2011 Emmy Awards Celebrity Red Carpet Dresses

One of the biggest media events of the year, the 63rd edition of the Primetime Emmy Awards took place on Sunday, September 18 at the Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles. In addition to the grandiose ceremony, the celebrity red carpet dresses are also a major attraction of the 2011 Emmy Awards. Find out what Hollywood's heavy hitters wore to celebrate the biggest night in the television industry!

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A-list celebrities strode the red carpet in their best gowns and tuxedos during last night's much-awaited 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards. Hosted by Jane Lynch, the star-studded event was held at the Nokia Theare, Los Angeles, California.

Nominated or not, actresses pick their designers gowns with great care months prior to the ceremony, with millions of fans waiting to see them walk the red carpet. This unofficial fashion battle also draws the attention of the most vocal critics of the fashion industry. Let’s see who was best dressed and who failed to impress on the 2011 Emmy Awards red carpet!

Sarah Hyland in Christiano Siriano

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang

Kate Winslet in Elie Saab

Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan

Lea Michel in Marchesa

Kerry Washinton in Zuhair Murad

Red was a popular color choice on the red carpet. Modern Family's Sarah Hyland opted for a coral red pleated gown by Project runway designer Christian Siriano, paired with sky-high silver platform pumps. Her co-star Sofia Vergara wowed the crowd in a gorgeous one-shouldered custom gown by Vera Wang.
English actress Kate Winslet donned a figure-hugging gown by Elie Saab Resort in a vibrant scarlet hue, whilst Glee star Lea Michele sizzled in her Marchesa rose shoulder gown. Nina Dobrev and Kerry Washington both wore strapless designs from Donna Karan and Zuhair Murad.

Christina Hendricks in Johanna Johnson Couture

Elizabeth Moss in Marchesa

JenniferCarpenter in Tony Ward Couture

Heidi Klum in Christian Siriano

Taraji P Henson in Blumarine

Padma Lakshmi in Armani Prive

Mad Men star Christina Hendricks' red carpet look was a throwback to Old Hollywood glamour. She wore an embellished silver gown by Australian designer Johanna Johnson. Another stand-out on the 2011 Emmy Awards' red carpet was actress Elizabeth Moss in a sheer nude gown by Marchesa with silver embroidery.
Heidi Klum's dress was custom made by Project Runway winner Christian Siriano, while Jennifer Carpenter showed some skin in a beaded high slit gown by Tony Ward Couture.
High-impact metallic finishes are red carpet favorites: TV personality Padma Lakshmi donned a gorgeous antique gold silk Armani Prive gown with a high slit, whilst Taraji Henson shined in a beaded spaghetti strap gown from Blumarine.

Julia Style in Georges Hobeika Couture

Kelly Osbourne in J Mendel

Emily Blunt in Elie Saab

Julie Bowen in Oscar de la Renta

Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab

Gwyneth Paltrow in Emilio Pucci

Julia Stiles and Kelly Osbourne both graced the red carpet in fishtail frocks. Julia dressed up her curves with a lilac Georges Hobeika Couture gown, while rocker-daughter Kelly Osboune squeezed into a purple J. Mendel asymmetric strap ball gown.
Sexy plunging necklines were spotted on Emily Blunt (in Elie Saab Couture) and Julie Bowen (Oscar de la Renta). Evan Rachel Wood opted for a highly dramatic, fully embroidered black frock by Elie Saab. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow flaunted her figure in a sheer two piece ensemble by Emilio Pucci.

Katie holmes in Calvin Klein

Claire Danes in Oscar de la Renta

Dianna Agron in Roksanda Ilincic

Olivia Munn in Carolina Herrera

Katie Holmes' dress of choice landed her on the worst-dressed list. The actress wore a blue dress from the Calvin Klein Collection by Francisco Costa, a choice too casual for the glamorous event.
Claire Danes posed in a blue georgette strapless sequin gown from the Oscar de la Renta Resort 2012 collection. Dianna Agron and Olivia Munn shined in vibrant jewel hues, very popular this season. Dianna Agron's sapphire gown is a Roksanda Ilincic Fall 2011 creation, while Olivia Munn's emerald green gown is made by Carolina Herrera.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images