Conan O’Brien navigates the Oscars through song, dance and awards

Another year, another Oscars, 97th in a series, presented live from the Dolby Theatre, on the former site of the Hollywood Hotel, structurally indistinguishable from Oscars that were — pandemic variations notwithstanding — and Oscars that will be. The early starting time — 7 p.m. instead of the old 8 p.m. ET — merely acknowledges what previous years have already made evident, that the program will not be over in three hours, as indeed it was not. (“If you’re still enjoying the show,” host Conan O’Brien said near the broadcast’s end, “you have something called Stockholm syndrome.”)

This was O’Brien’s first time captaining the Oscars, but he’s hosted the Emmys twice, in 2002 and 2006, the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 2013, the MTV Movie Awards in 2014 and nearly 4,000 nights of late-night television. Are the Oscars more important, more intimidating than mocking Washington big shots to their often stony faces? More to the point, would the occasion let Conan be Conan — 6-foot-4 (6-foot-7 with the hair) human rooster and man of half a dozen voices, who featured on his “Late Night With Conan O’Brien” a recurring character called Masturbating Bear? Sure, he’s the latest — and with the co-optation of the Kennedy Center, its presenting body, possibly the last — winner of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, but he is one of the medium’s proudest weirdos.

It’s British television’s biggest night of the year – and the stars certainly didn’t disappoint when they graced the red carpet at the 2024 National Television Awards. Sartorial splendour was on the agenda as a host of famous faces arrived at The O2 London on Wednesday evening.

From Rochelle Humes in a military-inspired number to Michelle Keegan in a chic mini dress and Cat Deeley in red, this year’s fabulous frocks were ones to remember. Holly Willoughby surprised onlookers in the most beautiful strapless dress, marking her official return to the limelight after almost a year away from our screens. The popular This Morning star, who left her role on the ITV daytime programme last October after a plot to kidnap and murder her was exposed, is officially back in (show)business.

Hosted live by Joel Dommett, the ITV awards ceremony sees the great and good of the entertainment industry fêted for their accomplishments. While the night’s winners will be selected by public vote, here’s our unofficial list of the biggest fashion heroes. Keep scrolling for all the photos of the best dressed stars at this year’s NTAs…

1/ 28 © Getty Holly Willoughby She’s back! After months of lying low amid her stalker ordeal, Holly Willoughby officially made her return to public-facing life at the NTAs. Opting for a slinky metallic dress from KolchagovBarba Couture with a corseted bodice and a subtle side split, Holly kept things simple for her big comeback. The piece featured the brand’s signature corset silhouette, intricately embellished with Preciosa crystal components. She enhanced her pretty features with a smoky eye and a pale pink lip and wore her blonde bob in tousled waves, completing the look with Astrea London earrings featuring lab-grown diamonds.

2/ 28 © Ian West – PA Images Michelle Keegan Looking divine in a black, custom mini dress by Drenusha Xharra with a sweeping cape train, Michelle Keegan caused a stir when she arrived on the red carpet. The Fool Me Once actress, whose Netflix show smashed global records when it was released, made a bold fashion move by teaming her look with semi-sheer tights and sassy shoes by Sergio Rossi.

3/ 28 © Getty Cat Deeley Red is definitely Cat Deeley’s colour! The This Morning presenter looked amazing in a one-shoulder red dress that highlighted her post-summer tan. The perfectly draped design was paired with gold strappy heels and tumbling blonde curls.

4/ 28 © David Fisher/Shutterstock Rochelle Humes Daring to be different, Rochelle Humes slipped into an asymmetric khaki design with a pop of butter yellow on the bodice. The military chic number by Azzi & Osta featured a structured bodice and a softly flowing skirt. The Hit List presenter, who was accompanied by her JLS star husband Marvin Humes, completed her attire with bold earrings and Jennifer Chamandif shoes. Perfection!

5/ 28 © David Fisher/Shutterstock Helen George Helen George looked gorgeous in a black mini dress with a structured bodice and rose detailing on the bust. The Call The Midwife star, best known for playing nurse Trixie Franklin in the BAFTA award-winning series, wore her long brunette hair down in loose waves for her big red carpet moment.

6/ 28 © David Fisher/Shutterstock Stacey Solomon and son Zachary Looking proud as punch alongside her teenage son Zachary, 16, Stacey Solomon opted for a retro look in a fitted red satin dress, 1920s style black gloves and matching stilettos. The Sort Your Life Out TV presenter styled her honey-hued hair in bouncy Hollywood waves.

7/ 28 © David Fisher/Shutterstock Zara McDermott Brushing off the ongoing Strictly drama with Graziano Di Prima, Zara McDermott stole the show on the red carpet. The Made In Chelsea star looked beautiful, channeling old Hollywood in a fitted black gown. The gorgeous design featured cut-out detailing at the bust and a dramatic fishtail trail. Her brunette locks were pinned back from her face, with dazzling diamond drop earrings and a bold red lip completing her look.

8/ 28 © Getty Oti Mabuse Gorgeous mother-of-one Oti Mabuse looked sensational in a stunning, avant-garde jumpsuit by elite occasionwear brand Nadine Merabi. We love the bombastic bow and sleek finish. It’s very Emily in Paris!

9/ 28 © Getty Vicky McClure Vicky McClure went hell for leather in an edgy black dress. The strapless, figure-hugging design featured lace-up detailing on a subtle side split running up the front of the skirt. The Line of Duty favourite donned a pair of simple black heels and a gold GOOSSENS bangle on each wrist to balance out the look.

10/ 28 © David Fisher/Shutterstock Ashley James A vision in sheer sparkles, Ashley James was one of the first celebrities to grace the red carpet. The body positivity advocate looked amazing in her bejewelled, strapless design, which boasted an entirely sheer skirt with a mermaid train. The glittering gown was accessorised with a pearl clutch bag and statement silver earrings.

11/ 28 © David Fisher/Shutterstock Louise Thompson Louise Thompson was a vision in a black satin dress with a corseted bodice and floor-trailing skirt. The simple yet timeless design was perfectly paired with a deep burgundy lip, a coordinating black silk clutch bag, and a slicked-back updo. Louise, an ex-MIC star and birth trauma advocate, was joined by her partner Ryan Libbey.

12/ 28 © David Fisher/Shutterstock Kate Garraway Kate Garraway looked lovely in an embellished Karen Millen suit. Speaking on the red carpet, she admitted it was “sad” her late husband Derek Draper could not see her nominated for another National Television Award (NTA) for her documentary about his health issues, Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story. The GMB presenter said he would have been “very proud of these two”, referring to their children Darcey and Billy, who “get very shy at these things but wanted to come” along with her.

13/ 28 © David Fisher/Shutterstock Helen Flanagan Looking like a total vixen in a vampy purple look, Helen Flanagan got into the autumnal spirit in a plum-hued dress from Karen Millen. The Celebs Go Dating star, who debuted her new boyfriend on the show this week, looked lovely in the satin waist, draped corset dress, which she accessorised with giant gemstone earrings, silver heels, and a bold burgundy lip.

14/ 28 © David Fisher/Shutterstock Vick Hope Vick Hope looked sensational in a sparkling silver dress with intricate beading and a sweetheart necklace. The TV presenter paired her sophisticated gown with dazzling drop earrings.

15/ 28 © Ian West – PA Images Jacqueline Jossa EastEnders’ Jacqueline Jossa made a big impression in a ravishing red dress with a thigh-high split. The halterneck design was softly draped at the hips and teamed with glittering silver jewellery and heels.

16/ 28 © David Fisher/Shutterstock Lisa Faulkner and John Torode Loved-up couple Lisa Faulkner and John Torode posed together on the red carpet. The John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen culinary stars were perfectly in sync, with Lisa donning a cornflower blue silk dress and MasterChef host John dressed to impress in a tux.

17/ 28 © David Fisher/Shutterstock Mary Berry How lovely did Mary Berry look? The baking guru donned an 11-year-old sapphire blue dress from Damsel in a Dress with a cotton top and skirt skirt, accessorised to perfection with a jazzy statement silver necklace and pointed-toe heels. “I thought I wasn’t going to buy something new because I don’t usually wear dresses everyday,” said the ex-Bake Off judge. “It was 11 years ago and I’m a little bit smaller. My daughter-in-law designs wedding dresses and she just turned it up so I don’t trip up as I went along.”

18/ 28 © Getty Davina McCall Fitness queen Davina McCall showcased the results of her impressive workout regime in a skintight Latex dress. The strapless design clung to the My Mum, Your Dad host’s athletic figure – and didn’t she look fab!

19/ 28 © Getty Tasha Ghouri Tasha Ghouri walked the red carpet solo ahead of making her big Strictly Come Dancing debut this weekend. The Love Island favourite looked gorgeous in a white lace number that wouldn’t have been out of place on an episode of the BBC ballroom show.

20/ 28 © Getty Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks Looking sharp in contrasting black and white suits, the night’s red carpet hosts Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks got the ball rolling in style. Former MIC star Sam and ex-TOWIE favorite Pete, who is set to compete in this year’s edition of Strictly Come Dancing, were the first stars on the red carpet as they prepared to greet the flock of famous faces.

21/ 28 © Getty Alison Hammond This Morning presenter Alison Hammond looked fabulous in a striking black dress with beautiful white cape detailing as she posed alongside her co-host Dermot O’Leary. What a fab duo! Thanking her glam squad, Alison penned: “NTA Ready! Let’s go @officialntas thanks @makeupbymikey @steviebstyle @hairbychar20.”

22/ 28 © Getty Annabel Croft Strictly star and former tennis player Annabel Croft with a paisley printed slip dress with lace detailing on the bust. She teamed her boho dress with a studded clutch and layered beaded bracelets.

23/ 28 © Getty Josie Gibson This Morning star Josie Gibson was a vixen in a slinky black gown with caped detail – much like Meghan Markle’s twice-worn Safiyaa dress. The simple elegant look was elevated with gold chunky jewellery and loose Hollywood curls.

24/ 28 © Getty Nadiya Bychkova Strictly pro Nadiya Bychkova looked like a balletic princess in a frothy tulle dress cinched at the waist with a black bow. The Ukrainian dancer, who recently split from her fellow Strictly star beau Kai Widdrington, also sported a slick bun fit for an Argentine Tango.

25/ 28 © Getty Emma and Matt Willis Hosts of Love is Blind UK Emma and Matt Willis were perfectly co-ordinated in black with The Voice presenter looking particularly chic in an A-line dress with platformed heels and a diamond necklace.

26/ 28 © Getty Susanna Reid GMB presenter Susanna Reid opted for a classic LBD but with a twist as her gown featured feathers across the Bardot neckline. Her thigh-split dress was accessorised with mesh heels and a lovely French manicure.

27/ 28 © Getty Tess Daly Strictly host Tess Daly also got the LBD memo, opting for an off-the-shoulder moment adorned with rhinestones. The ruched number was paired with metallic kitten heels.