A few short hours before the Carol actress headed to the show, her hairstylist, Robert Vetica, had us holding our breath with a behind-the-scenes photo, casually hinting at what looked like a major cut in the works, writing “Sometimes haircuts happen on Oscar day too.”

And a major change it is. The cut, which Vetica says is 6 inches shorter, falls just below her ears — a big difference from Blanchett’s previous collarbone-length bob.  Her new cut was styled with sleek waves swept to one side, with the other tucked behind her ear. As for the rest of her flawless red-carpet look, makeup artist Jeanine Lobell created a subtle bronzed smoky eye, which looked so natural paired with Blanchett’s seafoam Armani Privé mermaid gown of hand-sewn applique of Swarovski crystals and feathers.