Unseen Oscars 2026 Moments: Dress Mishaps, Celebrity Drinks and Afterparty Drama
While millions watched the glittering broadcast of the 98th Academy Awards, a more intimate and candid drama unfolded behind the scenes at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The Associated Press captured these untelevised moments, revealing a world of dress mishaps, celebrity drink preferences, and frantic afterparty planning that never made it to air.
The Hidden Theatre During Commercial Breaks
During commercial breaks, the Dolby Theatre transformed into a hive of activity as stars dashed to network, offered congratulations, or sought quiet consolation. For some, it became an opportunity to slip away to the renowned lobby bar, momentarily escaping the public eye. Many A-listers notoriously arrive just thirty minutes before showtime, but live television famously waits for no one.
This timing provided a convenient excuse for stars like Paul Mescal, who politely declined the "glambot" camera with a simple "Sorry, I don't have time." His girlfriend Gracie Abrams laughed and snarked as they ascended the theatre stairs: "You sure you don't want to do the glambot?"
A Hudson/Hawn/Russell Family Affair
Early in the show, following Conan O'Brien's opening bit, Kate Hudson made her way to the lobby bar during a commercial break where she was soon joined by her mother Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. She experienced a brief moment of panic about being needed in the auditorium, but a nearby staffer eased her worries by reviewing the schedule on an iPad.
"I'm good!" she declared before returning to her family. The trio remained close throughout the evening. After the show, despite not winning the best actress prize, Hudson remained in good spirits and excitedly congratulated Michael B. Jordan on his victory. Later, Kieran Culkin approached Hawn and Russell to remark: "It was really cool watching you interact with your daughter."
Celebrity Drink Preferences Revealed
The lobby bar offered fascinating glimpses into celebrity drink preferences. After Sean Penn won the best supporting actor prize in absentia, Jacob Elordi visited the bar with his mother, keeping her close with an arm around her shoulder. He selected Don Julio 1942 tequila with ice and lime.
Elsewhere in the room, Nicole Kidman laughed and socialized while sipping champagne, with Jessie Buckley doing the same nearby. Mescal opted for a pink tequila drink while Abrams chose champagne. Nick Jonas held two bottled waters and a mixed tequila drink, sipping slowly until discovering vodka wasn't available. He graciously thanked the server and left a cash tip.
Not all stars indulged in alcohol. Domnhall Gleeson snacked on Hershey kisses with almonds, while "Heated Rivalry" star Hudson Williams ate a single sliced cucumber.
Emma Stone's Second Dress Incident
While not as dramatic as her previous Oscars dress breakage during her "Poor Things" acceptance speech, Emma Stone experienced another minor wardrobe malfunction in the lobby. While chatting with "Bugonia" screenwriter Will Tracy and his date, her diamond ring became affixed to the back of her gown.
Tracy's companion performed a delicate operation to remove the ring without damaging the dress, successfully returning it to Stone's middle finger.
Afterparty Planning and Exclusivity Drama
Much backstage chatter revolved around afterparty plans, with complaints about Vanity Fair's culled invitation list making the event more exclusive this year. Stone planned to board a bus with her "Bugonia" colleagues, visiting the Universal Pictures party before heading to A24's bash.
"It's so weird," Stone remarked about the Vanity Fair situation, "even if you're nominated it doesn't mean you can go."
Family Support and Celebratory Scenes
Both Michael B. Jordan and Jessie Buckley made special mention of their families during acceptance speeches, with relatives seated in the same mezzanine section. After their wins, many around the families eagerly offered congratulations.
When the show concluded, the "Sinners" group exited the auditorium together. Jordan hugged costume designer Ruth E. Carter while Joachim Trier found Ryan Coogler for an embrace. Ryan and Zinzi Coogler paused to watch Jordan's acceptance speech replay on screen.
Omar Benson Miller, who played Cornbread, processed the night's events. Throughout the theatre and at the bar, "Sinners" wins received the most enthusiastic celebration. "Hey, we got a couple!" he exclaimed, acknowledging the palpable love for their film despite his tendency toward being a "sore loser."
Governors Ball Revelations
The Governors Ball, just escalator rides above the Dolby Theatre, became the night's first stop for most attendees. The happiest area featured Warner Bros.' "One Battle After Another" tables where Leonardo DiCaprio sipped red wine and Benicio Del Toro enjoyed champagne alongside small beers.
They held court with studio executives including Pamela Abdy, while David Zaslav stopped to chat with DiCaprio, patting his star on the back. When DiCaprio spotted co-star Chase Infiniti approaching, he made a gesture reminiscent of his famous cheers from "The Great Gatsby."
Elsewhere, Renate Reinsve walked barefoot across the carpeted party, Steven Spielberg discussed Vanity Fair plans with "Train Dreams" director Clint Bentley, and Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons stayed close to Alicia Silverstone. Kerry Condon sampled prime rib while Mandy Patinkin sat alone with sushi, attempting a phone call amid blaring music as he honored late friend Rob Reiner.
"Rob made a beautiful movie," Patinkin reflected, capturing the evening's blend of celebration and remembrance that unfolded far from television cameras.
