with the golden globes just around the corner (and the obsession that is idol even closer! but that’s not the story), we are again preparing to scan the throng of stars for things to talk about, good or bad. as the first major red carpet event every year, there is some pressure on celebs to create a striking “first” impression.

before 2010 celebrity couture officially starts next week, i would like to round-up and rank my favorite red carpet dresses of 2009.

10. jamie-lynn sigler in dkny

it’s probably the gold dress with the silver accessories and the bronze tan. it’s like the olympic medals melded into a woman to become jamie-lynn sigler.

from in style.

9. tilda swinton in haider ackermann

there is only one tilda swinton the world so there is only one person in the world who can pull this off.

from my it things.

8. penelope cruz in balmain and sarah jessica parker in dior haute couture

penelope cruz maintains the status after 2007′s best dress. of course, sjp keeps up with her on-screen fashion role.

from splendicity.

7. katy perry in basil soda

hey, don’t knock the giant pink gladiola sprouting from her waist. all things considered, this is one of the tamest katy has been and this dress is gorgeous overall, gladiola or not.

from my it things.

6. blake lively in versace

well, someone had to uphold the reputation of gossip girl. because i don’t think leighton meester did.

5. evan rachel wood in elie saab couture and marisa tomei in atelier versace

the two dresses made by origami experts.

from blogdorfgoodman and mahalo.

4. emmy rossum in carolina herrera

the dress equivalent of a mullet: business at the front, party at the back.

from zimbio.

3. drew barrymore in monique lhuillier

you think i’m just biased towards a filipina designer?… nah.

from style spot.

2. kim kardashian in ina soltani

armenian beauty + bosnian design = stunning.

from in style.

1. angelina jolie in versace

of course i’d show off those legs and back if i had them. of course i’d show off brad if i had him.