In the Oscars Audience, Stars Caught Their Breath
by https://www.nytimes.com/by/philip-cheung · NY TimesA playful headlock. Congratulations whispered over tears. A victory quietly savored in the middle of a crowd. The biggest emotions, jokes and exchanges may have happened onstage at the Academy Awards on Sunday, but the night had its intimate moments, too, many of them captured by our photographer inside the Dolby Theater.
“One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” were the Oscars’ most-awarded films, and in the room, the members of their ensemble casts reacted like family (Teyana Taylor’s sisterly nuzzle of Paul Thomas Anderson; Delroy Lindo’s fatherly grasp of Michael B. Jordan’s shoulder) to their wins. Throughout the night, an audience of dolled-up celebrities kept reaching for faces, for shoulders, for hands — levitating stars trying to ground one another.
Delroy Lindo embracing his “Sinners” castmate Michael B. Jordan after the film’s star won the Oscar for best actor. The director Ryan Coogler stood smiling nearby.
Elle Fanning, a best supporting actress nominee for “Sentimental Value,” moving to her seat.
Gwyneth Paltrow reuniting with her “Great Expectations” co-star Ethan Hawke.
Freddie Sorensen congratulating his wife, Jessie Buckley, on her win for best actress as Jacob Elordi, standing at right, looked on.
Emma Stone enjoying a laugh with Pedro Pascal.
Delroy Lindo posing with Spike Lee, who directed him in an acclaimed performance in “Da 5 Bloods” (2020).
Gwyneth Paltrow taking a selfie.
Jacob Elordi, a best supporting actor nominee for “Frankenstein,” brought his mother, Melissa, as his date.
The makers of “Sentimental Value” celebrating their win for best international film as Maya Rudolph, top in black, cheered.
Leonardo DiCaprio, nominated for best actor, with his girlfriend, Vittoria Ceretti.
Grogu making his way through the crowd.
For his role as a frantic table-tennis player in “Marty Supreme,” Timothée Chalamet received his third best actor nomination.
Demi Moore, left, greeting Mikey Madison, the winner of the best actress award at last year’s Oscars.
Benicio Del Toro, a best supporting actor nominee for “One Battle After Another.”
Kurt Russell supported Kate Hudson, a nominee for her role in “Song Sung Blue.”
Paul Thomas Anderson savoring the best picture win amid the cast and crew of “One Battle After Another,” including Leonardo DiCaprio, left, and Regina Hall and Chase Infiniti, right.
Audience Report is a series that looks at people looking. Produced by Jolie Ruben and Amanda Webster.