Alright, listen up, because if you thought you saw everything at the 95th annual Academy Awards, hosted by the one and only Jimmy Kimmel, you are in for a serious treat! While the live broadcast gave us plenty of incredible, jaw-dropping, and tear-jerking moments, a whole universe of hilarious, heartwarming, and utterly relatable shenanigans was happening when the cameras weren’t rolling. The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles was absolutely buzzing with energy, and thankfully, some eagle-eyed reporters were there to catch all the juicy, behind-the-scenes goodness.
We’re talking about everything from A-listers getting hyped up for their performances to iconic actors having candid, human moments in the bathroom (yes, really!). The Oscars are always a spectacle, but it’s these unscripted, genuine interactions that truly make the night unforgettable. So, grab your favorite snack, get comfy, and prepare to have your mind blown as we unveil the best, most shocking, and frankly, most *you-would-not-believe-it* moments that didn’t make it to your TV screen.
Ready to dive deep into the real vibes of the 2023 Oscars? We’ve got the exclusive scoop on what went down off-camera, proving that sometimes, the most memorable parts of the night are the ones you didn’t even know you were missing. From champagne toasts to snack stashes, these are the moments that truly captured the spirit of Hollywood’s biggest night, making us feel like we were right there, living it up with the stars.
1. **Rihanna & A$AP Rocky’s Sweet Date Night**
Kicking off our list of unseen treasures, can we all just agree that Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are absolute couple goals? These two superstars totally embraced their kid-free evening out at the Oscars, turning it into the most adorable date night ever. Seriously, it was a sweet escape for the Fenty queen and her beau, who clearly enjoyed some well-deserved grown-up time.
An eagle-eyed observer even spotted A$AP Rocky with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne, totally living his best life and smiling throughout the ceremony. And if that wasn’t cute enough, during Rihanna’s powerful performance of “Lift Me Up,” he was seen sipping his bubbles and raising a toast to his lady love, a moment that definitely warmed our hearts. Talk about a supportive partner! Later on, backstage, after Rihanna had changed into her third stunning look of the evening, Rocky was spotted cradling her bare baby bump. It was a truly precious, tender moment, highlighting their excitement and love.
And before all the magic unfolded inside, Rihanna arrived on the carpet with a huge, infectious smile on her face. She was seen greeting a man who, charmingly, said, “I’m not sure if you remember me.” Without missing a beat, the glowing star replied with pure warmth, “Of course I do!” Just another reminder that even with all the fame, she’s still got that down-to-earth vibe.
2. **The Bathroom Chronicles**
Ever wonder what goes on in the A-list bathrooms at the Oscars? Well, wonder no more, because we got the inside scoop! Florence Pugh and Cara Delevingne were spotted having a very relatable struggle, holding up their voluminous dresses and cracking up as they made their way to the facilities. Cara perfectly summed up the universal gown dilemma, exclaiming, “Where am I going to pee in?” as she navigated her way to the stall.
In a true act of friendship, Florence Pugh followed her into the bathroom, ready to play wingman and offer to hold up her dress. Because what are friends for if not helping you navigate a red carpet gown in a tiny stall? Talk about relatable content! But the bathroom wasn’t just for wardrobe woes; it was also the scene of a touching celebrity encounter.
Actress Michelle Yeoh, who was about to make history with her Best Actress win, was also in the bathroom. Cara Delevingne, seizing the moment, approached Yeoh while they were washing their hands and delivered a heartfelt compliment, telling her, “You changed my life.” The now-Oscar winner graciously thanked her, proving that even in the most mundane of places, magic can happen. Meanwhile, Cara was seen vaping while checking her phone and drying her hands, and Florence continued her valiant (and likely hilarious) struggle to dry her own hands while wearing that massive gown. Later, the two were spotted ordering drinks together at the bar, and when the bartender mistakenly made a vodka soda for the newly-sober Cara, Florence hilariously offered the drink to other stars nearby, shouting, “Who wants a vodka soda?” Classic.
3. **Jimmy Kimmel’s Secret Snack Stash**
Okay, so host Jimmy Kimmel definitely has a knack for surprising his audience, but this one was truly next level! After making a joke during the broadcast about the show being so long that he’d left snacks under the guests’ seats, everyone thought it was just a funny quip. But, plot twist, ET actually checked it out, and guess what? There really *were* snack boxes under the seats!
Seriously, talk about going above and beyond! Each box was filled with a large pretzel and a variety of candy, basically everything you could ever want for a long night of awards. But it wasn’t just about the munchies; Kimmel added his signature touch to make it even more special. The boxes read, “Eat this. You’re hungry XO Jimmy,” which is just peak Kimmel humor.
And as if that wasn’t enough, there was also a sticker featuring a cartoon drawing of Kimmel holding up an Oscar, adding a fun, personal flourish. The cherry on top was a handwritten note that truly showed his class: “Isn’t this a nice surprise? XO Jimmy P.S. A donation in my name has been made to the L.A. Regional Food Bank.” Not only did he keep everyone fed, but he also made a meaningful contribution. What a legend!
4. **Angela Bassett Did the Thing**
Remember that viral moment when Ariana DeBose gave Angela Bassett the ultimate shout-out in her BAFTAs rap, proclaiming “Angela Bassett did the thing!? Well, the love continued strong at the Oscars, and we caught an incredibly sweet, unseen interaction between the two powerhouses that will make your heart melt.
Ariana DeBose was seen approaching Oscar nominee Angela Bassett inside the theater, and what followed was a beautiful display of mutual admiration. The two stars shared a warm, genuine hug, and Angela Bassett’s husband, Courtney B. Vance, was right there to capture the moment, snapping a pic of them together. It was a lovely, unscripted exchange that showed the respect and camaraderie among these incredible actresses.
This brief, off-camera moment was a perfect echo of the viral sensation, proving that the admiration was very real and extended beyond the internet. It’s those small, authentic interactions that truly add to the magic of Hollywood’s biggest night, reminding us that even amidst all the glitz and glamour, genuine connections and shared moments of joy are always present.
5. **Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson & Emily Blunt’s Backstage Banter**
Before they took the stage as presenters, co-stars Emily Blunt and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson gave us a hilarious peek into their backstage dynamic. You know how celebrities always look so composed when they step out? Well, turns out they have some pretty fun ways of passing the time before their big moment.
In a moment that totally caught us off guard, Johnson was seen casually sitting on Blunt’s lap ahead of their televised appearance. Can you even imagine? It’s the kind of playful, unexpected interaction that you just don’t get to see on the live broadcast. Their casual camaraderie and shared laughter definitely lightened the mood backstage.
This little slice of pre-show fun just goes to show that even the biggest stars need to blow off some steam and connect with their co-stars before facing millions of viewers. It was a delightful, unscripted moment that highlighted their easygoing relationship and made us all wish we were part of their backstage crew, getting to witness all the laughs firsthand.
6. **Danai Gurira’s Fierce Fandom for ‘Wakanda Forever’**
If you were wondering who the biggest cheerleader for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ was at the Oscars, look no further than its own star, Danai Gurira! She was spotted sipping on rosé, completely engrossed in the ceremony, and showing her absolute passion for her film in a moment the cameras didn’t quite capture.
As Samuel L. Jackson and Jennifer Connelly presented the Best Makeup and Hairstyling category, Danai was intently watching, clearly rooting for the Marvel film to snag the win. Our sources heard her passionately saying, “Come on, come on!” a clear sign of her investment and excitement for her movie to be recognized. It was a powerful display of behind-the-scenes support, showing how much these nominations truly mean to the stars involved.
Unfortunately, ‘Wakanda Forever’ didn’t take home the Oscar in that particular category, losing out to ‘The Whale.’ But don’t you worry! The film still had its moment of glory, going on to receive a much-deserved Best Costume Design Oscar later in the night. Danai’s off-camera cheer and unwavering support just made the ultimate win even sweeter, highlighting the genuine anticipation and pride that filled the Dolby Theatre.
Alright, so you’ve just gotten a taste of some of the wildest, sweetest, and most hilarious moments that slipped past the TV cameras at the 2023 Oscars. But trust us, Hollywood’s biggest night is a never-ending reel of awesomeness, and we’re just getting started! The real magic often happens when the spotlight isn’t directly on, revealing the genuine connections, raw emotions, and unexpected quirks of your favorite stars.
Get ready to dive back in because we’ve got six more unforgettable, off-camera highlights that prove the 95th Academy Awards were truly *everything, everywhere, all at once* – even behind the scenes! From emotional reunions to spontaneous cheers that filled the room, and even a peek at that famously redesigned red carpet, these are the moments that made us gasp, swoon, and wish we had an all-access pass.
7. **Ke Huy Quan’s Emotional Reunions**
If your heart didn’t swell watching Ke Huy Quan win Best Supporting Actor, you might need to check your pulse! But what you *didn’t* see on TV were the even more incredible, full-circle moments he shared with two legendary figures who shaped his early career. Seriously, get the tissues ready for this one.
Beyond his televised embrace with his *Indiana Jones* co-star Harrison Ford on stage, Quan continued to shower Ford with love off-camera. An eyewitness caught him giving Ford a full-blown standing ovation when he came out to present the Best Picture category. It was a beautiful, unspoken tribute to their shared history, proving that some bonds are just meant to last through the decades.
But wait, there’s more! During a commercial break, Quan also shared a massive, heartwarming hug with none other than his *Goonies* director, Steven Spielberg. The two posed for photos together, and an eyewitness called it a “beautiful moment.” It’s these kinds of genuine, joyful reunions that remind us why we love Hollywood and the incredible journeys these stars embark on.
8. **Rihanna’s Pre-Performance ‘Hype Up’ Dance**
You saw Rihanna absolutely *slay* her powerful performance of “Lift Me Up” from *Wakanda Forever*, but did you catch her secret weapon for getting pumped up? Because it was seriously iconic and totally unseen by the home audience! This Fenty queen knows how to bring the energy, even before the big moment.
Ahead of taking the stage, our sources spotted Rihanna joking around and doing a hilarious “hype up” dance. Yep, a full-on groove session right there on stage, just moments before she delivered that stunning, emotional tribute. The A-list crowd in the room absolutely loved it, with several people caught laughing along.
It’s these unfiltered, human moments that make celebrities so relatable. Even global superstars like Rihanna need to shake off those pre-performance jitters and get into the zone with a little dance party. It just goes to show that behind every show-stopping performance, there’s a fun, playful spirit getting ready to shine.
9. **The Great Champagne-Carpet Gamble**
Okay, so let’s talk about the red carpet – or should we say, the *champagne* carpet! This year, the Oscars decided to ditch the traditional crimson for a bold, new, lighter hue, and let me tell you, it was the talk of the town before anyone even stepped inside the Dolby Theatre. This wasn’t just a color change; it was a whole vibe shift!
Designed by creative consultant Lisa Love, the champagne-hued carpet was meant to be cool and chic, but it definitely came with its own set of challenges. As the stars (and all that fabulous footwear!) made their way down, footprints and dirt started to become *way* more evident. Plus, stars rocking silver or neutral tones, like Ana de Armas and Jamie Lee Curtis, risked blending right into the background – a serious fashion gamble!
But it wasn’t just the color that was different. There were strict new rules for press and publicists (dark blue or black attire, no visible credentials!), and the layout separated talent onto a main carpet, creating a more seamless flow. Even The Rock was spotted snapping selfies with fans in this newly designed space. Despite a few early snags, the general word was that the face-lift was a success, even if the debate over next year’s color is already brewing!
10. **The Unseen Bar Buzz**
You know how during commercial breaks, everyone rushes to grab a snack or stretch their legs? Well, at the Oscars, that rush often leads to the Dolby Theatre lobby bar, and it becomes a total hotspot for unexpected celebrity encounters that the cameras just don’t catch. It’s where the real networking (and snacking!) happens!
One of the coolest sightings? The performers of the electrifying “Naatu Naatu” song, right after they got off stage, burst into applause and hugs, with some exclaiming “Oh, my God!” as the adrenaline coursed through them. You could practically feel their triumph! Darren Aronofsky was also spotted intently watching and applauding the documentary-short contenders from the bar – true cinephile vibes.
And if you thought you’d seen all the A-list groups, think again! In another corner, a super cool cluster including Rooney Mara, Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, Sandra Oh, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Martin McDonagh were all catching up, proving that even in Hollywood, it’s all about friendly faces. *Everything Everywhere All at Once* producer Jonathan Wang was also seen chatting with *Aftersun* director Charlotte Wells, showcasing those sweet industry friendships forming.
11. **Gaga’s Loudest Cheer for Michelle Yeoh**
When Michelle Yeoh made history, becoming the first Asian woman to win Best Actress, the roar from the Dolby Theatre was deafening! But what you might have missed was one of her most vocal cheerleaders, Lady Gaga, in the lobby, giving her a totally spontaneous and genuinely joyful shout-out.
As Yeoh’s name was announced, Gaga was seen raising her glass high in the air and letting out a resounding “Woo!” in support. An eyewitness couldn’t help but notice that Gaga seemed “so happy” for Yeoh’s monumental win. It was a beautiful moment of camaraderie and celebration between two powerful women in the industry.
This unscripted display of pure support is what makes the Oscars so special. It’s not just about the awards; it’s about the shared joy and genuine respect among peers. Gaga’s reaction was a true testament to the impact Yeoh’s win had, not just on the stage, but throughout the entire venue, radiating pure happiness.
12. **Daniel Kwan’s Unstoppable Leap of Joy**
If there’s one moment that perfectly encapsulates the pure, unadulterated elation of winning an Oscar, it’s this one! Daniel Kwan, one half of the visionary directing duo The Daniels, gave us the ultimate visual of triumph that the cameras just didn’t linger on long enough – a leap of pure, unbridled joy.
After winning the Best Original Screenplay Oscar for his groundbreaking film, *Everything Everywhere All at Once*, Kwan was captured leaping high into the air. It wasn’t just a hop; it was a full-on, gravity-defying jump that spoke volumes about the sheer excitement and culmination of years of hard work.
This picture-perfect moment of celebration wasn’t just for him; it was for every creator who pours their heart and soul into their art. Kwan’s exuberant leap was a powerful, silent declaration of victory, reminding us all that sometimes, the biggest feelings are best expressed with the biggest gestures. It was truly a sight to behold, a burst of pure, uncontainable happiness.
And there you have it, folks! Twelve incredible, often hilarious, sometimes tear-jerking, but always unforgettable moments from the 2023 Oscars that didn’t quite make it to your living room screen. From the quiet acts of friendship in the bathroom to the loud cheers of support echoing through the lobby, and even the literal leaps of joy, these off-camera glimpses remind us that Hollywood’s biggest night is so much more than just a televised ceremony. It’s a vibrant, living, breathing tapestry of human connection, raw emotion, and genuine fun. So next time you watch, remember, the real magic might just be happening right beside the main stage!
