Here's what it would look like if leading men wore haute couture to the Oscars

Oscar night is almost here. What if, instead of tuxedos, the nominated actors wore high fashion looks right off the runway?

Year after year, the women nominated endure the same question: “Who are you wearing?” Meanwhile, they’re worrying about visible panty lines while simultaneously negotiating layers upon layers of couture, corseted waists, plunging necklines, fashion tape, Spanx and trip-inducing hemlines. In addition to their dresses and clutches, their makeup, hair, and nails are scrutinized. Male actors just calmly sashay into the event in a black-and-white uniform, a.k.a. the predictable tux.

This year we’re turning the tables on the fellas, flicking off the Mani Cam and imagining the ten Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominees in some of the most wild, unexpected couture menswear ensembles from recent collections.

Behold:

Eddie Redmayne in Gareth Pugh
 The Theory of Everything actor can match those baby blue eyes to an electric-hued suit featuring voluminous, flowing trousers.

Benedict Cumberbatch in Dolce & Gabbana
Sad clown Cumberbatch would score a pity vote with Oscar voters in this wistful getup.

Michael Keaton in Givenchy
Keaton looks more Persian carpet than red carpet in this ornately patterned ensemble.

Steve Carell in Saint Laurent
Carell goes from wrestling enthusiast to dude-who-hangs-in-seedy-rock-clubs in this leggy look.

J.K. Simmons in Dolce & Gabbana
Surprisingly, this floral two-piece ensemble does Simmons so many favors. He looks great! Hopefully he’ll thank us in the acceptance speech.

Edward Norton in Gareth Pugh
Norton bares his abs, not ass (this time) in glistening, gilded gold.

Bradley Cooper in Rick Owens
The, er, crotch flap (?) in this layered robe is the perfect place to stealthily store acceptance speech notecards.

Mark Ruffalo in Chanel
Our resident MCM and couture waterboy can literally bring his own thirst bucket to the Oscars to help quell the sheer desperation of the evening.

Robert Duvall in Thom Browne
Judge not lest ye be judged! Morbidly-dressed Duvall is literally killing it in Tim Burton-esque all-black everything, replete with headdress.

Ethan Hawke in Dolce & Gabbana
Channeling his inner matador, Hawke is ready to grab awards season by the horns.

Source photos via Getty Images; photo illustrations by Elena Scotti.

Marjon Carlos is a style and culture writer for Fusion who boasts a strong turtleneck game and opinions on the subjects of fashion, gender, race, pop culture, and men’s footwear.