Unseen moments from The Oscars: What you didn’t see on TV

Beyond the glitz and glamour seen on TV, the Academy Awards host a whole other level of excitement behind the scenes. When the cameras are off, the Dolby Theatre buzzes with activity as stars mingle, congratulate each other, or sneak off for a quick drink at the legendary lobby bar.

At this year’s Oscars, the Associated Press got a firsthand look at these untelevised moments, offering a glimpse of the night’s more candid side. While many top celebrities are known for their last-minute red carpet arrivals, the live show waits for no one, not even Paul Mescal, who politely declined the “glambot” experience. As he walked into the theater with girlfriend Gracie Abrams, she jokingly teased him about missing out on the signature red carpet moment.

During a commercial break, Kate Hudson found herself at the lobby bar alongside Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, experiencing a brief panic about missing her spot in the auditorium. A quick chat with a staffer reassured her, and she returned to her family. Kate stayed in high spirits even after not winning the best actress prize, happily congratulating Michael B. Jordan on his win.

The lobby bar experience also offered a peek into the stars’ drink choices. Jacob Elordi opted for a classic tequila on the rocks, while Nicole Kidman and Jessie Buckley enjoyed sipping champagne. Meanwhile, Nick Jonas juggled two bottled waters and a tequila cocktail, searching for a vodka drink that wasn’t available. Despite this, he graciously thanked the server and left a tip before heading back to the bar.

Not all attendees stuck to alcohol—some, like Domnhall Gleeson, indulged in snacks like Hershey’s kisses with almonds, while Hudson Williams snacked on sliced cucumbers. And while Emma Stone didn’t have a repeat of her dramatic dress incident from her acceptance speech, she did face a minor mishap when her diamond ring got caught on her gown. With the help of a friend, the ring was safely removed, and Stone was back in the game without a hitch.

Outside the show, much of the buzz revolved around post-show plans and complaints about exclusivity at the Vanity Fair afterparty. Despite the excitement and drama seen on screen, these behind-the-scenes moments offer a unique glimpse into the Oscars attendees’ more candid and human side.