Behind the Scenes at the Oscars Rehearsals: A Glimpse into Hollywood’s Biggest Night
The Oscars are a spectacle of glamour, talent, and celebration, but before the cameras roll and the world tunes in, the Dolby Theatre transforms into a bustling workshop where stars and crew perfect every detail. This year, Emma Stone, a two-time Oscar winner, found herself in a different role—not as a nominee, but as a presenter. The day before the ceremony, Stone arrived at the theatre casually dressed in a brown shirt jacket, white T-shirt, and jeans, ready to rehearse her lines. As she stepped onto the iconic stage, she mimicked the walk to the microphone in high heels, only to flub her lines, prompting a light-hearted "Oh God, this is going to go great." Despite the momentary stumble, Stone quickly regained her composure, delivered her lines flawlessly, and even shared a warm hug with the stand-in winner. The golden statuettes used during rehearsals are real, but the winners are temporary, played by working actors who bring to life the full spectrum of nominees, from directors of short films to Best Actress contenders. The Associated Press caught a glimpse of these behind-the-scenes moments, though most details remain under wraps until the live broadcast.
A Star-Studded Rehearsal: Familiar Faces Prepare for the Big Night
Saturday morning saw a parade of Hollywood A-listers cycling in and out of the Dolby Theatre. Andrew Garfield, Whoopi Goldberg, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Miley Cyrus, Oprah Winfrey, Sterling K. Brown, Ana de Armas, Goldie Hawn, and Miles Teller were among the many stars who arrived to practice their lines, navigate the stage in their show heels, and find their marks. Each presenter brought their unique energy to the rehearsals, transforming the empty theatre into a space buzzing with anticipation. The production staff, camera crew, and publicists watched as these icons prepared for their roles in the ceremony, ensuring every moment would be nothing short of perfection.
Oprah Winfrey and Andrew Garfield Steal the Spotlight
Following Emma Stone’s rehearsal, Oprah Winfrey took the stage, wearing sky-high heels that seemed to be a rehearsal for the shoes she’ll wear on the big night. Winfrey, along with her mystery presenting partner, delivered a performance that earned a rare standing ovation from the room—a testament to her enduring charisma and presence. Later, Andrew Garfield and Goldie Hawn took their turn, set to present the awards for Animated Feature and Animated Short. Garfield, dressed in glasses, light chinos, and a button-up shirt with a sweater casually draped over his shoulder, playfully fanned himself with the winner’s envelope. Hawn, in a loose black pantsuit, joined him, and the two shared a lighthearted chemistry that left the room in stitches. At one point, Garfield draped his arm around Hawn’s shoulder at the microphone, prompting laughter from the crew. Their camaraderie was undeniable, and their fun-filled rehearsal hinted at a memorable moment for the live audience.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Sterling K. Brown Bring Laughter and Heart
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, last year’s Supporting Actress winner for her role in The Holdovers, took the stage in a stunning floral jumpsuit, gazing out at the audience filled with oversized pictures of nominees. Her presence was as commanding as it was graceful, a reminder of the talent that defines the Oscars. Meanwhile, Sterling K. Brown and Ana de Armas prepared to present the Live Action Shorts prize. Brown, dressed in athletic shorts and a back sweatshirt, looked as though he had just stepped out of the gym, while de Armas brought her signature elegance. Together, they were delighted by the fake winner’s well-researched speech, with Brown even jokingly gesturing to "wrap it up." Their lighthearted interaction added to the playful atmosphere of the rehearsals.
The Final Stretch: Rehearsals Wrap as the Oscars Approach
As the rehearsals progressed, the energy in the theatre shifted. The crew and presenters were in the final stretch, with the 97th Academy Awards set to air live on ABC and stream on Hulu at 7 p.m. EST. The break for lunch offered a brief respite, but the sense of urgency was palpable. Every detail, from the placement of the microphones to the timing of the camera cuts, was meticulously fine-tuned. The presenters, now more comfortable with their lines and the stage, exuded confidence. Miles Teller, wearing a baseball cap, jeans, and a "Late Show with David Letterman" T-shirt, embodied the casual yet focused vibe of the rehearsals. As the day drew to a close, the Dolby Theatre was one step closer to being ready for its close-up.
The Anticipation Builds: A Night to Remember
The rehearsals offered a rare glimpse into the meticulous preparation behind the Oscars, but the real magic will unfold on Sunday night. With a lineup of A-list presenters, heartfelt speeches, and surprise moments, the 97th Academy Awards promise to be a celebration of cinema at its finest. As the world waits to see which stars will take home the coveted golden statuettes, the behind-the-scenes efforts of the presenters, crew, and nominees remind us of the hard work and dedication that make the Oscars a night to remember. For now, the secrets of the ceremony remain safe, but one thing is certain: Hollywood’s biggest night is just around the corner, and it’s going to be nothing short of extraordinary.
