Rooney Mara has not only made a splash this year in her Oscar-nominated role in ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,’ but she’s been making waves on red carpets as well. The Irish actress has quickly risen to be the newest fashion favorite of this year’s awards season.

Speaking with USA Today, Irish American actress Mara says that comfort is her number one priority when choosing dresses for awards shows.

"I don't think about it in terms of what people say or like or think. I try to find something that I feel comfortable in. I do like fashion, but if it's not comfortable, I won't wear it," she says.

Mara’s affinity for comfort hasn’t cost her her style; the starlet is quickly becoming known for her edgy picks on red carpets. Her choices of late seem to reflect the darkness of the computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, the character she plays in ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.’

Mara, who also appeared in the Oscar nominated film ‘The Social Network’ in 2010, is nominated for Best Lead Actress for her role in the film adaptation of ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.’ She’s going up against some heavy-hitters in the category - Glenn Close for ‘Albert Nobbs,’ Viola Davis for ‘The Help,’ Meryl Streep for ‘The Iron Lady,’ and Michelle Williams for ‘My Week with Marilyn.’

This is Mara’s first Oscar nomination, and the only acting nomination for the film. Mara was also nominated for a Golden Globe for the role, but lost to Meryl Streep for ‘The Iron Lady,’ in which Streep portrays former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Will Mara shock us all and go for bright and colorful, or stay safe yet stylish in another dark frock at this year’s Oscars? Surely only time will tell! Tune in February 26th for live coverage of the 84th annual Academy Awards ceremony.