The excitement for Hollywood’s biggest night kicked off early this year with an emotional and star-studded Oscar rehearsal on Saturday morning—just a day before the 97th Academy Awards takes center stage (ABC and Hulu, 7 p.m. ET/4 PT). Even before the cameras roll for the official ceremony, there were already moments of laughter, heartwarming reunions, and even a few stage jitters as presenters fine-tuned their performances at the iconic Dolby Theatre.
One particularly touching moment involved two-time nominee Andrew Garfield, who walked onto the stage hand in hand with Goldie Hawn. For Garfield, this wasn’t just another rehearsal—it was a deeply personal moment. Hawn happened to be the favorite actress of his late mother, Lynn, who passed away in 2019. Their pairing for the awards night carried an emotional weight that wasn’t lost on anyone in attendance. As they stood together at the podium, the chemistry between the two was undeniable. The warmth was palpable, and when Garfield struggled momentarily with a sealed envelope, he instinctively hugged Hawn and gently kissed her on the head—a spontaneous and sweet moment that melted hearts.
Meanwhile, Oscar veterans Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg shared a cheerful reunion, rekindling memories from their time together in The Color Purple. High heels and all, they navigated the stage carefully, mindful of the potential pitfalls that come with the glitz and glamour of Oscar night. Joining in the pre-show buzz, Miley Cyrus, rocking high-heel boots under her flared jeans, took a moment to admire the grandeur of the stage before rehearsing her segment.
Of course, the morning wouldn’t be complete without some behind-the-scenes fashion contrasts. While female presenters like Da'Vine Joy Randolph, last year's best supporting actress winner, looked stunning in a floral jumpsuit as she practiced her presentation, some of the male presenters took a much more relaxed approach. Miles Teller sported a The Late Show T-shirt and a baseball cap, while Sterling K. Brown showed up in shorts, white sneakers, and a hoodie. But don’t worry—come Sunday night, they’ll be suited up in their finest tuxedos, ready to bring the elegance the Oscars demand.
And then there was Emma Stone, who took method acting to a whole new level, even in rehearsal. The Poor Things Oscar winner fully committed to the role, playfully walking on her toes to simulate the wobbling challenge of high heels as she approached the microphone. Ever the entertainer, she turned to the audience stand-ins and cheekily referred to them by the names of the A-list stars who would be occupying those seats during the real event. But even the best in the business aren’t immune to a flub or two—Stone stumbled on her first attempt at presenting, only to laugh it off. “Oh, God, this is going to go so great,” she quipped before nailing her second try. To top it off, when the stand-ins came onstage to accept their mock Oscars, she welcomed them with open arms and gave each a congratulatory hug, as if it were the real deal.
Meanwhile, Goldie Hawn, at 79, quickly realized that even seasoned Hollywood icons need a little help sometimes. As she squinted at the teleprompter, she turned to Garfield and said, “Honey, can you read that?” Thankfully, Garfield, at 41, was already prepared with his glasses on—one step ahead of his co-presenter. It was a lighthearted moment that showcased just how much fun these stars were having behind the scenes.
While rehearsals may seem like a formality, they’re actually a crucial part of making the night go off without a hitch. Just ask Timothée Chalamet, who had an awkward moment during the Screen Actors Guild Awards the previous weekend when he stumbled through his presentation for A Complete Unknown. “Should’ve done a rehearsal,” he admitted onstage. Well, the Oscars crew was taking no chances.
With all the energy, excitement, and even a few touching moments in the rehearsal, it’s clear that this year’s Academy Awards is shaping up to be one for the books. The mix of seasoned Hollywood legends and fresh faces, the dazzling stage design, and the unscripted, heartfelt moments behind the scenes are setting the stage for a truly unforgettable night. Now, all that’s left is for the stars to step into their glamorous attire and bring the magic to the millions watching worldwide.
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