Hollywood's Biggest Night Unveiled
The 98th Academy Awards showcased a blend of emotional speeches, comedic moments, and lively backstage interactions. However, for Timothee Chalamet, the evening was less memorable. Besides losing the best actor award to Michael B. Jordan, Chalamet was the subject of jokes by host Conan O'Brien.
During his opening monologue, O'Brien humorously referenced Chalamet's recent statement that "no one cares" about ballet and opera.
"Security is extremely tight tonight. I'm just going to mention that," O'Brien said. "I'm told there's a concern about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities."
The camera then focused on Chalamet smiling beside his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner.
"They're just mad you left out jazz," O'Brien added.
While the ceremony is held at the Dolby Theatre within a shopping center, much of what happens remains unseen on television.
Notably, the Frankenstein production designer was seen addressing the media, holding his Oscar statuette in one hand and what appeared to be a beer in the other. Meanwhile, filmmaker Pasha Talankin of Mr Nobody Against Putin revisited his documentary feature film win by re-reading the announcement envelope.
The event featured heightened security and a rare historic tie in the best short action film category, leading to a flurry of activity among reporters.
Here is a detailed account of the atmosphere and moments not broadcast during Hollywood's premier awards night.
Enhanced Security Measures
In response to the ongoing conflict between the US and Israel with Iran, Los Angeles authorities implemented stringent security protocols for this year's Oscars.
Measures included multiple security perimeters, traffic control plans, and a prominent police presence throughout Hollywood. SWAT vehicles and fencing lined many streets around the usually busy Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.
Firsthand observation at the Loews Hotel, the media hub located opposite the Dolby Theatre, revealed security personnel stationed approximately every 100 feet (33 meters). Attendees underwent two metal detector screenings and had their bags inspected by police dogs before entering the interview area where winners gather post-ceremony.
Street closures over the preceding week accommodated the extensive red carpet setup, with metal detectors positioned at designated entry points within Ovation Hollywood, the shopping center housing the Dolby Theatre.
The arrangement created a cinematic atmosphere, with large curtains concealing local shops and eateries to make way for the red carpet. The entrance path to the Dolby Theatre featured tall poles displaying the names of past best picture winners.
Historic Oscars Tie Causes Reporter Rush
Although the Academy Awards have a history nearing a century, ties are rare. This year, the best short action film category resulted in a tie between The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva.
In the winners' room, the Academy employed librarians to verify details from the event. Numerous reporters quickly approached these experts with notebooks and pens to confirm the last occurrence of a tie. The previous tie was in 2013, when the 2012 films Skyfall and Zero Dark Thirty shared the best sound editing award.
Conan O'Brien's Personal Touch
Host Conan O'Brien left a handwritten note beneath seats inside the Dolby Theatre, welcoming nominees, their guests, and seat fillers to the ceremony. The note, shared on social media, accompanied snacks humorously labeled the "Conan O'Brien 'Moderately Happy Meal'."
"These snacks may not look like much but in any movie theater they would run you $85," the note read. "Good luck tonight, have fun, and remember that loud, enthusiastic laughter is good for your health and my ego."
When queried by the BBC about the note's authenticity, an Academy spokeswoman confirmed, "It's real and it's under every seat."
Though not provided to media in the interview room, the Loews Hotel supplied dinner and snacks throughout the night.
KPop Demon Hunters Team Completes Speech Backstage
The Oscars are known for cutting off speeches that exceed time limits, which occurred during a historic win this year.
The musicians and songwriters behind Golden from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters won best original song, marking the first time a K-pop song received this honor from the Academy.
During their acceptance speech, they were cut off, but backstage they shared additional remarks not aired on television, including thanks to their families, singers Audry Nuna and Rei Ami, IDO members, and Teddy Park for the "incredible honour."
Songwriter Mark Sonnenblick, who did not speak during the ceremony, took the microphone backstage to express gratitude to his husband and the entire movie team, especially the animators.
"It was a real collaboration across the board. It's a movie where part of the movie is about looking at someone that you have been taught to hate and to fear and starting to trust them, maybe even love them. And that's part of what the movie is about.
It's not 'I'm going up up up.' It's, 'we're going up up up.' And that's part of the reason that we're on stage right now."
Director Maggie Kang reiterated her pride in Korean film and movies about Korea, stating:
"It just feels like we have both trophies, and I just feel immensely proud. And really, to be honest, I didn't want to disappoint Korea."
Sinners Cinematographer Reflects on Historic Win
Autumn Durald Arkapaw, cinematographer for Sinners, became the first woman to win the award in Oscars history. She later expressed that she missed emphasizing a key point during her speech.
"A lot of little girls that look like me will sleep really well tonight because they want to become cinematographers," she said.
"And I know that just being on stage, getting this award or movie, that will change so many girls' lives because they'll be inspired when they weren't before."
She also acknowledged the support of women throughout awards season.
"Moments like this don't happen without women kind of standing up for you and advocating for you. I know that this happened because of that, so I want to say thank you."
Weapons Star Amy Madigan Hints at Prequel
Amy Madigan, winner of best supporting actress for her role as the villain in the horror film Weapons, shared insights in the winners' room about a potential prequel focusing on her character, Aunt Gladys.
She revealed she has been asked about the prequel multiple times and has taken cues from writer-director Zach Cregger.
"He kind of says, 'Yes, this is going to happen.' But we know how long stuff takes. We know what this business is like, and nothing's real till it is," she explained.
"But if it worked out that would be great, because I trust Zach, and he's got a lot of wacky ideas."
