Inside the Oscars winners’ room: Standing ovations, party plans, and media bingo
Behind the Scenes at the Oscars: Unseen Moments, Celebrations, and Unofficial Remarks
Once the Oscar recipients step onto the stage at the Dolby Theatre, they are led to a private area where photographs are taken and interviews conducted by media representatives. This year, I had the chance to witness the latest stars in action, right in the heart of the action.
The room was packed with over 200 journalists, all vying for a chance to engage the honorees. A gourmet spread in the hallway outside served as a constant source of energy, mirroring the grandeur of the ceremony itself.
Securing a question for a winner is a competitive endeavor. Each recipient is limited to three or four responses, and journalists signal their interest through raised number cards. The final decision rests with a moderator, who chooses the participants for the Q&A.
A Historic Moment for Ireland
Jessie Buckley, who etched her name in history as the first Irish woman to win Best Actress, was asked about her message to fans in her homeland.
“Don’t go to bed, keep partying!” she declared, “That’s what I’m going to do.”
Having already claimed awards at BAFTA, Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and Actor Award events, Buckley expressed deep appreciation for her supporters, feeling the affection from both young and old, and from across the globe.
She highlighted the presence of family members from New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland, who had traveled to LA for the event.
“They’re the people who built me,” she said. “To share this moment with them and know that back home they’re either drunk or still awake—I’m delighted for us all.”
A Powerful Ovation for Jordan
Michael B. Jordan’s reception, however, surpassed all others. As his name was announced, a wave of applause surged through the room, lasting nearly 40 seconds, with everyone standing to greet him.
“Dream big,” he advised, “and be kind, be honest.”
Jordan emphasized his dedication to guiding emerging talents, noting,
“I’m not a big talker, but I like to think I’m about that action.”
Breaking the 98-Year Barrier
Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history by becoming the first woman to win the cinematography category in 98 years of Oscar events.
“It’s tricky because when you go up there you have so much to say, especially after 98 years,” she mentioned. “But one thing I was going to say that I had written down was that a lot of little girls that look like me will sleep really well tonight because they’ll want to become cinematographers.”
She concluded by dedicating the honor to “all the ladies in the room, and for all the girls at home.”
A Moment of Shared Triumph
A rare tie occurred this year, with two films—The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva—splitting the Best Live-Action Short Film award. This marked only the sixth time in the Academy Awards’ 98-year history that such a scenario unfolded. The swift access to precise details, including the number of previous ties, was facilitated by Academy librarians stationed in the press room, ready to provide any statistic or fact at a moment’s notice.