It can’t be easy being a celebrity these days, with every action and decision scrutinized and publicized for the entire world to see and debate.

Perhaps it has always been this way – living in the spotlight has always meant a life of flashing cameras and attention – but in today’s world of sensationalistic social media headlines and viral material, the focus is sharper than it was decades before.

A-listers are judged not just on what they say and do, but also on what they wear, which becomes more noticeable during award season. The 96th Academy Awards were held last weekend at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, and it was a highly anticipated event.

A who’s who of stars and film industry executives walked the red carpet, and you can bet your last dollar that their costume choices were scrutinized as if internet users were taking a massive, collective fashion design exam.

Charlize Theron’s appearance was subjected to a particularly rigorous examination, as she wore a dazzling black costume that turned many heads.

The actress dazzled at this year’s Vanity Fair Oscars Party, but her gown became a significant discussion topic online, with fans divided on whether it was a hit or a fail.

As soon as photographs of the 48-year-old appeared on social media, users flocked to express their differing views. Some people supported her decision to wear a see-through top that exposed her undergarments. Others were… less so.

“You look so great on every pics are there any bad ones [sic]?” one person wrote.

“ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS,” another added.

“This woman is absolutely stunning gorgeous,” a third quipped.

A fourth said: “This woman is simple awesome, great commitment to acting, producing, and social help.”

As is typically the case when superstars bare themselves to the world, a number of commentators were quick to praise Theron’s appearance.

“Not a good choice,” one person wrote.

“You look great but this clothes is awful [sic]” another added.

“Yuk- too skinny,” stated a third.

Another said: “I am her fan..but here,I don’t like her hair, she’s so skinny and the dress hmmm no…my opinion.”

Theron has previously spoken candidly about her dress preferences, telling people to always go by “how you feel”.

“I feel like there shouldn’t be any faux pas,” she told People last year.

“I really feel like if you just go by how you feel and how much you love it, then it’s not a faux pas.”

Regarding ensembles that elicit strong reactions from reviewers, the actress stated at the time: “I mean, there are a lot of dresses that I know people didn’t like, but I’m like, I looked at myself in the mirror that night and I was feeling myself.”

I thought Charlize Theron looked amazing at the Oscars! Share your opinions in the comments.