Our Picks for Best Dressed at the 2014 Screen Actors Guild Awards

Though the Screen Actors Guild awards don’t necessarily reel in viewers in the manner that the Golden Globes and Oscars do (hence why they air on TBS, as opposed to NBC), they’re incredibly important to those within the film industry since any recognition received is a reflection of the esteem earned by their very own peers. Similarly, cinema aficionados appreciate the conciseness and business-like flow of the SAG Awards — the way the comical monologues, choreographed song-and-dance numbers, and needless montages are eschewed in favor of a down-to-business approach (without, of course, completely doing away with the fun!).

And, when it comes to the SAG Awards red carpet, there’s as much of an emphasis on glamour and sophistication as there is at any other awards show. Below, we’ve selected our favorite red carpet dresses from the 2014 SAG Awards:

AMY ADAMS

Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence — both nominated for their work in American Hustle — were clearly the empresses of the red carpet last night. As opposed to her Golden Globes gown, which featured a plunging neckline meant as a nod to 1970s style, her SAG Awards dress seemed to take a nod from Art Deco architecture with its sharp lines and geometric cuts. Designed by Antonio Berardi, Amy Adams’ violet-tinged blue gown features a thigh-high slit (a huge trend this awards season) and jeweled belt to accentuate the Best Actress nominee’s slim waistline, but the design’s most magical elements involve the one-shoulder, asymmetrical neckline: how it slopes down at a sharp angle from her right collarbone, the diagonal line created extending down to her left breast and then vaulting upward again at a slightly less sharp angle to as to create a triangular-shaped cut-out along the bustline; and how the single cap sleeves features another triangular cut-out that again underlines the architectural inspiration behind the design.

JENNIFER LAWRENCE

After a rare misstep at the Golden Globes, J.Law bounced back at the SAG Awards with a black Christian Dior Haute Couture gown that showed off her sexy hourglass shape. Though the dress has a rather simple silhouette — strapless with a straight, column skirt — the impeccable fit and the luxurious fabric, which sparkled brighter than Christmas tree lights) made a powerful statement.

LUPITA NYONG’O

Not only did Lupita Nyong’o snag the Best Supporting Actress award for her work in 12 Years A Slave, but she turned heads on the red carpet in a turquoise silk crepe Gucci dress. Clearly, Nyong’o has an appreciation for dresses with simple silhouettes that are brought to life via bold color choices and singular design flourishes. In the case of her Golden Globes dress, it was the vivid red color and built-in cape of her Ralph Lauren dress. For the SAG awards, it was the turquoise hue and the intricacy of her gown’s neckline. If you regard the rest of the dress — from the bodice to the skirt — it’s undeniably simple, and yet the crisscrossed neckline, adorned with silk flowers and beads, makes it feel transcendent in its beauty.

SANDRA BULLOCK

Though fashion insiders were torn about Sandra Bullock’s color-blocked gown at this year’s Golden Globe Awards, there was no denying the elegance of her emerald green dress at the SAG Awards. The strapless number, part of the Lanvin Pre-Fall 2014 collection, features a high-low hemline that showed off Bullock’s muscular legs and a bow at the side, directly above the slit.

MICHELLE DOCKERY

Is she wearing pants? Is that a dress? This clever number from J. Mendel nods to the borrowed-from-the-boys trend that has dominated the ready-to-wear and haute couture realms for several seasons, drawing inspiration from a men’s tuxedo vest and pants ensemble. Featuring a thigh-high center slit, this floor-length gown’s skirt almost looks like a pair of wide-fitting black trousers from certain angles, making it feel all the more playful and cheeky. The bodice, meanwhile, features a plunging, cleavage-baring neckline that adds mega sex appeal to the menswear-inspired design motif, with its color-blocked details, satin-y finish, and the side pockets along the hips.

SOFIA VERGARA

The Colombian bombshell looked like a Latina Jessica Rabbit in this beaded, shimmering, silver Donna Karan Atelier gown. Vergara tends to favor strapless numbers for her red carpet appearances and this was no exception, but it did showcase a different neckline: as opposed to a sweetheart neckline, Vergara’s typical choice, this gown features a scooped neckline with slightly pointed edges along the sides. The placement of the beads on this gown is brilliantly strategic, creating the most flattering optical illusions, and accentuating Vergara’s killer curves.

CATE BLANCHETT

A stark deviation from the romantic, high collar, black lace Armani gown she wore at the Golden Globes, Cate Blanchett’s Givenchy dress explored a softer interpretation of femininity with its blush pink hue; draped halter neckline, which brought attention to her collarbones and shoulders; the draped and Grecian-inspired skirt; and the ruffled overlay along the bodice, with its undulating, almost, petal-like folds, accentuated by metallic pink sequins. The one drawback: from a side view, this dress looks like it could be a maternity design, adding unnecessary volume to Blanchett’s waistline.