By Megan Riedlinger
8:31am PDT, Sep 4, 2018
The Primetime Emmys are taking place on Sept. 17, 2018. In honor of the 70th annual television awards show, Wonderwall.com is taking a look back at the event's red carpet 20 years ago — in 1998! First up, Angelina Jolie! Angelina at the Emmys? Yep, the future movie star was in attendance at the 50th annual ceremony in honor of her best lead actress in a miniseries or movie nomination for her performance in "Gia." Though she didn't win, she still looked great in this show-stopping golden-hued dress with a pretty daring neckline. Keep reading for more late-'90s fashion…
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Lisa Kudrow went classic in an all-black look at the 1998 Emmys. And the star's simple dress proved to be good luck! She rightfully took home the best supporting actress in a comedy series trophy for her work as Phoebe on "Friends."
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A pin-thin Calista Flockhart arrived at the 1998 Emmys wearing a pale pink frock complete with tiny straps. The "Ally McBeal" star, who was nominated for best actress in a comedy series that night, was accused of having an eating disorder at the time, which she denied.
"ER" was the night's most nominated show. Its star, Julianna Margulies, arrived in a classic, timeless design. She rocked this boat-neck black satin confection, which really could be worn in any decade, while attending the ceremony, where she was nominated for best lead actress in a drama series.
Ellen DeGeneres attended the 1998 Emmys with then-girlfriend Anne Heche. Ellen, who was up for best lead actress in a comedy series, donned a black suit, as did Anne. Both also rocked loafers and matching tiny sunglasses on the red carpet.
Also in attendance? Ellen's future wife, Portia de Rossi! The actress stunned in a slinky white frock studded with silver embellishments.
Check out those shades! Halle Berry waved to fans while arriving on the 1998 Emmys red carpet. She donned a metallic sleeved frock with plenty of beading and embellishments (it was the '90s, after all) and accessorized with… what else? Tiny sunglasses.
Helen Hunt was a big winner at the 1998 Primetime Emmys, taking home the prize for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for her work on "Mad About You." She rocked a yellow spaghetti-strap gown with a purple floral print but otherwise went pretty minimal, opting for a simple updo and no accessories.
Check out that smolder! James Van Der Beek was on hand at the 1998 Primetime Emmys to present with "Dawson's Creek" co-star Katie Holmes. He sported a suit with a gray dress shirt and a dark gray tie. His hit WB show had debuted earlier that year, catapulting him to fame. Next up, Katie!
1998 marked Katie Holmes' first Primetime Emmys! The up-and-coming star wore this sweet cap-sleeved white frock to the event and clutched a small white purse on the red carpet.
Some things never change — like Julia Louis-Dreyfus constantly stunning on the Primetime Emmys red carpet! It's hard to believe this was 20 years ago, as the star looks exactly the same these days. In 1998, she was a breath of fresh air in this hot pink design, which she paired with silver pointed-toe pumps and a yellow clutch.
The chicest lady on the carpet? Michelle Pfeiffer, of course, who arrived in this two-piece gray and silver getup holding hands with hubby David E. Kelley. It was a big night for David, whose show "The Practice" took home the top prize for best drama series that year.
Sigourney Weaver looked otherworldly on the red carpet wearing this futuristic high-necked slinky black gown with a gold pattern down the front. Making the look stand out even more? The train she carried around! The star was up for outstanding lead actress in a miniseries or movie that night for her work in "Snow White: A Tale of Terror."
Is this an Abercrombie ad or the cast of "That '70s Show"? The very young and good-looking stars attended the 1998 Primetime Emmys where they posed for a group shot on the red carpet. We can't get over seeing young Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis before they got together or how glam a young Laura Prepon looked back in '98.
Silver stunner! Jamie Lee Curtis arrived in this three-quarter-sleeved silver frock with a mermaid-style skirt. The "Nicholas' Gift" star lost out that night to Ellen Barkin in the category of outstanding lead actress in a miniseries or movie.
Longtime Hollywood couple Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are still going strong today, but check them out 20 years ago! They attended the 1998 Primetime Emmys with Rita rocking a silver zebra-striped frock and Tom in a dapper tux. That night Tom wasn't up for his usual gig, acting, but instead was nominated for outstanding directing for a miniseries or movie for his HBO project "From the Earth to the Moon."
"X-Files" star Gillian Anderson went for a vampy vibe at the 1998 Emmys in a black off-the-shoulder design trimmed in lace.
Jenna Elfman matched the red carpet on television's biggest night in 1998 in this slinky spaghetti-strap dress with a peekaboo panel down the side. She was nominated for best lead actress in a comedy series for her work on "Dharma and Greg" but lost to Helen Hunt.
Christina Applegate opted for a lot of sparkles on her 1998 Emmys dress. The actress wore a spaghetti-strap, form-fitting frock that featured floral, studded detailing.
Brandy opted for a frock similar to Christina Applegate's — one with floral embellishments down the front. The difference between the two? Brandy's featured edgier sheer fabric for straps.
Jane Seymour might have lost in her category (best lead actress in a drama series) but she won in the fashion department! The star, who was up for her work on "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," looked pretty in this blue dress with a beaded bodice and plunging neckline. Her shawl, silver clutch and silver sandals completed the gorgeous look.
Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown were on hand for the 1998 Emmys. Bobby donned a bright white oversized suit complete with white boots while the late diva chose a black and silver strapless confection.
Christine Baranski kept things ultra-glam in a black satin gown with the perfect amount of train. And check out that poofed hair, a true sign of the decade! The "Cybil" star lost to Lisa Kudrow in the outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series category that year.
Donny and Marie! Donny Osmond and sister Marie Osmond both showed up at the 1998 Emmys rocking sleek black looks.
Fashion mavens Melissa Rivers and her mom, the late Joan Rivers, were in attendance to critique the fashion. Both ladies kept things simple, with Melissa opting for a halter-style sparkly black gown and Joan in shimmering gray!
So much satin! Tea Leoni went with this shiny icy blue confection — strapless with a pretty excessive train — and added a thick choker and a navy blue shrug over top to keep warm.
Kristen Johnston looked statuesque in shiny gray satin at the 1998 ceremony. Her form-fitting dress gathered with a bustle, and her updo kept things elegant. Kristen was nominated for best supporting actress in a comedy series for her work as Sally on "3rd Rock From the Sun" that night but lost out to Lisa Kudrow.
Also embracing the satin trend? Lara Flynn Boyle, who sported this silvery boat-neck dress with a tiny train. More eye-catching than the dress? Those sparklers on her ears! Her dangling diamonds were some of the best jewels on the red carpet that year.
The late Mary Tyler Moore looked beautiful at the 1998 Emmys in a mauve frock with blue and purple embellishments and sheer netting.
Lady in red! Garcelle Beauvais arrived at the 1998 Emmys in style, opting for all-over red. The star's halter-neck gown featured a high center slit and had a touch of black on the skirt, making this one of the night's most edgy ensembles.
More mini sunglasses! The 2018 trend was alive and well in the late '90s first and Roma Downey hopped aboard with this pink-lensed style. The shades, along with a silver clutch, served as the perfect accessory for her sparkling white spaghetti-strap gown.
An Emmy winner and a future "Real Housewife" star! Kelsey Grammer attended the 1998 ceremony with then-wife Camille Grammer, who donned a sparkly silver number. The "Frasier" star, who matched his tie to his wife's dress, won the outstanding lead actor in a comedy series prize that night for his work as Dr. Frasier Crane.
Mare Winningham looked lovely in a pale pink confection. The actress won the Emmy for best supporting actress in a miniseries or movie for her work in TNT's "George Wallace" later that night.
These days, daughter Zoey Deutch is making headlines, but back in 1998, Lea Thompson was the one getting all the attention! Wearing a bright red off-the-shoulder gown, the actress posed proudly after arriving at the Emmys that year.
The late host Eleanor Mondale certainly prioritized comfort at the 1998 Emmys! She arrived in a teal printed halter-neck dress and rocked sneakers underneath!
