Charlize Theron Wows In Plunging Neckline At Gotham Independent Film Awards (PHOTOS, POLL)

Charlize Theron went deep last night -- with her neckline, that is.

At last night's 21st Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards, the actress accepted a "special tribute" award honoring her career (at the ripe old age of 36!) wearing a dramatic Gucci frock from the Spring 2012 collection, with a white halter top and a flouncy black drop-waist skirt.

Although she almost took a tumble while making her way to the red carpet, Theron managed to stay in her dress (honestly, it looked like a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen).

She kept things together with a gold Alexander McQueen clutch, gold strappy sandals, a bright pink lip and a ever-so-functional black elastic hairband (we love those things) that kept her blonde hair out of her face.

Held at the Cipriani Wall Street, the Independent Film Awards red carpet featured other fashionistas including Tilda Swinton, who wore Haider Ackermann on the red carpet, and Elizabeth Olsen, who glittered in gold Valentino Resort 2012.

Felicity Jones looked marvelous in mint green Proenza Schouler as she accepted the award for Breakthrough Actor for her film "Like Crazy" (and on the very same day her Dolce & Gabbana gig was announced -- it was a good Monday for Felicity!)

But all eyes were on Charlize in that dramatic dress. So what do you think of her risky outfit? Tell us below, and check out our slideshow roundup of everyone's chic outfit picks.

Quick Poll

Charlize's plunging Gucci dress:

CHIC! She totally pulls off the daring style.

SHRIEK! That's a nip slip waiting to happen.

Share your vote on Facebook so your friends can take this poll

Comments

[PC0207]

11:33 AM on 11/30/2011

Maybe its just me but I love the dress (and shoes!)

[raneydayart]

09:31 AM on 12/03/2011

why make excuses? It's tatefully done==even her hair is classy. She also resisted taking a bicycle pump to her breats! Beutiful!

[hemnebob]

10:55 AM on 11/30/2011

truly an aphrodite of our times.

[John Di Saia]

10:26 AM on 11/30/2011

It's not like anything is going to fall out. She looks nice. :)

[outlandishmeow]

10:07 AM on 11/30/2011

I am not shocked. Is there something wrong with me? Wait. Don't answer that. Doesn't anyone remember J.Lo's barely there dress years ago? The one that had to have many pieces of double sided tape in order to ensure it didn't move since it covered about 5% of her body? Come on. I like the dress but it looks like someone cut up a white tshirt and attached it to a black skirt.

[p456]

10:00 AM on 11/30/2011

She needs some steak and potatoes.

[skid]

09:54 AM on 11/30/2011

Get her a cheeseburger!

[american-dolt]

09:31 AM on 11/30/2011

Must have a new movie coming out.

[verbalosity]

09:10 AM on 11/30/2011

I guess she wanted everybody to notice that nice necklace!

[rwolsen]

07:21 PM on 11/30/2011

I'll gladly give her a pearl necklace!

[sharingnews]

08:34 AM on 11/30/2011

I've seen that 17 yr old married to that 51 yr old wear less clothes than this. 10 yr old on the Cover of French Vogue was worse than this. Is it because Charlize is an actually lady and usually doesn't dress this way that she should be "chastised" for it? From here, she looks like a grown woman able to make her own choices. No need to retaliate against her, it's the parents that let children dress this way that need a good tongue lashing.

[mimssandi]

08:25 AM on 11/30/2011

Who is the short guy?

[JamNew44]

10:09 AM on 11/30/2011

Comedian Patton Oswalt

[dza420]

10:27 AM on 11/30/2011

looks like patton oswalt to me.

[rabit818]

08:15 AM on 11/30/2011

Just make sure it is not a windy day.

[love5pets]

08:03 AM on 11/30/2011

She is stunning and a formidable actress to boot.

Thank goodness she's wearing normal looking shoes. They're gorgeous on those gorgeous legs.

[Waiting for Something]

08:03 AM on 11/30/2011

She is stunningly beautiful. Love her!

[one1byke]

07:53 AM on 11/30/2011

... all this "look here" "look here" "low neckline"
the move is still crap.

and, thanks.

[Fausto Calonaci]

07:32 AM on 11/30/2011

brutte storte sgraziate e piene di butolino che fine ha fatto il buon gusto?povero cinema ma perche si fanno fotografare?