Nominee #1: Heidi Klum. This is what DIY-style looks like when you’re an uber-successful supermodel. Sure the dress is Dior Couture but the she made the earrings. No joke. The look speaks to her elegance and entrepreneurial skills. A+ Miss Klum.

Nominee #2: Debra Messing. There’s something to be said for staying true to one’s personal style. Take the Ralph Lauren-clad Miss Messing for example. At last year’s Emmy Awards she wore a similar ensemble: White tiered strapless dress, diamond cuff, little clutch, arms-out-pose. She knows better than to mess with a good thing (Except Deb—where’d that smile go?).

Nominee #3: Eva Longoria. While Longoria clearly loves the spotlight, she’s clever enough to opt for a unique dress by an under-the-radar label for high-profile occasion like this. The newly-married actress shimmers in a Kaufman Franco dress—made by New York design duo Ken Kaufman and Isaac Franco who sell their carefully constructed pieces at elite stores like Jeffrey—which compliments her glittering 248-diamond Jean Dousset engagement ring.

Nominee #4: Marcia Cross knows that you can’t make a statement on the red carpet unless you take a fashion risk. Her unusual color combo choice—turquoise gems with a pale pink George Chakra gown—works because she keeps everything else clean and simple.

Nominee #5: Not only does Minnie Driver looks confident and comfortable in Donna Karan’s bold, revealing gown, her clothing choice shows she’s far ahead of the fashion curve. Driver wears one of the key colors of spring ’08.

Nominee #6: Jenna Fisher. For those of you who are watching AMC’s Mad Men as obsessively as we are, you’ll recognize that Miss Fischer is channeling a mid-50s, Doris Duke glamour perfectly with her bouffant hair, the gold-and-taupe gown, and enigmatic smile. Who would have thought Pam from The Office would be the one to renew our faith in red carpet fashion?

Nominee #7: America Ferrera. What’s not to love about Miss Ferrera? The Emmy winner glows in cobalt, the color of the season, deliverd a charming, succinct acceptance speech, and keenly cinches her Monique L’Huillier gown with a jewelled belt. Look for this flattering style to be a favorite of prom queens, holiday revelers, and festive dressers all season long. (And for those gearing up in cocktail dresses everyday, you can steal her fresh-face glow by scooping up Dior Skin Forever Foundation, and DiorShow Eye Powder, and Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect in Beige Brocade.)

Nominee #8: Portia Di Rossi. While she stayed too close to GF Ellen DeGeneres for photographers to get a good shot of her Azzaro gown, di Rossi outshone many of those who were trying to linger in the spotlight on the red carpet. A diamante snake choker built in to her navy gown makes for an effortless, elegant ensemble. Here’s hoping DeGeneres—with camera in hand—got a good shot of her well-coiffed date before they the event.

*Wireimage top 2, FilmMagic 3rd & 4th image, remaining Wireimage