Funny and Chaotic Moments at 96th Academy Awards Dress Rehearsal

With the 96th Academy Awards just hours away, actors, directors, and Hollywood’s biggest stars gathered at the Dolby Theatre on Saturday for the official dress rehearsal. This crucial run-through gives presenters and production crew a chance to familiarize themselves with the flow of events before the highly anticipated night of the awards.

The rehearsal went smoothly, with only a few minor glitches and pauses for camera adjustments and lighting modifications for stars like Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Steven Spielberg, America Ferrera, and more. ET’s Hope Sloop witnessed the behind-the-scenes preparations, unveiling an exciting and hilarious night awaits the audience.

Stars Shine in Rehearsal

Best Supporting Actor nominee Ryan Gosling took the stage ahead of his performance on Sunday. Gosling, known for his power anthem from “Barbie” titled “I’m Just Ken”, showcased his musical talents during the casual practice run. Dressed in a ballcap, sunglasses, and a Grave Diggers T-shirt, Gosling exuded his character’s rocker-cool vibes.

Actress Lupita Nyong’o, a previous Academy Award winner for her role in “12 Years a Slave,” participated alongside other presenters. Nyong’o, dressed in sweats and a puffer vest, attentively listened to directions and introductions for the nominees in her respective category, building excitement for the surprise element of the awards show.

Despite battling a raspy voice after promotions for “Dune: Part 2,” Zendaya received a warm applause as she approached the imaginary microphone during the rehearsal. Wearing a stylish dark green jacket, jeans, and black loafers, the talented actress stumbled only once while reading from the teleprompter.

Esteemed filmmaker Steven Spielberg, an eight-time Best Director nominee and two-time Academy Award winner, made his mark during the rehearsal. Dressed casually in jeans and a scarf, Spielberg presented alongside Zendaya but maintained his superstition of not announcing a winner chosen at random for the event, believing it to be bad luck.

Best Supporting Actress nominee America Ferrera and comedian Kate McKinnon practiced their crowd address together, donning their glamorous attire for the special occasion. Ferrera added a pop of color with pink high heels, while McKinnon sported a classic black suit. The two “Barbie” stars encountered a humorous moment as they both tried to read the same line, concluding in laughter from the audience.

Entertaining Chaos and Unforgettable Moments

Laughter echoed through the crowd during the continuous charming chaos caused by the comedic duo, Ferrera and McKinnon. The rehearsal audience, consisting of producers, stand-ins, and technical workers, joined in the amusement as nominees’ names were read via voiceover. The funny banter continued as Ferrera and McKinnon playfully announced the fake winner, ensuring the exercise did not produce any false reports.

As the rehearsal came to a close, Catherine O’Hara and Michael Keaton took the stage together. The pair navigated through a humorous bit connected to their categories and encountered some laughs while waiting to hand off their practice Oscars. In a classic moment, O’Hara called out Keaton’s name as he seemingly walked away, reminiscent of her iconic line in “Home Alone” – “Kevin!”

What’s to Come at the 96th Academy Awards

The 96th Academy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, promise an unforgettable night filled with glamour and excitement. The grand event will be broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 10, starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC. Make sure to follow ETonline.com for comprehensive Oscars coverage.