An Insider's View of the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Red Carpet
As the 2026 Oscars ceremony concluded, I found myself stationed on the pale blue-gray carpet at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Hollywood's most iconic afterparty. Positioned toward the end of a row of reporters, I was deep in conversation with Yvette Nicole Brown about her desire to take a nap when Queen Latifah suddenly appeared, video-bombing our interview and prompting my enthusiastic praise for her 2002 movie musical Chicago. The party was in full swing, with stars from film, television, and music gathering to celebrate Hollywood's biggest night at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
The Vibe and Venue Shift
Following one of the most feel-good Oscars ceremonies in recent years, that positive mood carried over to LACMA, where celebrities sauntered down the carpet at Sunday evening's post-Oscars soiree. Although the venue changed from last year's Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, the atmosphere remained electric. The aroma of In-N-Out burgers wafted through the air, and even as a reporter was scolded for breaking media guidelines, the location seemed secondary to the perfect vibe.
Star-Studded Arrivals and Romantic Moments
Love was palpable alongside the scent of grilled burgers. Timothée Chalamet, who left the ceremony without an Oscar, walked hand-in-hand with Kylie Jenner. Jessica Alba patiently waited as her boyfriend Danny Ramirez took his time on the carpet, while Cara Delevingne rolled a cigarette. When asked about the secret to their successful 10+ year relationship with a 32-year age gap, Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor laughed, with Paulson exclaiming, "Oh god, I don't have an answer." Early arrivals included comedians Jimmy Kimmel, Larry David, and Taylor Tomlinson; two-time Oscar winner Jane Fonda and Hacks star Hannah Einbinder; and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi with CNN's Kaitlan Collins, who looked radiant in a shimmery orange dress.
Former Vogue editor Anna Wintour shared with The Independent that she was "loving" her new role as global editorial director after stepping down as editor-in-chief last year, a position now held by Chloe Malle. Kris Jenner appeared seemingly out of nowhere, dressed in Valentino, followed by a parade including Nikki Glaser, Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Wyle, Colman Domingo, Jon Batiste—who delivered a surprise performance for dinner attendees—and Patrick Schwarzenegger. As Fran Drescher discussed Marty Supreme and SAG-AFTRA, newly single Nicole Kidman waltzed into view in a gold gown, her wavy blonde locks framing her face and sending the carpet into a frenzy.
Rushing Stars and Relatable Moments
Some celebrities were in a hurry to join the party, breezing past the press without a glance. Shouts of "You look fabulous" to RuPaul and Kim Kardashian, clad in a seemingly difficult-to-walk-in gold gown, went unanswered, though Josh Safdie at least said thanks when asked about his evening. For many, excitement was palpable; Elle Fanning, star of Sentimental Value, exclaimed, "Winning international film!" when asked about her night's highlight.
Odessa A'zion, adorned in a feathered frock with a plunging neckline and daring waist cutouts, paused to check her reflection in the camera, admitting, "I don't know, I'm still learning carpets. I've gotten better though. It used to be really embarrassing." Ava DuVernay was among several celebrities who confessed they were most looking forward to indulging in In-N-Out burgers.
Emotional Gushing and Oscar Winners' Arrival
Unsurprisingly, emotions ran high. Teyana Taylor grew tearful, expressing pride in everyone who earned a seat in the room. Barry Keoghan applauded fellow Irish actor Jessie Buckley's Best Actress win for Hamnet, saying, "I'm just really, really chuffed for her." Buckley and fellow newly minted Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan were among the final stars to walk the carpet, flanked by at least five PR representatives trying to shepherd them into the party without fanfare—a challenging task after winning two of the evening's most coveted awards. Their arrivals were punctuated by fan shrieks, with Buckley beaming with delight and Jordan playing it cool.
The Weight of Victory
Even Oscar glory comes with a physical reminder, as I discovered when Gareth John, a winner for Best Sound for F1, passed his Academy Award to me. Those statues are heavier than they look, adding a tangible weight to the night's celebrations.
