From PEOPLE Magazine Click to enlarge
It may have been her first trip to the Oscars, but Jennifer Hudson had the fashion game all figured out. "You've got to have a team!" said the Best Supporting Actress winner, who managed three wardrobe changes. Stylist Jessica Paster's crew helped get Hudson red-carpet ready that morning, then waited backstage to help her into her performing and party gowns. Their tricks? Putting a scarf over Hudson's face to prevent makeup smudges and using baby wipes to spot-clean stains. Says Hudson: "They do all the primping so a girl always looks good!"

WINNING
OSCAR DE LA RENTA
"It was different from anything else," Hudson said of this silk jersey creation.

PERFORMING
MICHAEL KORS
Hudson's retro, Swarovski-crystal-studded gown "brought back memories" of Dreamgirls, she said.

PARTYING
ROBERTO CAVALLI
This look was "my favorite," Hudson said. "I think it would be a great wedding dress!"

PENELOPE CRUZ
CHANEL HAUTE COUTURE
Before the after-parties, Cruz traded her feathered frock for one studded with pearls.

BEFORE

CELINE DION
ALBER ELBAZ FOR LANVIN
Earlier in the night, the singer opted for vintage James Galanos from the L.A. shop Lily et Cie.

BEFORE

BEYONCE
ELIE SAAB
Beyoncé admitted that this party frock was "a little more comfortable" than her red-carpet gown.

BEFORE

See more photos of the night's best and worst looks at PEOPLE.COM/REDCARPET