Behind the Scenes at the Oscars: Vodka Toasts, Gummy Drama, and Selena Gomez’s Sweet Gesture
LOS ANGELES — The Oscars turned into an Anora celebration early on Sunday night when the film’s lively Russian cast, including Yura Borisov (nominated for Best Supporting Actor) and newcomer Mark Eydelshteyn, stormed the Dolby Theatre lobby bar with one simple request: “Vodka!”
The indie sensation Anora, a darkly comedic tale of a Brooklyn sex worker’s chaotic marriage to a Russian oligarch, dominated the 97th Academy Awards, taking home five trophies, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, and Best Director for Sean Baker.
USA TODAY was on the scene, from the star-studded audience to the buzzing lobby (where Willem Dafoe, of Nosferatu fame, was spotted charging his iPhone between awards). We were at the Dolby bar, backstage, and everywhere in between, capturing the moments you didn’t see on TV during Conan O’Brien’s lively hosting gig (now streaming on Hulu).
Conan O’Brien’s Gummy Bear Rebellion
O’Brien, a first-time Oscars host, brought his signature wit to the stage, tackling everything from the Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud to the Emilia Pérez Best Actress controversy involving Karla Sofía Gascón. But his most memorable act of rebellion? Trying to sneak gummy bears into the audience.
Each seat had a care package featuring a Wetzel’s Pretzel, Milk Duds, and a cheeky handwritten note: “Enjoy these snacks. I tried to include a gummy, but Disney said ‘hard pass.’” Despite the gummy ban, O’Brien’s charm made the night unforgettable.
Nick Offerman’s Pre-Show Roast
Before the telecast even began, announcer Nick Offerman set the tone with his trademark dry humor. He advised winners to skip thanking their agents and instead send “drunk 4 a.m. texts” expressing their willingness to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “But a real Avenger,” he quipped, “not Hawkeye.” The jab at Jeremy Renner’s superhero role drew gasps, while his follow-up joke about avoiding “long hugs, consensual or with Kevin Spacey,” elicited groans and laughter.
Karla Sofía Gascón’s Dramatic Return
After a controversial absence from the Emilia Pérez awards campaign due to resurfaced racist social media posts, Gascón made a surprise appearance at the Oscars. Her reception in the auditorium was polite but subdued. The real drama unfolded at the lobby bar, where she was seen in an intense conversation with Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), who was enjoying a cocktail with girlfriend Georgina Chapman. Gascón’s team quickly shut down reporters, stating she was “having a wonderful night” before she ordered champagne and returned to the show. Brody later won Best Actor.
Selena Gomez’s Early Exit and Heartwarming Moment
Selena Gomez and fiancé Benny Blanco left the Dolby Theatre early, slipping out during the in-memoriam tribute. But before exiting, Gomez made a firefighter’s night unforgettable. Los Angeles firefighter Jake Heflin, armed with an adorable handmade autograph book from his 9-year-old stepdaughter, managed to flag down Gomez. Despite the bustling foot traffic, Gomez stopped to sign the book, leaving Heflin and his family with a memory to cherish.
