UNITED STATES – MARCH 05: Actor Michelle Williams, nominated for best supporting actress for her role in “Brokeback Mountain,” arrives at the 78th Academy Awards Sunday, March 5, 2006, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Francis Specker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The year was 2006, and former Dawson’s Creek star Michelle Williams was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 78th Academy Awards for her role in Brokeback Mountain. It would become the role that would pivot her career from teen television star to a celebrated Hollywood talent.

She won her first Oscar later that evening, but Williams created another career-defining moment the second she set foot on the red carpet – with her canary yellow Vera Wang gown, red lip, and loose, low bun, Williams was instantly an anointed fashion and beauty icon.

Michelle Williams, nominee Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “Brokeback Mountain” at the The 78th Annual Academy Awards – Arrivals at Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Chris Polk/FilmMagic)

The look worked particularly well because it effortlessly clashed both colours and style eras to create a truly memorable moment in red carpet beauty. Williams gave a nod to the silver screen stars of the past via her soft finger waves, which were given a modern update by cascading into face-framing curls and secured in a low, loose side chignon.

Her luminous makeup followed the same retro-inspired aesthetic – a classic rouge lip and thick, fluttery lashes – but the look felt undeniably fresh against the buttercup shade of her chiffon gown. Having beau Heath Ledger on her arm was just a (very) nice bonus.

Heath Ledger, nominee Best Actor in a Leading Role for “Brokeback Mountain” and Michelle Williams, nominee Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “Brokeback Mountain” during the The 78th Annual Academy Awards – Arrivals at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)

It wasn’t the only time Williams managed to wow us with her understated brand of glamour, but it truly remains one of the best beauty looks the Oscars red carpet has ever seen.

We hope to see more when the 2021 awards ceremony officially kicks off. Find out where to watch it here.