Hollywood is buzzing with excitement as the 97th Academy Awards approaches, and behind the scenes, the energy is just as electric! With rehearsals in full swing at the Dolby Theatre, stars are letting loose, sharing laughs, and getting ready to bring their A-game to the big stage. From unexpected duos to hilarious slip-ups, here’s an inside look at what went down during the star-studded run-throughs before Hollywood’s biggest night.
Sterling K. Brown Brings the Energy
One day before showtime, Sterling K. Brown is front and center, soaking up every moment. Dressed casually in shorts, sneakers, and a black hoodie, the 48-year-old actor is having an absolute blast. Teaming up with Ana de Armas, he runs through lines off the teleprompter as they prepare to present the Live Action Short category. Brown, who earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination last year for American Fiction, links arms with the Blonde star, who was up for Best Actress in 2023. When they nail their first practice run, Brown pumps up the energy with an enthusiastic, “Let’s do it!”
Emma Stone’s Classic Humor
Meanwhile, Emma Stone is doing what she does best—charming the room with her self-deprecating humor. As she fumbles her first few lines, the two-time Oscar winner lets out a laugh and declares, “Oh God, this is going to go great.” Dressed down in jeans and a comfy top, Stone takes a moment to scan the audience section, where cardboard cutouts of nominees’ headshots fill the empty seats. After perfecting her lines and handing over a faux Oscar statuette to a stand-in winner, she flashes her signature big smile, gives a friendly wave, and heads offstage.
Andrew Garfield and Goldie Hawn’s Adorable Chemistry
One of the most delightful pairings of the night? Andrew Garfield and Goldie Hawn. The duo, set to co-present the Animated Feature and Animated Short categories, bring warmth and laughter to the stage as they navigate their cues. At one point, Garfield, dressed casually with a sweater draped over his shoulders and his button-down untucked, sweetly rubs Hawn’s back when she momentarily stumbles over a line. Hawn, a Hollywood icon who won Best Supporting Actress in 1970 for Cactus Flower, rocks a chic black pantsuit and wears her blonde hair down. After a few hiccups, they nail their run-through and celebrate with a joyful high-five.
Star-Studded Rehearsals Filled with Laughs & Camaraderie
It wasn’t just these three who brought the fun—Hollywood’s elite were out in full force. A-listers like Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Miles Teller, Whoopi Goldberg, Miley Cyrus, and Oprah Winfrey (joined by bestie Gayle King in the front row!) kept things lighthearted as they worked through nerves, timing, and stage directions. Most stars opted for a casual, no-makeup look as they took in the grandeur of the massive theater, mostly empty except for a bustling crew and production staff.
Ben Stiller and Nick Offerman were also spotted fine-tuning their presentations, along with some of the biggest names of the 2024 Oscars, including Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy, and Randolph. With the legendary Conan O’Brien set to host, the night promises plenty of laughs, surprises, and unforgettable moments.
Live Performers Set to Rock the Oscars Stage
Of course, what’s an award show without show-stopping performances? This year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular. Expect powerhouse vocals from Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, along with performances by Queen Latifah, Doja Cat, Lisa of BLACKPINK, and rising sensation Raye. With such an incredible mix of talent, the live music segments are sure to be just as unforgettable as the awards themselves.
Don’t Miss the Big Night!
The 97th Academy Awards is shaping up to be a night to remember. Catch all the action live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and Hulu. Want the inside scoop on all things Oscars? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay in the loop with the latest celebrity news and must-know Hollywood moments.
Lights, camera, action—it’s almost time for the biggest night in film!
Emma Stone’s Classic Humor
Meanwhile, Emma Stone is doing what she does best—charming the room with her self-deprecating humor. As she fumbles her first few lines, the two-time Oscar winner lets out a laugh and declares, “Oh God, this is going to go great.” Dressed down in jeans and a comfy top, Stone takes a moment to scan the audience section, where cardboard cutouts of nominees’ headshots fill the empty seats. After perfecting her lines and handing over a faux Oscar statuette to a stand-in winner, she flashes her signature big smile, gives a friendly wave, and heads offstage.
Andrew Garfield and Goldie Hawn’s Adorable Chemistry
One of the most delightful pairings of the night? Andrew Garfield and Goldie Hawn. The duo, set to co-present the Animated Feature and Animated Short categories, bring warmth and laughter to the stage as they navigate their cues. At one point, Garfield, dressed casually with a sweater draped over his shoulders and his button-down untucked, sweetly rubs Hawn’s back when she momentarily stumbles over a line. Hawn, a Hollywood icon who won Best Supporting Actress in 1970 for Cactus Flower, rocks a chic black pantsuit and wears her blonde hair down. After a few hiccups, they nail their run-through and celebrate with a joyful high-five.
Star-Studded Rehearsals Filled with Laughs & Camaraderie
It wasn’t just these three who brought the fun—Hollywood’s elite were out in full force. A-listers like Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Miles Teller, Whoopi Goldberg, Miley Cyrus, and Oprah Winfrey (joined by bestie Gayle King in the front row!) kept things lighthearted as they worked through nerves, timing, and stage directions. Most stars opted for a casual, no-makeup look as they took in the grandeur of the massive theater, mostly empty except for a bustling crew and production staff.
Ben Stiller and Nick Offerman were also spotted fine-tuning their presentations, along with some of the biggest names of the 2024 Oscars, including Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy, and Randolph. With the legendary Conan O’Brien set to host, the night promises plenty of laughs, surprises, and unforgettable moments.
Live Performers Set to Rock the Oscars Stage
Of course, what’s an award show without show-stopping performances? This year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular. Expect powerhouse vocals from Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, along with performances by Queen Latifah, Doja Cat, Lisa of BLACKPINK, and rising sensation Raye. With such an incredible mix of talent, the live music segments are sure to be just as unforgettable as the awards themselves.
Don’t Miss the Big Night!
The 97th Academy Awards is shaping up to be a night to remember. Catch all the action live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and Hulu. Want the inside scoop on all things Oscars? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay in the loop with the latest celebrity news and must-know Hollywood moments.
Lights, camera, action—it’s almost time for the biggest night in film!
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