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LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Oscars broadcast presents a glamorous facade, but behind the scenes, a different reality unfolds. During commercial breaks, celebrities
often rush to connect with peers, celebrate wins, or seek solace amidst the evening's pressures. At the 98th Oscars held on Sunday, The Associated Press explored the Dolby Theatre to capture the candid moments that viewers did not see on screen.
Pre-Show Arrivals
Many stars arrived just before the ceremony began, with some making it to the red carpet only 30 minutes before the live broadcast. Unlike a film premiere, the show must commence on schedule, regardless of late arrivals.For example, Paul Mescal, hesitant to participate in the glambot, offered a polite excuse: “Sorry, I don’t have time.” His girlfriend, Gracie Abrams, teased him with a light-hearted remark, questioning if he really wanted to skip the opportunity.
Lobby Bar Gatherings
During a commercial break early in the show, Kate Hudson visited the lobby bar, where she was joined by Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Hudson briefly panicked about potentially missing her cue to return to the auditorium, but a staff member reassured her by checking the schedule on an iPad.After confirming she was not needed, Hudson returned to her companions, and the trio remained close throughout the evening. After the show, despite not winning the best actress award, Hudson congratulated Michael B. Jordan on his victory. Kieran Culkin later approached Hawn and Russell, complimenting them on their familial interaction.
Celebrity Beverage Choices
The lobby bar provided a glimpse into the stars' drink preferences. Following Sean Penn's absence, Jacob Elordi arrived at the bar with his mother, opting for Don Julio 1942 tequila served with ice and lime.Nicole Kidman and Jessie Buckley enjoyed champagne, while Mescal chose a pink tequila drink and Abrams opted for champagne as well. Nick Jonas was seen holding two bottles of water along with a mixed tequila drink, though he later discovered that vodka was unavailable, thanking a server before tipping and departing.
Some attendees chose not to drink; Domnhall Gleeson snacked on Hershey kisses with almonds, while Hudson Williams from “Heated Rivalry” munched on a sliced cucumber.
Emma Stone's Dress Incident
Emma Stone experienced a minor wardrobe mishap in the lobby, losing a diamond ring that had become stuck to the back of her gown while she conversed with screenwriter Will Tracy and his date. The woman assisted in carefully retrieving the ring and returning it to Stone's finger without damaging the dress.Post-Show Plans
Conversations among attendees frequently revolved around post-Oscar plans, particularly regarding invitations to the exclusive Vanity Fair afterparty. Stone expressed her intention to travel with her “Bugonia” colleagues to the Universal Pictures party before heading to A24's event, remarking, “It’s so weird, even if you’re nominated it doesn’t mean you can go.”Family Support During Acceptance Speeches
During acceptance speeches, both Jordan and Buckley acknowledged their families in attendance. Their relatives occupied a section that, while not in full view of the stage, was still a prime spot for celebrations following their wins, as fellow attendees congratulated them.Solidarity Among 'Sinners' Crew
After the ceremony concluded, the cast and crew of “One Battle After Another” embraced on stage, while the “Sinners” group exited the auditorium together. Jordan shared a heartfelt hug with costume designer Ruth E. Carter, and Joachim Trier exchanged similar sentiments with Ryan Coogler. Omar Benson Miller, reflecting on the night, expressed his mixed feelings, acknowledging the overwhelming support for their film despite his competitive nature.Scenes from the Governors Ball
The Governors Ball marked the first stop for many attendees, located a few escalators away from the Dolby Theatre. The atmosphere was lively at the Warner Bros. tables, where Leonardo DiCaprio enjoyed red wine and Benicio Del Toro mingled with champagne and beers. David Zaslav also stopped to chat with DiCaprio, who welcomed co-star Chase Infiniti with a gesture reminiscent of his famous toast in “The Great Gatsby.”Meanwhile, Renate Reinsve chose to walk barefoot through the carpeted venue, while Steven Spielberg discussed plans to visit Vanity Fair with Clint Bentley. Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons stayed close to Alicia Silverstone, and Kerry Condon sampled the prime rib. Mandy Patinkin, on the other hand, sat alone enjoying sushi while trying to make a phone call amidst the lively music, expressing his honor to support his late friend Rob Reiner, stating, “Rob made a beautiful movie.”
