By the time we get to the party, for which the Colosseum is bathed in blue light as a backdrop for wire-dancing acrobats dressed in Valentino red, the Felliniesque-ness of it all can bring tears to our eyes.

NEWYORKER: Valentino: The Last Emperor

Sally Field in classic red Valentino, Jane Fonda in bright yellow Versace and Emmanuelle Riva in a teal gown that recalled society grande dames all looked regal in their fashion choices.

FORBES: The Red Carpet At 2013 Oscars

My heart skipped a beat just for a moment when Jennifer Aniston stepped onto the red carpet in her red Valentino gown and what looked like a petite jewelry watch on her wrist.

FORBES: Luxury Watch Spotting At The Oscars

Red was the color of the evening: Sandra Bullock wore a strapless red Vera Wang dress, Jennifer Hudson showed off her svelte frame in a va-va-voom tangerine Versace gown, and host Anne Hathaway sported two red dresses throughout the night (one by Valentino and one, very briefly worn on stage, by Versace).

FORBES: Calvin Klein Wins The Oscar Red Carpet