The theater turned into a playground for the stars on Saturday, March 14, as A-listers traded the red carpet for casual sweats and sneakers, practicing their big moments ahead of the 98th Academy Awards. With just one day left until the show, the air hummed with laughter, last-minute adjustments and the quiet excitement of perfection. Presenters ran the lines under the bright lights, while producers shuffled between cues, making sure Hollywood’s night went off without a hitch.
The ‘Bridesmaids’ reunion lights up the stage
Nothing like the ‘Bridesmaids’ team coming together to reward the spirit of rehearsal. Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Ellie Kemper, Rose Byrne and Melissa McCarthy bounded across the stage, scripts in hand, nailing a comedy segment that had everyone fired up. Wiig fine-tuned camera angles, playfully directing her leads to sync up with audience reactions, while McCarthy ended her acceptance speech with an impromptu dance offstage. Their chemistry ignited pure joy, a nostalgic throwback that proved the band’s magic lives on years later.Javier Bardem added his charm, gliding flawlessly through his segment before flashing a mischievous smile to the producers. Dressed in a black T-shirt and trousers, he jokes: “Am I married?” Then, with a nod, she added, “I’m going to learn the lines,” according to People magazine. Her upbeat vibe eased any pre-show jitters, reminding everyone that even Oscar gold has room for fun.
A-listers mix the spotlight with fun
The lineup of presenters brought star power in gym shorts and hoodies. Adrien Brody commanded the stage with quiet intensity, Kieran Culkin flashed his signature smile and Mikey Madison brought fresh energy alongside Will Arnett, Bill Pullman, Lewis Pullman and Wagner Moura. Among the tours, the venue was being fitted with 800 custom lighting fixtures and fixed technology after months of preparation by team members. Associate producer Rob Paine likened the chaos to a “circus,” which is now camera-ready in less than 72 hours.Teasers heralded the highlights of the live shows: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr. and a Marvel reunion with Gwyneth Paltrow, recalling Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor in ‘Moulin Rouge’. The musical moment promises Raphael Saadiq to perform “I Lied to You” by Sinners, Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami with K-Pop’s “Golden”: Demon Hunters, and Josh Groban leading the LA Maestro Choir.
The countdown begins
As rehearsals wrapped up, the theater lit up for Sunday’s broadcast at 4 pm PT (7 pm ET), hosted by Conan O’Brien. These behind-the-scenes hours strip away the glamor to reveal the hard work that fuels it, turning raw talent into timeless television. Hollywood held its collective breath, ready for speeches, surprises and applause under those iconic lights
