Sure, they look great when they’ve got costume directors, wardrobe designers and practically bottomless budgets on the set. But when movies are left to their own devices, some of them seem unable to complete the simple task of dressing themselves well. The winners have been announced in every category but one: best dressed.

Who worked the red carpet? Who chose to wear something that didn’t work at all? View the best (and worst) in 2009 Academy Awards fashion after the jump.

Jessica Biel was one of the evening’s presenters and a huge fashion disaster. This elegant Prada gown, with its sweeping strapless style, is absolutely gorgeous - but that weird excess fabric fold in the front is not. Let’s lose the extra three yards of satin and give this beauty a look that works next time. Yeesh!

Natalie Portman chose a hot pink floor-length frock with a gauzy skirt. The effect was flattering and fabulous, making this screen queen a fashion winner for the night.

The lovely Penelope Cruz often goes big for the Oscar celebration, usually choosing ball gowns that celeb watchers won’t soon forget. This lacey white sensation looks a little like a wedding gown, but as usual Cruz just can’t miss with her delightful dress decision.

Sarah Jessica Parker looked great from some angles, but this is not one of them. She looked a little in danger of tumbling out of her low-cut gown, though she was practically swamped in that wide skirt. Between her top and her bottom, I expected the poor girl to fall over at some point in the evening. Sometimes, bigger isn’t better.

This chic, shimmering gown was sheer success on Anne Hathaway. This gown is so strapless, sparkly and sensational, silver just might have to become the new color of the Oscars.

Teen idol Miley Cyrus is usually cute as a button, but at the Oscars she was a complete mess. Her gown was an odd conglomeration of frill, fabric and fake diamonds. This high-waisted, wide, belted creation makes Miley look like she’s gunning for a role in a remake of War and Peace. In other words, it’s just not a good look for a modern girl…or, okay, any girl.