Thursday night's VH1 Critics' Choice Awards kicked off the Read Carpet Season with a bang.

Some of Hollywood's hottest stars arrived at the laid back ceremony looking glamorous in floor-length gowns and dripping in diamonds, while others opted for smart cocktail attire in short and simple dresses.

And while outright fashion disasters were few, certain stars certainly shined brighter than others.

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The Best

Penelope Cruz looked gorgeous in a midnight blue mermaid style with a sweetheart neck and a ribbon corseted waistline. Fitting her figure in all the right places, this star knows how to work understated and elegant better than most.

Kate Beckinsale also opted for simple and stunning in a body-hugging chocolate colored J. Mendel gown accessorized perfectly with chandelier earrings and bangle bracelets.

New to the red carpet and accepting an award for her "Slumdog Millionare" co-star was Freida Pinto in a white knee length Grecian number. Like a breath of fresh air, she pulled off what many young Hollywood stars can't, looking elegant but also sexy with this backless style.

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Anne Hathaway also chose something short and proved once again to be a style star. In a belted black and white paneled Gianfranco Ferre and straight sleek bob she looked young and modern.

As for other young stars, Evan Rachel Wood was the biggest surprise, ditching the Goth look she sported when dating Marilyn Manson for a beautiful beaded dress from Dolce and Gabbana. The sea-green hue set off her new red locks perfectly.

Another surprise was Katy Perry, who looked "old Hollywood" fabulous in an ice blue stain and lace gown also from D and G. Topped off with a blue boa and a soft and wavy bob, the pop star, who usually has a sense of humor when it comes to fashion, was no laughing matter.

Virginia Madsen can still wow a room in floor-length blue velvet David Meister style and long blond waves, but our favorite of the night was Diane Lane, looking simply perfect in a black short sequenced dress. As she presented an award to her often co-star Richard Gere we were all reminded why this star sticks around.

The Busts

As for disappointments, Brangelina were obviously the couple to watch, and while Angelina Jolie bored us with her one sleeved silver Max Azria style, Angie is the most beautiful women in the world. Not many women can pull of a simple pony tail and look that pretty. We hope however, she'll go for something a bit more va-va-va voom for the Golden Globes on Sunday.

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Amy Adams also should have stepped out of the style box a bit. She chose a beautiful blue color, but a blah style. This simple, strapless dress didn't do much for the rising star.

Amanda Bynes also chose a beautiful color, but a way too tight style, looking like a teen queen in a skin tight silhouette.

Our biggest disappointment however, was Marissa Tomei in a black Giambattista Valli dress. The length was odd ,and the ruffle was distracting. No worries, M, we love you and thought you were fabulous in "The Wrestler"!