Penelope Cruz' 2009 Awards Season Dresses

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Romantic beauty Penelope Cruz won her first Oscar this year for her performance in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, capping off an incredible year for the Spanish stunner. Always a favorite with designers, Cruz stuck to classic looks for the red carpet, floating past the cameras in long, elegant pieces that could have come from eras past. Here's what Penelope Cruz wore during the 2009 awards season.

2008 New York Film Critics' Circle Awards, January 5, 2009

Penelope Cruz in 2008 New York Film Critic's Circle Awards

Penelope Cruz kicked off her awards season in a lovely pair of nude Louboutins and an Oscar de la Renta feathered dress.

VH1'S 14th Annual Critics' Choice Awards, January 8, 2009

Penelope Cruz in VH1s 14th Annual Critics Choice Awards - Arrivals

The blue strapless gown Cruz wore to the Critics' Choice Awards didn't wow any fashion critics, as it seemed a little too simple and subdued for such an accomplished and lovely woman.

The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards, January 11, 2009

Penelope Cruz in The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards

Cruz chose another simple gown for the Golden Globes, wearing this Armani Privé column gown with some beautiful earrings. While the dress is certainly pretty, it's nowhere near as beautiful as the similar gown worn by Anne Hathaway to the Oscars.

15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, January 25, 2009

Penelope Cruz in 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Arrivals

Penelope chose this black velvet Azzedine Alaia gown for the SAG Awards. The mermaid silhouette may be popular right now, but this take on it wasn't terribly exciting.

Goya Cinema Awards 2009, February 1, 2009

Penelope Cruz in Goya Cinema Awards 2009

Penelope accepted her Goya award in a surprisingly sexy Chanel lace gown.

The Orange British Academy Film Awards 2009, February 8, 2009

Penelope Cruz in The Orange British Academy Film Awards 2009 - Inside Arrivals

Cruz wore Alaia again to the BAFTAs.

2009 Film Independent Spirit Awards, February 21, 2009

Penelope Cruz in 2009 Film Independent Spirit Awards - Arrivals

Alaia, once more, at the Independent Spirit Awards. Nothing to rave about.

The 81st Annual Academy Awards, February 22, 2009

Penelope Cruz in 81st Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals

Cruz wore a vintage Balmain gown to the Oscars. It was so lovely, and doubly pleasing as she didn't wear black, for once.

Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted by Graydon Carter, February 22, 2009

Penelope Cruz in Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Graydon Carter - Arrivals

Penelope switched into this asymmetrical Atelier Versace gown for the Vanity Fair party, clutching her Oscar as she made her entrance. As you can tell from the picture above, Penelope exposed quite a bit of thigh, but she has the legs to get away with it.