The best-remembered gowns of the 2000 begin to show just what they’re made of in the Elite Eight showdown, in which, for the most part, lower ranking gowns got duly trounced. But, as in many a March Madness bracket, there’s one dark horse candidate stirring things up.

vs.

Roberts ‘01 vs. Jolie ‘04

Both these gowns are lovely, but Jolie’s looks a wee bit boxy compared to Roberts’, and Roberts’ Valentino is just much more distinctive. It’s an easy win for Roberts.

Winner: Roberts

vs.  

Cruz ‘07 vs. Streep ‘09

Cruz’s swanlike gown scores an easy win over Streep’s grey number, which, while alluring and age-appropriate, simply lacks the “wow” factor of Penelope’s ruffles.

Winner: Cruz ‘07

vs.  

Hathaway ‘09 vs. Zeta-Zones ‘03

This matchup’s a lot closer than the previous two, but that oddly placed front slit in Zeta-Jones’s gown is her downfall, allowing Hathaway and her perfect paillettes to sneak through to victory.

Winner: Hathaway

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Lopez ‘01 vs. Knowles ‘05

This matchup ends in a surprise victory for Knowles, who’s definitely the Cinderella candidate of this division. Lopez’s skirt lacks shape when compared to the dramatic, perfectly cut swoop of Knowles’s black velvet gown. And even the sheer top of Lopez’s gown can’t top the Madame X-like sexiness of the Little Black Dress That Could.

Winner: Lopez

vs.

Berry ‘02 vs. Harden ‘01

Harden’s red number is stunning, but it just can’t hold a candle to Berry’s iconic burgundy gown. Halle coasts to victory.

Winner: Berry ‘02

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Hayek ‘05 vs. Swank ‘00

The strange placement of the last black band on Hayek’s dress makes her look short — a small flaw in an otherwise smashing gown, but it’s enough to let Swank claim the ‘W’ in the olive swoops and swirls of her ‘00 dress.

Winner: Swank ‘05

vs.

Zellweger ‘03 vs. Winslet ‘02

Winslet easily bests Zellweger: Renee’s cute and sassy yellow frock just doesn’t say ‘Oscar glam’ quite like Kate’s bright red number.

Winner:Winslet ‘02

vs.

Paltrow ‘07 vs. Swank ‘05

Paltrow looks very very couture, but slightly starchy when posed next to Swank, whose cobalt gown reminded audiences that a dress doesn’t need to show a lot of cleavage to be sexy.

Winner: Swank ‘05