After the award show wrapped, the night's biggest A-listers headed to the 65th Governors Ball, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ official post-Oscars celebration that took place at the Ray Dolby Ballroom immediately following the ceremony. The evening's Best Picture nominees appeared on screens throughout the 25,000-square-foot space.Photo: Line 8 Photography / ©A.M.P.A.S.
LOS ANGELES—It's hard to top Ryan Gosling's performance of "I'm Just Ken" at this year's Oscars—but the entertainment industry's biggest brands sure tried, hosting star-studded bashes throughout the week that were jampacked with inspiration for florals, lighting, and other event design details.
Following the 96th Academy Awards, held March 10 at the Dolby Theatre, A-listers descended on parties around town, including the Academy's own glamorous Governors Ball, which featured a custom rotating bar and a standout menu from Wolfgang Puck Catering.
Other popular stops included Warner Bros.' floral-filled bash; Elton John's festive fundraiser; Searchlight Pictures' blue-toned soiree; and, of course, Vanity Fair's ultra-exclusive party—which had a vibrant red and yellow carpet, a portrait studio from famed photographer Mark Seliger, and those infamous late-night In-N-Out burgers.
The festivities weren't contained to Sunday night, though. Earlier in the week, celebrities descended upon Essence's ultra-chic Black Women in Hollywood Awards, WME's quirky Oscars party, celebrations from the British Consulate and the US-Ireland Alliance, and much more. Scroll down to peek inside some of the week's most high-profile events.
The 96th Academy Awards
The 96th Academy Awards, which took place at the Dolby Theatre March 10, featured a curved stage design that co-production designers Alana Billingsley and Misty Buckley described as a "modern plaza that invites people in.” “[It’s] a grand yet intimate space for framing the achievements of this year’s filmmakers,” Billingsley told House Beautiful. “Every line and texture is designed to flatter and bring focus to the humans who will inhabit the space throughout the evening.” The stage was inspired by architect Tadao Ando, who is known for minimalist concrete structures, and Oscar Niemeyer, whose work centers on curves and concrete. Finishes of soft plaster and warm whites pulled the design together.
Photo: Richard Harbaugh / ©A.M.P.A.S.
Oscars Governors Ball
After the award show wrapped, the night's biggest A-listers headed to the 65th Governors Ball, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ official post-Oscars celebration that took place at the Ray Dolby Ballroom immediately following the ceremony. The evening's Best Picture nominees appeared on screens throughout the 25,000-square-foot space.
Photo: Line 8 Photography / ©A.M.P.A.S.
In the middle of the space, a custom bar—with an Oscar statue in the center—rotated slowly throughout the evening.
Photo: Line 8 Photography / ©A.M.P.A.S.
The Governors Ball was produced by MaryJane Partlow, executive vice president of awards, production, and special events for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Bill Ferrell Company handled set fabrication; Kevin Lee and LA Premier handled florals; ShowPro and Chris Greulach handled audio, lighting, and video; and Ricochet Rigging handled rigging. Rentals came from Bright Event Rentals, Event Carpet Pros, Dazian, Lux Lounge, Resource One, and Special Event Contractors.
Photo: Line 8 Photography / ©A.M.P.A.S.
Wolfgang Puck Catering celebrated its 30th year at the Governors Ball with a menu created by Wolfgang Puck and Eric Klein, along with pastry design by Kamel Guechida and Garry Larduinat. Mixologist Charles Joly also returned, joined by Mexico’s 2023 World Class Bartender of the Year, Israel Barón, to curate a selection of Tequila Don Julio specialty cocktails, including the 1942 Encore and Round of Applause. Other beverage sponsors included Champagne Fleur de Miraval and Clarendelle and Domaine Clarence Dillon wines.
Photo: Al Seib / ©A.M.P.A.S.
The Governors Ball had a spot for winners like Billie Eilish (pictured) to get their trophies engraved.
Photo: Kyusung Gong / ©A.M.P.A.S.
Oscars Greenroom Presented by Rolex
Rolex has hosted the official Oscars greenroom since 2016, and this year’s space—designed by the Rolex team and produced by Event Eleven—focused on the vegetal world, using images of fans as inspiration.
Photo: Rolex
“The concept integrates essential elements from nature—organic structures and chlorophyll—and aims to create harmony between them through a chromatic universe,” noted the Rolex team in a press release. “The shapes within this vegetal universe recall details such as the fluting on watch bezels and the brushed metal surfaces of watch dials, transmitting their luminous vibrations.”
Photo: Rolex
The space utilized materials like fibers, ceramic, and glass that were all sustainably sourced. In addition to Event Eleven, vendors included lighting from Images by Lighting, fabrication from Square LA, and flowers from Floral Crush Studio.
Photo: Rolex
Warner Bros. Oscars Party
Warner Bros. hosted its Oscars party at West Hollywood's LAVO Ristorante on March 10.
Photo: Line 8 Photography
The event was produced by JWang Consulting. "LAVO had a neutral palette so we selected furniture in velvet, marble, creams, and golds that would look great in the space with a glamorous feel," explained owner Jennifer Wang. "More florals in purples and pinks were incorporated inside to give pops of color throughout the space—and hundreds of glowing candles and votives as well as the 'candlelit' lighting design finished the overall look."
Photo: Line 8 Photography
"We wanted to have a statement piece to welcome the guests as they arrived at the party," said Wang. "We took the iconic WB shield and gave it an Oscar-worthy look by creating a moment in gold with florals in various shades of purples and pinks to give nods to The Color Purple and Barbie."
Photo: Line 8 Photography
Essence's Black Women in Hollywood Awards
Essence hosted its Black Women in Hollywood Awards March 7. The 400-person event, which recognizes the achievements of Black women in the film and television industry, was produced by MVD Inc. for the third consecutive year. MVD worked with Essence experiential director Calune Eustache and collaborated with senior vice president of creative Corey Stokes, art director Sabla Stays, and visual director Michael Quinn. This year, the event was held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for the first time.
Photo: Jorge Meza for MVD Inc.
Chocolate served as the running theme for the color scheme, paired with neutral tones and gold. A chocolate and white carpet welcomed guests into the museum’s Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby, which was re-imagined as an opulent lounge. Dramatic, custom 24-foot draped portrait towers of the honorees adorned the space.
Photo: Jorge Meza for MVD Inc.
The chic award luncheon was held in the museum's Dolby Terrace, which continued the color scheme of chocolate, gold, and neutrals.
Photo: Jorge Meza for MVD Inc.
A custom sunset bronze stage was nestled into the terrace's dome structure, with sweeping views of Los Angeles as the backdrop. This year's honorees and entertainment industry trailblazers included Academy Award-nominated actress and Grammy Award winner Danielle Brooks; six-time Grammy-nominated singer and actress Halle Bailey; screenwriter and showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll; and STARZ president of original programming Kathryn Busby.
Photo: Jorge Meza for MVD Inc.
Treehouse Fabrication and ENSO Creative handled fabrication for the event, while ASOE handled the stage, Revelry handled drapes, and MTB Event Rentals and Town & Country handled rentals. Red Summer did video production and Above the Line handed audiovisual for the event.
OWN is set to exclusively air the 17th annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards on March 15 at 9 p.m. EDT/PDT.
OWN is set to exclusively air the 17th annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards on March 15 at 9 p.m. EDT/PDT.
Photo: Jorge Meza for MVD Inc.
Elton John AIDS Foundation's 32nd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party
The 32nd annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party raised a record-breaking $10.8 million in support of the foundation's work to end the AIDS epidemic. The star-studded gala took place March 10 at West Hollywood Park, and featured a performance from R&B-soul-pop trio Gabriels. (The set ended with a performance of "Are You Ready for Love" by Gabriels and Elton John himself, reminiscent of their surprise Glastonbury performance.)
Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation
The event, which featured food from Crumble Catering, was co-hosted by Elton John, David Furnish, Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka, and Tiffany Haddish.
Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation
Searchlight Pictures Oscar Party
Searchlight Pictures, with special thanks to Louis Vuitton, celebrated its five Academy Award wins—including Best Actress Emma Stone—on the rooftop of Dante Beverly Hills. The evening, designed and produced by Sterling Social, featured a rich tonal blue color palette with accents of velvet, marble, and brass.
Photo: Clark Studio
Guests lounged on plush banquettes surrounded by candlelight and lush greenery. As a nod to the film Poor Things, Dante’s Bella Martini made with Fords Gin was highlighted for the night and served from a martini cart on the terrace. Foodwise, guests enjoyed freshly shucked oysters and lobster cocktails at a seafood bar, plus pizza bianca and diavolo from Dante’s wood-burning pizza oven.
Photo: Clark Studio
WME Oscars Party
WME kicked off Oscars weekend March 8 at the Hearst Estate in Beverly Hills. The soiree at the famous Godfather mansion was hosted by WME co-chairmen Christian Muirhead and Richard Weitz and attended by celebrities, industry executives, and Oscar-nominated clients. A tent with custom scenic walls and arched windows matching the home’s exterior was built around the patio, expanding the indoor party space.
The event was produced in-house by the corporate events team at WME parent company Endeavor, led by Tiffany Fang, senior vice president of corporate events and creative.
The event was produced in-house by the corporate events team at WME parent company Endeavor, led by Tiffany Fang, senior vice president of corporate events and creative.
Photo: Line 8 Photography
The party featured 10 themed areas, including a Chinatown night market, an Egyptian lounge with a tarot card reader, an Italian trattoria, and a casino with a charity component.
Photo: Line 8 Photography
There was also a bedroom resembling that of Clueless’ Cher, which led to a Narnia-inspired speakeasy with furniture made completely out of ice.
Photo: Line 8 Photography
Lining the walls was art curated by Frieze, plus film posters and photos of Oscar-nominated clients and past winners.
Photo: Line 8 Photography
Guests danced to music by WME artists T.Nava, DOMi & JD Beck, DJ Allie Teilz, and Two11. Catering was provided courtesy of The h.wood Group, while bar offerings included Tequila Don Julio 1942, Moët & Chandon, VOSS, and others.
Other highlights? Guests personalized hats and handkerchiefs at a custom embroidery station and visited the pop-up tattoo parlor for more permanent mementos by WME client and celebrity tattoo artist Winter Stone. And appropriately situated near the disco room, a “shoe valet” offered Birkenstock slippers for guests to kick off their heels.
Other highlights? Guests personalized hats and handkerchiefs at a custom embroidery station and visited the pop-up tattoo parlor for more permanent mementos by WME client and celebrity tattoo artist Winter Stone. And appropriately situated near the disco room, a “shoe valet” offered Birkenstock slippers for guests to kick off their heels.
Photo: Michelle Mosqueda
Oscars Night at the Museum
On March 10, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures hosted its third annual Oscars Night at the Museum. More than 1,200 guests attended the event, which kicked off with a fan photo op in collaboration with ABC and Amazon Fire TV. (The activation was open to the public over the weekend leading up to the event.)
Photo: ©Academy Museum Foundation
Guests who had purchased tickets to the event had the chance to walk the red carpet, explore the museum's 50,000 square feet of galleries, and accept their own awards in the museum's Oscars Experience. They could also shop for exclusive merchandise at the Academy Museum store and sip on cocktails inspired by this year's Best Picture nominees at on-site restaurant Fanny’s.
Photo: ©Academy Museum Foundation
The live broadcast of the 96th Oscars was streamed in the museum’s David Geffen Theater, Ted Mann Theater, and on additional screens throughout the museum. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and small bites by Wolfgang Puck Catering; wines from Clarendelle and Domaine Clarence Dillon, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ official wine partner; and Shake Shack burgers and fries served fresh throughout the night. In addition, Tea Room ticket holders enjoyed a more intimate viewing experience with a seated dinner that featured highlights from Wolfgang Puck Catering’s famed Governors Ball menu.
Photo: ©Academy Museum Foundation
British Consulate Oscar Reception
His Majesty’s Consul General Emily Cloke, in partnership with the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign, raised a toast to this year’s U.K. nominees and celebrated the U.K.’s continued impact on film and television at a reception on March 8. To mark International Women’s Day, this year’s reception centered on women in film and production; it included a bespoke portrait gallery paying homage to British women making an impact in the industry.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for British Consulate-General Los Angeles
The reception paid special tribute to three films this year with U.K. connections. There were themed rooms for Oppenheimer, Barbie (complete with a display of original costumes from the movie), and Saltburn.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for British Consulate-General Los Angeles
Each themed room had a unique signature cocktail; throughout the space, guests enjoyed a selection of specialty drinks from Ridgeview English sparkling wine, Hampton Court handcrafted gin and rum, and Nc'nean whiskey. The event was co-hosted alongside the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland "see things differently" campaign, BAFTA, and the British Film Commission, and supported by Visit Britain.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for British Consulate-General Los Angeles
17th Annual Women in Film Oscar Nominees Party
Women in Film's annual Oscar Nominees Party was held March 8 at Catch Steak. The event featured design and production by Event Eleven and fabrication and signage by LAB Creative.
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for WIF
Additional vendors included flowers by Floral Crush Studio, audio by MIP, and lighting by Lighten Up. DJ Domo entertained the crowd.
Photo: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for WIF
Affinity Nightlife Presents 'Dream in Gold' Oscars After-Party
On March 10, Affinity Nightlife’s Adam Glove presented "Dream in Gold," an exclusive black-tie after-party at Academy LA in Hollywood. The glitzy evening featured entertainment by celebrity DJs Talon Reid, DJ Pookie, and Justin Credible.
Photo: Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife
The invite-only event drew industry executives, performing artists, actors, influencers, and other talent. Str8up Driven featured one of its luxury Lamborghini cars on site, while Bake Some Noise curated gourmet cookie boxes for VIP guests.
Photo: Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife
'Vanity Fair' and Instagram's Vanities: A Night for Young Hollywood
On March 6, Vanity Fair and Instagram hosted Vanities: A Night for Young Hollywood, a star-studded bash co-hosted by Barry Keoghan, Charles Melton, and Hunter Schafer at Bar Marmont in Hollywood. The event was part of Vanity Fair's Campaign Hollywood, an annual event series that celebrates the year’s best performances, along with the industry's rising artists, storytellers, and innovators.
Photo: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Vanity Fair
This year's attendees included Charli XCX, Jameela Jamil, Lana Condor, Lilly Singh, and Ross Butler.
Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Vanity Fair
US-Ireland Alliance's 18th Annual Oscar Wilde Awards
J.J. Abrams and Katie McGrath’s Bad Robot production company was again the site of the US-Ireland Alliance’s Oscar Wilde Awards, an annual event created 18 years ago to honor the Irish in entertainment. The casual, nontraditional Oscars week event honored Molly Shannon, Pierce Brosnan, and Richard Baneham for their contributions to film, and guests enjoyed a performance from Dublin-based band VNXI.
Photo: Dean Machin/Event Image Services
Cillian Murphy, who went on to win the Oscar for Best Actor, was in attendance.
Photo: Dean Machin/Event Image Services
ECOLUXE Pre-Oscars Luxury Lounge
Veteran producer Debbie Durkin hosted her 18th annual ECOLUXE pre-Oscars Luxury Lounge to benefit The Wild Beauty Foundation and Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue Ranch. Taking place March 8 at the Avalon venue in Hollywood, the daytime event showcased JEMZ Smile treatments, Fountain of Üth's newest skin technologies, and other beauty and wellness treatments, along with food, cocktails, a cowboy hat bar, and more engaging moments—all designed to showcase sustainable brand partners, philanthropists, and nominees.
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Debbie Durkin/ECOLUXE Oscars Luxury Lounge
Partnering nonprofit organizations included Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue, which featured a “Puptopia” with puppies for adoption and therapy dogs. Ashley Avis Wild Beauty Foundation played an all-day screening of the documentary Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West—and real, rescued wild mustangs stood outside the event. There was also an emerging-designer fashion show, which highlighted the newest styles by NYLA Couture, The DeLaCruz Collection, and Fayah Streetwear.
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Debbie Durkin/ECOLUXE Oscars Luxury Lounge
'W' Magazine and Louis Vuitton's Academy Awards Dinner
Louis Vuitton and W Magazine teamed up to host an intimate dinner March 7 at the Ennis House in Los Angeles. Attendees dined on a special menu curated by chef Michael Cimarusti of Providence LA, sipped on specialty cocktails, and danced to a DJ set by Ross One. On the guest list? Emma Stone, America Ferrera, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Barry Keoghan, and—pictured from left—Zendaya, Luca Guadagnino, and W Magazine editor in chief Sara Moonves.
Photo: Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for W Magazine
