Emily Blunt, Carey Mulligan, Florence Pugh and Anya Taylor-Joy lead the British glamour as the 96th annual Academy Awards red carpet kicks off four HOURS before the ceremony even begins

On a night dedicated to the best of American cinema it was the Brits who lit up the red carpet outside Hollywood's Dolby Theatre ahead of the 96th annual Academy Awards on Sunday evening. 

With Barbie and Oppenheimer widely expected to share the spoils after dominating much of this awards season, actresses Emily Blunt, Carey Mulligan, Florence Pugh and Miami born, Britain raised Anya Taylor-Joy ensured they claimed their fair share of the spotlight during respective appearances outside the iconic venue. 

The four stars flew the British flag while rubbing shoulders with fellow guests at the ceremony, which began some four hours before the first award was announced. 

Emily looked sensational as she sparkled in a cream shimmering gown which featured silver sequined detailing around the edges and an elegant train. 

The Oppenheimer star elevated her height with a pair of chunky silver heels, while her blonde locks were pulled off her face in a neat bun. 

On a night dedicated to the best of American cinema it was the Brits who lit up the red carpet outside Hollywood's Dolby Theatre ahead of the 96th annual Academy Awards on Sunday evening (L-R: Emily Blunt,Carey Milligan, Florence Pugh and Anya Taylor-Joy)

Opting for a completely different style, Carey showed off her effortlessly chic sense of style in a figure-hugging black mermaid dress with a white pleated tail. 

The Saltburn star wowed in the strapless ensemble which she paired with some long-sleeved matching black gloves, adding to the regal look. 

Meanwhile Florence wowed in a quirky silver metallic ensemble. The Dune actress paired a sheer silver waistcoat with a silk slip skirt, while even her nails shimmered as they were covered in silver gems. 

The star completed the look with a stylish silver necklace which was made to look like a snake wrapped around her neck. 

Anya also opted for silver for the evening as she showcased her incredible physique in a strapless dress which featured an intricate ruffled skirt, adorned with grey feathers and sequins. 

Oppenheimer has bagged 13 nods, including best picture and best actor for Cillian Murphy - who is favorite to win the major category after scooping a BAFTA, a Golden Globe and SAG award for his role as physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer.

The impressive total - which also includes best supporting actor and actress for Robert Downey Jr. and Emily Blunt, as well as best director for Christopher Nolan - is just one nomination short of the all-time record set by Titanic in 1998.

Andrea Riseborough made sure to turn heads as she arrived at the Oscars for the biggest awards show in Hollywood on Sunday evening.

Emily was accompanied by husband John Krasinski as she arrived at the star-studded event early on Sunday evening 

The British actress has been nominated in the category for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in Christopher Nolan's epic Oppenheimer 

Emily offered a characteristically cheerful wave while posing for photographs outside the Dolby Theatre on Sunday evening  

Carey showed off her effortlessly chic sense of style in a figure-hugging black mermaid dress with a white pleated tail

Carey was joined by her husband Marcus Mumford who is the lead singer of folk band Mumford & Sons

Carey waved to fans as she showed off an impressive pair of diamond earrings

The English actress, 42, showcased her slim physique as she posed up a storm in a long-sleeved tartan print dress.

Drawing eyes in the bright red, white and grey ensemble, the Channel 4 Alice & Jack star flaunted her quirky sense of style.

Cillian Murphy looked smart for the evening ahead of his nomination for Best Actor for his role as J. Robert Oppenheimer.

The Irish actor was joined by his wife Yvonne McGuinness and they were closely followed by the pair's children Malachy and Aran. 

Amelia Dimoldenberg was a vision in an elegant baby pink gown as she posed on the glitzy red carpet looking stunning in a bejewelled garment with straps.

The stunning number also featured bejewelled cut-out details on the side, as she flashed a glimpse of her side-boob.

Last year's other smash hit movie - Barbie - was nominated for eight awards, but also fell victim to notable snubs from the Academy.

Its star Margot Robbie was not nominated for best actress, while Greta Gerwig was not nominated for best director.

Florence wowed in a quirky silver metallic ensemble

The Dune actress paired a sheer silver waistcoat with a silk slip skirt, while even her nails shimmered as they were covered in silver gems

Anya Taylor-Joy looked stunning in a beaded evening gown as she posed for photos ahead of the annual ceremony

The Miami born, London raised actress opted for an elegant silver-tiered dress ahead of her latest public appearance 

Glittering jewellery accessorised the outfit, with the actress making sure  it stood out as she made her way inside the venue 

Anya's icy blonde hair was styled in straight locks 

The star recently made a surprise appearance in Dune after she attended the premiere last month 

Cillian Murphy looked smart for the evening ahead of his nomination for Best Actor for his role as J. Robert Oppenheimer

The Irish actor was joined by his wife Yvonne McGuinness and they were closely followed by the pair's children Malachy and Aran

While Cillian beamed as he gripped his wife's hand, she struck a stern expression as she kept a straight face while opting for a glamourous black strapless gown 

Another surprise saw America Ferrera nominated for best supporting actress over her role in Barbie, with pundits saying her character's impassioned speech on feminism had sealed the deal. 

Barbie's other nominations include best picture, best supporting actor for Ryan Gosling and two nods for best song - including Gosling's famed 'I'm Just Ken.' 

The second most-nominated movie was Poor Things, a graphic art house movie starring Emma Stone that has wowed critics but so-far failed to set the box office alight.

Emma plays a sex-crazed young woman, with her performance wowing critics. She previously won best actress in 2017 for her performance in La La Land. 

For best actor in leading role Bradley Cooper and Cillian Murphy are set to duke it out for the award. Colman Domingo, Paul Giamatti and Jeffrey Wright received nominations as well.

Leonardo DiCaprio was not recognized for his acting on Killers Of The Flower Moon.

Yorgos Lanthimos' Poor Things took home 11 Oscar nominations and Killers of the Flower Moon landed 10.

Annette Bening, Lily Gladstone, Sandra Huller, Carey Mulligan and Emma Stone have been nominated for best actress in a leading role.

Cillian looked incredibly suave as he showed off his watch while posing casually with his hand in his pocket 

Cillian is set to become the first Irish born actor to win the Best Actor at the ceremony 

Cillian enjoyed the ceremony as he was seen applauding his friends 

Andrea Riseborough made sure to turn heads as she arrived at the Oscars for the biggest awards show in Hollywood on Sunday evening.

She swept her brunette locks back in a slicked back bun and accessorised the ensemble with a one huge silver earring

Amelia Dimoldenberg was a vision in an elegant baby pink gown 

The comedian, 30, posed on the glitzy red carpet looking stunning in the bejewelled garment with straps

Gladstone is the first Native American nominated for best actress, for her performance in Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon - and is the favorite in the category thanks to her wins at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards,

What Was I Made For by Billie Eilish and I'm Just Ken performed by Ryan Gosling from Barbie received their expected nominations for best original song. 

Christopher Nolan and his wife Emma Thomas cut sophisticated figures as they arrived for the prestigious night of film. 

The Oppenheimer director has swept the board this awards season with the star expected to secure the win for Best Director at the Hollywood ceremony. 

While Christopher kept it simple in a traditional black tie, his wife Emma looked stunning in a black gown with a sequined bodice and sheer sparkly sleeves.  

Kingsley Ben-Adir beamed from ear to ear as he cut a dapper figure in a black suit and bow tie after his starring role in the recent biographical drama musical filmed based on the life of the reggae singer Bob Marley.

Ncuti Gatwa swapped his Barbiecore for a simple black suit after playing one of the many Ken's in Barbie in the hit summer movie. 

Christopher Nolan and his wife Emma Thomas cut sophisticated figures as they arrived for the prestigious night of film

The Oppenheimer director has swept the board this awards season with the star expected to secure the win for Best Director at the Hollywood ceremony

While Christopher kept it simple in a traditional black tie, his wife Emma looked stunning in a black gown with a sequined bodice and sheer sparkly sleeves

Kingsley Ben-Adir beamed from ear to ear as he cut a dapper figure in a black suit and bow tie

The actor played Bob Marley in the recent biographical drama musical filmed based on the life of the reggae singer 

The Doctor Who actor grinned from ear to ear as he completed his look with a small blue brooch 

Ryan Gosling took to the stage for an iconic performance of I'm Just Ken as he was joined by his fellow kens 

Ncuti and Kingsley could be seen performing during the sensational number 

Sir Ben Kingsley and his wife Daniela Lavender looked stylish together as the Brazialian actress wowed in a shimmery gown

The pair refrained from smiling on the carpet 

Emily waved to the crowd as she looked positively radiant in the snaps 

John was snapped laughing hysterically as he faced his wife

Emily looked stunning for the evening as she posed with her hand on her hip 

Florence showed off her cheeky side as she stuck her tongue out for a fun candid snap 

Florence elevated her height with some platform metallic silver heels as she strode across the carpet 

The actress met Ariana Grande on the carpet as the two embraced 

Cillian waved to fans while his wife kept her head down keen to avoid any attention on the carpet 

Cillian caught up with John 

Florence's makeup was absolutely flawless for the long night 

The star beamed up at the camera as she ascended the stairs 

Florence's hair was expertly styled with a soft wave 

Sterling K. Brown, Robert De Niro, Robert Downey Jr., Ryan Gosling and Mark Ruffalo received nominations for best actor in a supporting role.

Emily Blunt, Danielle Brooks, America Ferrera, Jodie Foster and Da'Vine Joy Randolph received nominations for best actress in a supporting role.

Joy already has  Golden Globe, Bafta, Critics Choice and Screen Actors Guild awards and is favorite for an Oscar for her performance as a bereaved cook in The Holdovers.

Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon and Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer were nominated for best directing, snubbing Greta Gerwig's Barbie.

Gerwig was nominated for best director in 2018 for her solo directorial debut, Lady Bird. Only three women have won Oscars for best director - Kathryn Bigelow, Chloe Zhao and Jane Campion.

Though Nolan is regarded as the big-budget auteur of his era, he's never won an Academy Award, nor have any of his films won best picture. 

Bradley Cooper was not nominated for directing Maestro but he was recognized for his acting in that bio movie.

American Fiction, Anatomy of a Fall, Barbie, The Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Poor Things and The Zone of Interest landed best picture nominations.  

Emily joined Ryan Gosling on stage to present an award as they each took a brutal swipe at each other's respective blockbuster

Emily wasn't prepared to take the shot lying down and mocked Ryan for 'painting' his abs on, insisting it is something her co-star Robert Downey Jr would never do

Emily enjoyed an incredible family moment alongside her parents Oliver and Joanna as the threesome smiled together 

A whole family affair

Emily held hands with her dad 

Carey showcased her flawless complexion as she beamed in snaps 

A wholesome moment, Emily and John were seen chatting with Anya, Cillian and his wife Yvonne 

She also grabbed a cheeky snap with her Oppenheimer parents Chris and Emma 

The pair wore matching tones for the evening 

Florence interacted with adoring fans as she posed for photos on the carpet

Anya let loose as she was seen creeping up on people on the carpet 

The actress lurked in the background as Dave Mullins and Brad Booker received the award for Best Animated Short Film 

After presenting the award alongside Chris Hemsworth she posed with the winners 

Anya and Chris took to the stage together to present the award 

Anya beamed as she handed the prestigious trophy to Brad and Dave 

Carey looked unable to contain her excitement as she joined her husband hand in hand 

The pair looked at each other adoringly as Marcus cut a stylish figure in an all black ensemble and shades 

Emma Stone looked overjoyed to see Carey and Marcus as she greeted them both once inside 

Carey energetically pointed at something while on the carpet 

Florence and Ariana shared a sweet moment on the carpet 

The Hollywood couple looked suitably glamorous for the night 

Ncuti wowed on the carpet 

The actor looked in great spirits 

As Ryan was joined by Slash Ncuti danced alongside the other Ken's in the front row 

Kingsley was also part of the group performance

Cillian and Emily went wild as more winners were announced 

It was a night of celebration after a great year of film 

Ben and Daniela held hands as they made their way into the theatre