Oscar night is a spectacle that revolves around timing. The key challenge is to be at the right party at the peak of its energy. You want to be immersed in the excitement, surrounded by guests holding those iconic 8.5-pound golden statues, and make your exit just before the dance floor empties out. For journalists, access to Oscar night events is limited, which creates an exhilarating yet tight schedule filled with exclusive parties and celebrations.
The evening typically includes stops at notable gatherings such as the Academy's post-show Governors Ball, the Elton John AIDS Foundation viewing party, and the famed Vanity Fair after-party. However, it’s the ultra-exclusive events—like Madonna and Guy Oseary’s The Party or Beyoncé and Jay Z’s Gold Party—that remain off-limits to the press. These late-night bashes provide A-list celebrities, filmmakers, and the glitterati a reprieve from the constant attention of the media, allowing them to unwind after a whirlwind awards season.
Despite fierce competition from pop icons, Vanity Fair continues to be the ultimate destination on Oscar night. This exclusive party is renowned for gathering a dazzling array of celebrities under one roof. The event takes place in a temporary custom structure adjacent to the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, making it a hot spot for star-studded encounters. This year, the guest list included billionaires like Jeff Bezos, rock legends like Mick Jagger, and contemporary pop sensations like Olivia Rodrigo and Miley Cyrus.
The festivities began with an A-list dinner for nearly 100 guests. A source revealed that Mick Jagger was present but kept an eye on the clock to ensure he made it to the Dolby Theatre to present the award for Best Original Song. During his presentation, Jagger mentioned that Bob Dylan, who inspired James Mangold's film “A Complete Unknown,” was invited but declined to attend. After handing the award to the team behind Emilia Pérez's "El Mal," Jagger returned to the Vanity Fair party, mingling with celebrities such as Bezos, Kardashian, and Serena Williams.
The buzz heightened as the clock struck 11 p.m., with guests like Michael Urie making their entrance. This was Urie's first time attending the exclusive event, and he noted that plus-ones are typically not allowed, making it a solo affair for many. Regular attendees like Kylie Jenner arrived with her nominated partner, Timothée Chalamet, who socialized with co-stars like Monica Barbaro and Elle Fanning.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere was filled with both joy and reflection. Best Actress nominee Demi Moore was seen gracefully accepting condolences from friends while surrounded by her daughters. Lil Nas X, on the other hand, opted for sobriety, humorously declining champagne in favor of water, citing an early shoot the next day. Guests enjoyed gourmet offerings like pizza from renowned chef Evan Funke, although chilly weather kept many indoors.
The party was also a showcase of fashion, with Ciara turning heads in a sheer dress while attending with her husband, Russell Wilson. The NFL star displayed his agility by intercepting a tray of In-N-Out burgers. Meanwhile, sports star Coco Gauff captured candid moments with Halle Bailey, and Netflix's Bela Bajaria was spotted chatting with comedian Nate Bargatze.
As midnight approached, the excitement crescendoed. Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison were at the center of attention, both holding their Oscars amidst a sea of flashbulbs. Madison was later swarmed by fellow stars, including Jenna Ortega, who shared a heartfelt moment that brought her to tears. DJ Politik's announcement for Oscar holders to raise their awards resonated throughout the party, amplifying the celebratory atmosphere.
As the clock ticked closer to 1 a.m., many guests began to make their exits. Queen Latifah and her partner, Eboni Nichols, were spotted leaving, sharing compliments about her performance earlier in the evening. However, the energy remained alive as a valet driver humorously called out for Natasha Lyonne, ensuring the night was far from over for those still reveling in the festivities.
Oscar night remains a pinnacle of glamour and excitement, drawing together the biggest names in Hollywood for a celebration that is as much about the awards as it is about the unforgettable moments shared among friends and colleagues.
