes to fashion. She always puts me in something that fits my personality and my mood, and she knows I go insane if I’m uncomfortable. Plus she wants me to look extra special.”

I'd say Flannery got it right as the Givenchy gown's sparkle, volume and shine perfectly accompanied Saldana's radiant personality. For some extra dazzle a whopping 80-carat amethyst and diamond inlay ring coupled with 20-carat bronzed platinum diamond drop earings from Lorraine Schwartz complimented the look.

Zoe proves that you don't have to be nominated to win big on the red carpet. Her look has already received tons of attention with praise from People, The Los Angeles Times, Telegraph UK, and Elle.

[Photo via Elle]