The 82nd Annual Academy Awards take place this Sunday and nominees are probably still scrambling to pin down that absolutely perfect red carpet look. Whether you’re a winner, a nominee, a presenter or even just an attendee the red carpet and press rooms are a place for folks in the movie biz to get major exposure., and choosing the right fashion can make all the difference when the world has it’s eyes on you. Here’s what we hope to see the ladies wearing on the carpet. (Sorry, guys! Tuxedos just aren’t that interesting.)

Best Actress

The nominees for Best Actress are the luckiest on the carpet because not only are they in the running for one of the most prestigious awards of the evening, more than anyone else they have designers begging them to wear their clothes. These ladies can choose from the cream of the crop, but because the attention on them is so intense they generally opt for beautiful, but relatively safe looks.

Helen Mirren, “The Last Station”

At 65 years of age, Helen Mirren is a verified stunner. Despite her senior citizen status, she can still pull off the most body conscious looks there are out there; and for that reason alone, she should! Above: Monique L’Huiller Fall 2010, Badgley Mischka Spring 2010, Collette Dinnigan Spring 2010, Alexis Mabille Spring 2010 Couture

Meryl Streep, “Julie & Julia”

Meryl Streep is one of the most respected actresses in the business. The Academy Awards must be old hat for her by now, being nominated 16 times and winning 2 Oscars already. Because of her cred she could come wearing her pajamas and I’d bet no one would mind. What’s more likely, however, is that she’s choose something “age appropriate” – in other words long in length, not too tight and arms covered. Above: Badgely Mischka Spring 2010, Carolina Herrera Fall 2010, Fendi Fall 2010, Alexis Mabille Spring 2010 Couture

Carey Mulligan, “An Education”

Carey Mulligan has become a fashion favorite on the red carpet over the past year. Since cutting her hair into a close-cropped pixie, her style has stood out as among the most fashion forward among her peers. While she’s a cute girl, her cache is in her exceptional style, so she should really push the envelope. Above: Elie Saab Spring 2010, Emilio Pucci Fall 2010, Alexis Mabille Spring 2010 Couture, Badgley Mischka Spring 2010

Sandra Bullock, “The Blind Side”

For many years we only knew Sandra Bullock at the funny girl. Recently, however, the actress has gotten increasingly sophisticated with her look and we’re finding out that the serious side of Sandra is every bit as fabulous as the funny side. She looks great in very tailored, streamlined looks without too much fluff or embellishments. Above: Armani Privee Spring 2010 Couture, Douglas Hannant Fall 2010, Armani Privee Spring 2010, Elie Saab Spring 2010

Gabourey Sidibe, “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”

Gabourey Sidibe’s success couldn’t have come at a better time. The fashion world is currently obsessed with the body image issue, so big girls are getting more play than ever. There will be plenty of options for Gabourey, but she should still flatter her figure by keeping it streamlined. Some strategic draping or ruching could be great for her as well. Above: Max Azria Fall 2010, Collette Dinnigan Spring 2010, Bottega Veneta Fall 2010, Luca Luca Fall 2010

Best Supporting Actress

While the best supporting actress nominees don’t get quite as much attention as those above, they almost have even more red carpet pressure. Getting an award for a supporting role is great, but every actress dreams of being the lead. Accordingly, supporting actresses really need to do there best to shine on the red carpet. They walk the line between looking their best and taking risks that will get them noticed.

Mo’Nique, “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”

Although Mo’Nique has trimmed down recently, she’s still not pin thin like many Hollywood actresses. The comedian complements her form with simple silouettes and cinched tailoring. She looks expecially nice in sleeveless gowns and sweetheart necklines. Above: Victoria Beckham Fall 2010, Elie Saab Spring 2010, Monique L’Huiller Fall 2010, Badgley Mischka Fall 2010

Penélope Cruz, “Nine”

Penelope Cruz is no stronger to the Oscar’s spotlight. The Spanish actress won the award in this category last year. Despite her smoldering beauty, she tends to be fairly conservative on the red carpet. We’d love to see her in something dramatic this year. She’d look great in a hot color or something sparkly. Above: Elie Saab Spring 2010, Carolina Herrera Fall 2010, Monique L’Huiller Fall 2010, Monique L’Huiller Fall 2010

Maggie Gyllenhaal, “Crazy Heart”

Like many of the roles she chooses, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s style is at once understated and quirky. She’s the type of actress that could pull off wearing a short dress to the Academy Awards. She’d also looked good in a something that’s heavily embellished, but with a simple shape. Above: Elie Saab Spring 2010, Aquascutum Fall 2010, Armani Privee Spring 2010 Couture, Monique L’Huiller Fall 2010

Anna Kendrick, “Up in the Air”

I’ll admit that I know very little about Anna Kendrick. However, her red carpet style gives me a Disney princess vibe. She should opt for sleek, sophisticated style so she can fit in with the grown ups. Above: Christian Dior Spring 2010, Carolina Herrera Fall 2010, Carolina Herrera Fall 2010, Badgely Mischka Fall 2010

Vera Farmiga, “Up in the Air”

Very Farmiga has something about her that’s moody and mysterious. Even with the actress smiles there’s something brooding about her face. She should play on that aura of her with something billowy and/or dark. She’s got a great Hollywood body, too – thin, but not too thin – so figure-hugging dresses look good on her. Above: Salvatore Ferregam Fall 2010, Emilia Pucci Fall 2010, Christian Dior Spring 2010, Chado Ralph Rucci Fall 2010