Oscars Party Diary 2017: Inside the A-List Parties and Events

What It's Like to Spend 1 Hour, 21 Minutes at Vanity Fair's Exclusive Oscar Party

10:50 p.m. On Vanity Fair's website, the magazine describes the annual event as "the world's most famous party," which is a very true assertion and one that helps to explain the traffic backed up down Burton Way in Beverly Hills, almost three blocks before the site of all the action inside a custom Basil Walter-designed space surrounding the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. It's a sea of giant black SUVs, one very out of place Los Angeles city bus, and my silver Toyota Prius, a Westside-approved vehicle that seems at home in Santa Monica but is just as irregular as the Metro monster in front of me.

11:01 p.m. The bus turns right instead of heading into the exclusive party, proving that Jimmy Kimmel's bus bit from the Oscars is not about to be replicated here. Translation: The Vanity Fair Oscar party is more exclusive than the actual Oscars.

11:15 p.m. Following close to a dozen checkpoints (10, maybe?) by Beverly Hills police, uniformed staffers and suit-clad security — all of whom are (gasp!) really, really friendly as they request to see a parking pass or ID — THR has arrived to the steps of the Wallis where a lively mariachi band is playing for guests as they enter. People dig it, you know, like the ones who've lined up at this very moment like Pharrell Williams and wife Helen Lasichanh (accompanied by uber publicist Amanda Silverman), Alessandra Ambrosio (in a siren red satin Ralph & Russo gown) and husband Jamie Mazur. I get in, marking my very first Vanity Fair Oscar party. Throughout the night, close to 1,000 guests will file in which sounds crazy when compared to how exclusive it feels to get past the velvet ropes.

 

My first time going to the big party after the other big party #vanityfair #Oscars

A post shared by Chris Gardner (@christophergardner) on Feb 27, 2017 at 1:53am PST

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11:17 p.m. Another security checkpoint as guests file through a metal detector. But not all guests are going upstream to party utopia: WME chief Ari Emanuel, with a cell phone glued to his ear, is exiting through the front. Past the red carpet, Katy Perry is spotted close to Orlando Bloom, and they look to be making their way toward the exit, too. (But not without stopping in Vanity Fair's portrait studio with iconic photographer Mark Seliger.)

11:24 p.m. It feels like the perfect time to be at the world's best party because the show lasted nearly four hours so many of the A-lists guests are still arriving while others have already planted their feet inside the giant structure where elbows are being bumped and couture dresses are being stepped on. It's not all chaos though: Host Graydon Carter is spotted weaving his way through the party after hosting an even more private viewing party, one that featured a dinner by French Laundry, Bouchon and Per Se star chef Thomas Keller. That event started in a circular dining room just off to the north of the main party sprawl. Back to the crush: Sarah Paulson is pawing at Emma Roberts' dress as the two discuss the delicate details of her long-sleeve gown, her second of the night after wearing vintage Armani as part of the Red Carpet Green Dress campaign. Over their shoulder, Reese Witherspoon is making a beeline to hug Paulson but stops immediately thereafter to laugh with Tracee Ellis Ross.

11:25 p.m. Someone bumps Diane Kruger in the elbow and quickly apologizes. As they should.

11:25 p.m. People say that what's great about the Vanity Fair party is that there are so many random encounters that qualify as "only in Hollywood"-type chats. Here's one: J.J. Abrams is having a long conversation with Megyn Kelly as her husband Douglas Brunt looks on. Once the convo is complete, Abrams turns to hug CAA power agent Kevin Huvane, who got a lot of camera time during the big show seated behind Meryl Streep.

11:27 p.m. Speaking of power agents, Witherspoon is now right next to her own CAA squeeze, husband Jim Toth, and they're laughing as a female pal shows them both pics on an iPhone. Over their shoulders, Bill Maher and Harvey Weinstein are standing back-to-back by the bar waiting to order drinks.

11:28 p.m. Starz chief Chris Albrecht is spotted walking through the packed party flanked by a sweet-looking tween.

11:28 p.m. Yes, in the same minute, filmmaker Paul Haggis is having a close conversation with Salman Rushdie.

11:32 p.m. OK, so Vanity Fair is known by that "world famous" distinction but one of the other buzzed about facts from this bash — aside from its seemingly endless A-list guest list — is the star menu item on the late night food menu. Servers are constantly toting trays of California's world famous burgers from In-N-Out. One server is stopped mid-party by pregnant Ciara (in a striking velvet gown and choker by Jovani Signature) who records a video of the goodies while hubby Russell Wilson stands next to her.

11:33 p.m. More photographic evidence: Diplo poses for a photo with Oscar honoree Jackie Chan as filmmaker Brett Ratner looks on.

11:34 p.m. Someone steps on Mindy Kaling's Naeem Khan gown, and they quickly apologize. As they should.

11:35 p.m. Apparently the Haim sisters are DJing and apparently they know what they're doing by playing Lauryn Hill's debut solo single "Doo Wop (That Thing)." Chan's Rush Hour pal Chris Tucker busts a move while Kat Graham joins in.

11:36 p.m. This part of the party is where its at: Chan is joined at the same sofa section by Mick Jagger and shoe god Christian Louboutin.

11:37 p.m. Kate Beckinsale, in a sheer Zuhair Murad with tulle pom poms on the shoulders, walks hand in hand with a male gentleman.

11:38 p.m. Time for a quick chat with filmmaker John Singleton, who is a Vanity Fair Oscar party veteran. "When Faye (Dunaway) announced the wrong winner — that was crazy. It was the best ending ever. Man, you couldn't make this stuff up." Singleton explains. "But it was beautiful when the actors came out and so graciously accepted." Singleton's face lit up even more when he waxed on about how VF manages such an insane event each year. "This is the party of all parties. People really let their hair down and make it happen. Where else can you see Mick and Jackie Chan at the same party?" Exactly.

11:40 p.m. Tween was right. Albrecht tells me a couple of fun facts. First, his date is 11-year-old step-daughter Sophie, and second, she's the best. "This is the most fun I've had in years because I get to experience this through her eyes," he beams.

11:41 p.m. James Corden, in black tux with red shawl lapels, greets Les Moonves and wife Julie Chen. The late night host and his boss start a close conversation.

11:44 p.m. Social media superstar and new Netflix reality series subject Cameron Dallas pops into their convo to say hello to Corden, who promptly introduces Dallas to Moonves. Les, meet Cam. Cam, Les.

11:47 p.m. Katie Couric and John Molner tell me they're having the best time ever. They've got pics to prove it. Molner busts out his phone to show off an image they got with rock legend Jagger. Meanwhile, Couric laughs while delivering a fashion revelation to a New York Post deputy editor: "I'm wearing the same dress I wore on my birthday. I'm like Kate Middleton," she declares. Recycling is always chic. (On that note, Vanity Fair teamed with food startup Copia and do-good actress Freida Pinto to donate remaining party food to those in need.) For the record, Couric turned 60 on Jan. 7 but could pass for the duchess' older sister. And she's still not above a proper fan-girl moment, tapping Jagger on the shoulder as he walks toward the exit responding to his, "I'm off," with, "Cheerio!"

11:48 p.m. Tweens just wanna have fun: Sophie is dancing by herself to Rihanna's "Work."

11:49 p.m. "The show was modest, but I loved the ending," says artist-photographer Jean Pigozzi, who is toting a small camera. "It's good they got it sorted out, but it was like Miss Universe. I think they did it on purpose." It's doubtful that conspiracy theory would hold up to accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers but Pigozzi could care less. What he's more into is snapping images of "pretty girls" and A-list friends. "I don't publish these but I just like to take them," he explains. His big get of the night? Jackie Chan.

11:51 p.m. Corden and Moonves are still chatting, sans Dallas.

11:52 p.m. Showtime chief Matt Blank tells me that he "really enjoyed the show but I felt bad for everybody. In the end, it will be good and everyone will be OK, but it's a shame to see that happen."

11:57 p.m. Molly Sims stands alone while waiting for producer hubby Scott Stuber who has scooted off to the men's room quickly, which is down a short flight of stairs on the west side of the venue. It's surprising to see Sims out looking so fresh and glamorous after giving birth seven weeks ago to her third child, a son named Grey Douglas Stuber. "If you're going to come out for one night and one night only, it's to come to the Vanity Fair Oscar party," she tells me. "I've been in my home for seven weeks in a robe and breast-feeding." And that's exactly what she was doing when the Oscar flub was announced during the best picture fiasco. But back to the party: "This is Hollywood at its finest, where old-school meets new-school." Stuber has just returned from the restroom and he gives a very old-school answer to the Academy's new-school debacle. "You just feel bad for everyone," he explains. "To me, it exemplified the real fact that all those people are winners tonight." 

12:02 p.m. Amazon chief Jeff Bezos, who must've arrived late after attending Amazon's own party at Delilah to celebrate the streaming services's first Academy Award wins ever, taking home three trophies. Bezos follows Stuber's lead to the men's restroom. Chris Evans is standing against the same wall where Sims was, waiting with his Oscar date, sister Shanna. The two are there for mere seconds as a staffer rushes over and hands them both a cocktail and quickly rushes away.

12:04 p.m. Jared Leto is holding court on the outdoor patio, dressed in a beanie, long red trench and dark pants with white piping. I don't ask, but I assume it's all by Gucci, because of course it is.

12:05 p.m. Sarah Silverman brushes by and stops for a second to stare at a bearded man she thinks is her friend. It's not. It's that same New York Post editor who shrugs his shoulders as she keeps moving.

12:08 p.m. Calvin Harris is also shrugging his shoulders further down the patio terrace while telling an animated story to a couple of male pals. Joe Jonas is over his shoulder as his buddy lights a cigar.

12:10 p.m. Nick Kroll walks outside which seems like a great time to congratulate him on his hilarious hosting turn at the Spirit Awards on Saturday. "Thank you so much," says the actor-comedian. From one host about another, what did he think of Jimmy Kimmel's debut Oscar stint? "I loved it. The show was well-paced, well-produced and well-done. I genuinely loved it and thought the Matt Damon bits were great and funny. Jimmy, being the consummate professional that he is, just brings it. Whether he's on his show or doing something like this, he's just good at it," gushes Kroll, who co-hosted the Spirit Awards with John Mulaney. One of their bits poked fun at Warren Beatty and went something like this: Beatty seems like he borrowed one too many of Danny DeVito's joints from an Altoids container. Or something like that. Either way, Kroll laughed that it probably came true. "It's funny that's how it ended up, because that may have happened," he said. On a more serious note, Kroll said late Sunday night seemed like the perfect time to "be at the Vanity Fair party with the current climate in the country because now is the time for the media elite to assemble and plan the conspiracy to overtake the future of America." Just kidding, that was a joke too, and a pretty good one.

12:21 p.m. Vin Diesel is talking to West Coast editor and Vanity Fair star Krista Smith not far from the entrance to the party. Seated nearby are Elton John and David Furnish, holding court on a sofa after hosting their own starry bash down the street in West Hollywood. They look relaxed after raising $7 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Best way to celebrate? Furnish is snacking on an In-N-Out burger while John chats up Patricia Arquette. One sofa over, Terence Howard is seated a few cushions away from Monica Lewinsky. Also giving their feet a rest: Shonda Rhimes and Cynthia Erivo. The Tony winner has just performed at the Governors Ball.

12:30 p.m. From the (real) best picture winner Moonlight, actor Ashton Sanders has arrived wearing a skirt and dark sunglasses. But the incognito look isn't enough to fool Kate Bosworth who practically tackles Sanders to congratulate him on the big night for Barry Jenkins' film. He later is seen posing with author and onetime Vanity Fair scribe Kevin Sessums who is in town from San Francisco for the party.

12:31 p.m. Diplo leads Kate Hudson by the hand as they rush through the party.

12:35 p.m. Jon Hamm looks like he wants to make a phone call but instead greets notable New Yorker Peggy Siegel. After the kiss hello, Hamm ducks outdoors where he spots Charlize Theron and the two hug and exchange words.

12:37 p.m. Hamm heads for the exit, which is lined by treats including Bouchon Bakery donuts, espresso and a special Uber-sponsored waiting area. The valet line — or waiting line for chauffeured cars — is just as starry as it was past the velvet ropes. All waiting for drivers are Salma Hayek, Beck, the Foster sisters, CAA's Michael Kives, and Nina Dobrev. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel make a quick exit and duck into a waiting car as Steve Tisch peeks his head in to say goodbye to the couple. Hamm talks to Beck. Sarah Paulson walks out hand in hand with Zachary Quinto but not before saying goodbye to Hudson, who is munching on warm donuts while clutching an energy drink. "Are you going to the other thing," Paulson asks. That's a yes from Hudson. The other thing is probably Madonna and Guy Oseary's after party because that's where most people are headed, unless of course those other people are journalists or photographers. Those aren't allowed. Translation: Time go home. No word on whether tweens are welcome. Sorry, Sophie.

Other attendees include Oscar winners Jenkins, Emma Stone, Casey Affleck, Mahershala Ali and Viola Davis along with Jennifer Aniston, Matt Damon, Michelle Williams, Alicia Vikander, Brie Larson, Rooney Mara, Janelle Monae, Trevante Rhodes, Sofia Vergara, Scarlett Johansson, Mariah Carey, Kerry Washington, Amy Adams, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, Kate Upton, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Judd Apatow, Lee Daniels, Miles Teller, Hailee Steinfeld, Caitlyn Jenner, Larry Gagosian, Vito Schnabel, Rufus Wainwright, Microsoft’s Paul Allen, Rupert Murdoch, Demi Lovato, Irving Azoff, Quincy Jones and Elon Musk. 

— Reporting by Chris Gardner

Best Picture Announcement Fiasco is Buzz of Star-Studded Governors Ball

The stunned audience headed out of the Dolby to the fifth floor of the Hollywood and Highland complex for the Governor's Ball, held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom. Many, including Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, started to leave right away during the speeches to beat traffic out of the theater, but were left confused. Some who worked on La La Land were overhead saying, "That was the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to the Academy." After the show ended, La La Land producer Jordan Horowitz and lead Ryan Gosling stayed back in a dazed shock. Gosling took pictures with fans as Horowitz stood in a daze, and was one of the last to leave. Lisa Taback, an awards campaigner for both Moonlight and La La Land, was seen standing in the main lobby level with people around her looking genuinely shocked, scratching their heads wondering what just happened. At the ball, more than 1,500 guests attended to chow down with eats by chef Wolfgang Puck — think: Moroccan spiced Wagyu short rib to chicken pot pie with shaved black truffles — and drinks.

At the Gov Ball, all anyone wants to talk about is The Mix-Up. #Oscars https://t.co/3J3VlMofxe

— Matthew Belloni (@THRMattBelloni) February 27, 2017

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10:22 p.m. CBS' Terry Press and Leslie Moonves, spoke to THR at the Governor's Ball about the fiasco. "I felt sad for both movies because Moonlight did not get the moment that it should have gotten, and La La Land did not get the moment it should have gotten — I felt an overwhelming sadness," Press said. Moonves added, "I felt bad for all the participants. They both deserved to be best picture — I wouldn't have been unhappy either way! It's just a self-inflected mood, which I hate. The accountant has one job: to hand the guy the right envelope. I don't understand how something like that happened."

10:24 p.m. What does Press recommend the La La Land filmmakers should be doing now? "Drinking, a lot!" 

11:24 p.m. Sony Classic Pictures' Michael Barker spoke to THR outside of the ballroom: "We were witnessing a major historical moment in film history," says Barker.  "I think that the gentleman who was the producer from La La Land who set the record straight was very courageous and needs to be admired for that and it's one of those things that happens!" Tom Bernard quips, "Warren Beatty sent her [Faye Dunaway] under the bus! He held it right to her face and said, 'Faye, what does it say?'"

Lionsgate Celebration Doesn't Go According to Plan at Soho House

12:01 a.m. The most crowded part of the party is in the garden-themed back room, where Hacksaw Ridge director Mel Gibson and star Vince Vaughn are holding court before any of the La La Land cast or crew have arrived.

12:10 a.m. The entire party is, of course, buzzing about the best picture flub. Many feel frustrated for how sad it was for the La La Land producers but praise the grace of producer Jordan Horowitz, who was the first to say that the award had gone to the wrong film.

Needless to say from the elevator ride throughout the party everyone at this Lionsgate event is talking about the best pic flub #Oscars2017

— Rebecca Ford (@Beccamford) February 27, 2017

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12:15 a.m. Damien Chazelle, who became the youngest person to ever win the best director award, arrives with his girlfriend Olivia Hamilton and a large group. The take over a group of couches in the corner and Chazelle is seen greeting well-wishers and checking his phone.

Damien Chazelle has arrived at the Lionsgate party. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/hHbzepYyqt

— Rebecca Ford (@Beccamford) February 27, 2017

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At Lionsgate party, wonderful LLL director Damien Chazelle smiles and tells me, "Well, at least we can let Norman Taurog rest now." #Skippy

— Scott Feinberg (@ScottFeinberg) February 27, 2017

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12:30 a.m. The rest of the La La Land Oscar winners arrive with their golden statues in hand, including lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, cinematographer Linus Sandgren and two time winner Justin Hurwitz.

12:37 a.m. Benj Pasek and his Oscar hang at a table with Darren Criss. They've been friends since college.

La La Land songwriter and #Oscar winner Benj Pasek at the Lionsgate party. pic.twitter.com/SDr3V4f2e8

— Rebecca Ford (@Beccamford) February 27, 2017

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La La Land songwriter Justin Paul and his #Oscar pic.twitter.com/raFBTBGq1D

— Rebecca Ford (@Beccamford) February 27, 2017

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12:40 a.m. One insider says that there was an awkward moment right after the best picture announcement. Traditionally the people who have just won an Oscar are in the same hallway where they take photos with their statues. In the hallway were only the filmmakers and casts of  Moonlight, La La La Land and Warren Beatty (who was taking his archival photo).

12:50 a.m. Producer Fred Berger says he first realized something was wrong when heard a stagehand yelling, "Wrong card! Moonlight won!" He then saw a crew member standing next to the countdown clock frantically waving his arms. After fellow producer Jordan Horowitz told everyone that Moonlight had won, Berger handed his Oscar to Moonlight producer Adele Romanski (each producer handed a statuette to a Moonlight filmmaker). They shared the stage during Moonlight's brief speeches in a very surreal moment.

Damien and Emma at Lionsgate pic.twitter.com/EVsnpqLaZT

— Scott Feinberg (@ScottFeinberg) February 27, 2017

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Emma leaving the Lionsgate party with some hardware 🙂 pic.twitter.com/FPkWhzuPau

— Scott Feinberg (@ScottFeinberg) February 27, 2017

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Casey Affleck is King at Amazon's First Oscar Party

4:30 p.m. The party started an hour or so before the Oscars at Amazon Studios' Oscar viewing party when the doors opened, with the real after party which was planned to kick off 8:30 p.m. following the ceremony, but due to the lengthy show, kicked into high gear an hour later than expected. 

5:35 p.m. Colin Hanks arrives to the party. 

5:38 p.m. Crowd in the Amazon Studios viewing party tent goes wild when Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel announces Manchester By the Sea's six nominations. Guests at the party shift their cheers to laughter as Kimmel makes fun of Jeff Bezos during his monologue.

6:13 p.m. The bartender throws Hanks a compliment, tells him he's a huge fan of the actor. Hanks is standing while eating at the bar during Ezra Edelman's win. Hanks stays standing and continues to eat during Lin Manuel Miranda and Auli'i Cravahlo's performance. 

6:45 p.m. After the guests in the tent go wild when best supporting actress nominee Michelle Williams pops up on the screen, one guest yells "Category fraud!" during Viola Davis's win. 

6:57 p.m. Christina Hendricks is here. The actress chats with Hanks at the bar. Everyone freaks out after The Salesman's win including Hanks who is spotted clapping at the bar. 

7:31 p.m. A female bartender has fully enjoyed the job tonight and the free beverages. She dances in front of Hanks. The actor interrupts her dancing and asks for a vodka soda. Said bartender said that's a popular order tonight and she can't wait to see Jessica Biel. Her bartending partner says he's ready for the show to be over. He definitely doesn't want to go home with his co-worker who is chugging wine and dancing up a storm. She's still hopeful Biel and Justin Timberlake will show up later.

8:18 p.m. The now belligerent bartender gets thrown out. She'll never know this until the next day, but Biel does not show up to the Amazon party. Hopefully the bartender got some rest. 

8:33 p.m. Manchester By the Sea Director, Kenneth Lonergan wins best original screenplay. The crowd absolutely freaks out, jumping for joy as they cheer him on. 

Live reaction at Amazon's party for Kenneth Lonergan winning best original screenplay. Absolute crazy applause here right now! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/i88dFEY86E

— Brian Porreca (@bbrianthelion) February 27, 2017

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8:45 p.m. Richard Kind has arrived and he sits with Hendricks. 

8:55 p.m. Guests sit glued to the TVs stationed throughout the event. They hold each other's hands tight as they wait for the best actor winner to be announced. They eventually let go. Why's that? Because Casey Affleck just won his very first Oscar and the crowd freaks out over the win. 

Cries, screams and more for Casey Affleck's best actor win at Amazon's party. lots to celebrate tonight. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/t92p2XuYTE

— Brian Porreca (@bbrianthelion) February 27, 2017

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9:16 p.m. "I am so confused right now," says Hanks after the Oscars best picture flub where Moonlight was in fact the winner, but Warren Beatty announced La La Land. The actor smokes a cigarette and before he can finish his guest insists they light up another one after what had just happened. "This is the point where you say it doesn't really matter who wins. That's just crazy! That's crazy and it's almost a little too much to take in within four minutes of that happening, I really don't know what to say," Hanks tells THR. Being familiar with the awards show over the years the actor tells adds, "Nothing like this has ever happened before! This is unchartered territory. I'll say this, there's a reason now why award shows are incredibly popular because there's an element of the unexpected. And this is unexpected. A moment like this is unexpected and it's hard to wrap your head around. You don't know what to make of it and it's just super weird."

9:38 p.m. Hendricks says that Moonlight was her favorite film and she thought La La Land producer Jordan Horowitz handled the mix-up very gracefully. She just left the Amazon viewing party for the after party at Delilah. It's Amazon's party, but she admits she hasn't even seen Manchester By the Sea yet. She and husband Geoffrey Arend order two vodka sodas with lime at the bar. See the bartender was right, it's a favorite.

9:46 p.m. Kind tells THR he has a joke for the best picture snafu, "I wish Warren Beatty had mistaken Donald Trump for Hillary Clinton instead."

10:19 p.m. Jeff Bezos arrives, but leaves shortly after. No sign of Casey Affleck, Matt Damon, Lucas Hedges, Michelle Williams and Kenneth Lonergan. 

11:22 p.m. Michelle Williams and guest Busy Phillipps arrive. They walk into the party, then leave shortly after. 

11:39 p.m. Best Actor winner Casey Affleck is here and Twitter freaks out about his date Floriana Lima.  He escapes the swarm of paparazzi outside and walks through the velvet curtains at the speakeasy-themed lounge to be greeted by camera flashes and Manchester by the Sea supporters. Kenny Lonergan also arrives. Damon and Hedges end up not showing up, but Affleck is here to take on the warm welcome for them.

Best actor winner Casey Affleck greeted with a warm welcome and lots of photo flashes at Amazon's #Oscars party pic.twitter.com/DxCKp4R704

— Brian Porreca (@bbrianthelion) February 27, 2017

—- Reporting by Brian Porreca and Alex Ritman

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Milestone 25th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party a Hit With $7 Million Fundraising Tally

2:22 p.m. Workers are still busy tacking down and vacuuming the white carpet at the annual celebrity-loved event, sponsored by Bvlgari.

3:56 p.m. Elton John and David Furnish walk the carpet as Furnish says he's looking forward to the evening's entertainment: St. Paul and the Broken Bones, another up-and-coming act that John has invited to play the event. The pair shout out previous emerging acts (who've made it big) after playing the annual event, including Ryan Adams, John Mayer and Ed Sheeran. What is Elton most looking forward to this evening? "Raising money."

5:20 p.m. On one wall of the main tent are Norman Seef photos of Robert Mapplethorpe with Patti Smith and one of Carly Simon juxtaposed with 1970 photo of Elton John with Bernie Taupin and a vintage photo of Andy Warhol — all under chandeliers that greet guests as they walk through the main tent.

6:02 p.m. Sharon Stone comes to podium to urge guests, including Tracee Ellis Ross, Smokey Robinson and Bradley Whitford, to make donations to the Elton John AIDS Foundation. It is also announced that whoever guesses the highest number of Oscar winners will each take home a Bulgari watch.

6:50 p.m. During the commercial breaks at the viewing party, Anita Baker sings "Sweet Love," and Mary J. Blige covers Stevie Wonder's "As" and tracks from Earth Wind & Fire.

6:59 p.m. The room applauds when spokesperson for bet foreign language film The Salesman from Iran denounces, on behalf of the film's director, Trumps's immigration ban.

7:02 p.m. Guests are waiting on dinner to be served, which was choice between filet mignon and sea bass. First course was tuna sashimi followed by Jerusalem artichoke soup. The cast of Transparent including Jeffrey Tambor takes the stage to push for donations.

7:26 p.m. Peter and Parky Fonda pledge to donate $1,000 to Elton's foundation.

7:40 p.m. Songstress Ciara and NFL star Russell Wilson's $5,000 donation to the foundation is flashed on the video screen.

8:08 p.m. Scandal's Tony Goldwyn takes a break from the commotion and heads outside the ballroom.

8:57 p.m. Overheard from one party guest just before announcement of best actress: "They might give it to Meryl just to spite Trump."

9:09 p.m. Party goers cheer when La La Land is named best picture, before the confusion sets in.

9:16 p.m. Elton John hits the stage to kickoff the live auction portion of the evening, exclaiming "Thank god we don't have Warren Beatty doing the auction!" The evening's host goes on about the Best Picture flub, saying, "As much as I wanted Moonlight to win, you have to feel sorry for the La La Land guys to go out there and have to give it back."

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9:28 p.m. In celebration of Elton's upcoming 70th birthday, a vintage 1970 photo of him and writing partner Bernie Taupin is sold for $140,000 during the live auction portion of the evening.

9:36 p.m. New England Patriots' Robert Kraft takes home Norman Seef photo portrait of Carly Simon for $70,000.

9:47 p.m. Additional auction items, including five days at Steven Tyler's Hawaii retreat which gets auctioned for $70,000 as well as two tickets to Vanity Fair's Oscar party tonight — which the auctioneer calls a "living wax museum" goes for $75,000 after Elton underscores that this items is, "worth a lof of money… so come on!"

10:23 p.m. Sharon Stone stands up on a chair, taking in and loving the musical act that's closing out the eventful evening.

— Gail Mitchell, with additional reporting by Degen Pener

Outage and Bad Reception at Byron Allen's Montage Beverly Hills Oscar Viewing Party

The Oscars were televised Sunday evening on ABC network. However, there were several issues with the streaming service provided by ABC for the evening's award show. Mark DeVitre, general counsel of Entertainment Studios discussed the issue with The Hollywood Reporter as TV producer Byron Allen's Oscars viewing party was unable to get underway.

"I'm going to look for a refund. I'm beginning to think it's the ABC feed over the internet. This shows you how much and how far we still have to get internet streaming properly," DeVitre told THR.

He continued: "I'm talking about millions and millions of people all over the world. Clearly it's still subject to the problems. It's everywhere and it's everyone watching the internet feed – it means the whole country seeing this." Being the first annual event for Byron Allen, he denied any comments about the #Oscaroutage. "Seems to be all clear now. I'm not sure what's going on so I don't want to quote on it," Allen said. 

8:53 p.m. It was overheard that the issue with showing the broadcast were from Montage Beverly Hills. 

8:58 p.m. Even though Allen said that it was all clear, the telecast is still going off and on and the picture remained very static.

Beyonce and Jay Z Turn Out for TWC's Pre-Oscars Dinner Where Harvey Weinstein Announces Jay Z to Produce 'In the Heights'

Beyonce and Jay Z made a surprise appearance at Harvey Weinstein’s annual pre-Oscars dinner in the Marchesa Ballroom at Montage Beverly Hills.

The couple, who are expecting twins, arrived a bit late to The Weinstein Co. festivities on Saturday evening – presented in partnership with Grey Goose, Bvlgari, NetJets – and after Lin-Manuel Miranda had already introduced a special In the Heights performance of songs from his Broadway musical In the Heights, which TWC is prepping for a feature film. But Harvey Weinstein asked that the performers – including Tony winner Cynthia Erivo, Chris Jackson and Corbin Bleu – start over so that Beyonce and Jay Z could experience it in full.

The surprises didn't end there: Weinstein also announced that Jay Z had boarded the adaptation as a producer alongside The Color Purple producer Scott Sanders. (Jay Z has a first-look film deal with TWC.) Sipping a glass of champagne and a Grey Goose espresso martini, the couple watched the performance as part of an evening that also featured Nicole Scherzinger and Lion composers Dustin O'Halloran and Hauschka. The redo seemed worth it too, as Jay Z and Beyonce gave the musical interlude a standing ovation.

Other guests in attendance included John Brierley, Saroo Brierley, Sue Brierley, Priyanka Bose, Iain Canning, Georgina Chapman, Luke Davies, Garth Davis, Angie Fielder, David Foster, Greig Frasier, Kelsey Grammer, Nicole Kidman, Matthew Morrison, Petra Nemcova, Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar, Zac Posen, Edgar Ramirez, Tracee Ellis Ross, Rachel Roy, Alicia Rountree, Emile Sherman, and Daria Strokous.
– Reporting by Chris Gardner

Indie Spirit Awards After Parties: Nick Kroll, Danielle Brooks Ride Carousel, Jesse Plemons Plays Photographer

4:34 p.m. Guests exit the Spirit Awards tent and head outside. Some stick around and make sure to stock up on FIJI Water, others wait in line for the "bubbles" champagne photo booth. There's not just champagne at the event there was wine from Landmark Vineyards, a popular lemonade bourbon drink made with Bulleit and more. 

4:37 p.m. Today's presenter Jon Hamm struts out of the venue. He throws his sunglasses on as he's guided out to exit. Hamm exits with a coffee cup in hand. 

4:46 p.m. Guests head over to the private reception, which is within walking distance. Some debate whether to go. It's still early as doors open at 5. Even Netflix chief Ted Sarandos, one of the first people in line for the private reception on the Santa Monica Pier, is not allowed in. He waits in line with his daughter. 

4:53 p.m. Though it's still early, doors open and guests head in, including Sarandos. First stop? The milk shake bar, not the other bar serving champagne. After that? The candy buffet, where, believe it or not, Red Vines are a hot ticket. And there's an actual carousel in side. It's not running, yet. Another early guest at the reception is O.J: Made in America director Ezra Edelman who has,"thank you" at the tip of his tongue as guests approach him to congratulate him on his spirit award. 

5:06 p.m. Andy Samberg is here. And it's really him, not him dressed up like Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, which is what he looked like during the show. Samberg's "Dick in the Box" duet partner, Justin Timberlake isn't here, but the DJ is playing Timberlake's Trolls hit, "Can't Stop the Feeling."  Samberg chats it up with Spirit Awards co-host John Mulaney. By Mulaney's side is Saturday Night Live alum Nasim Pedrad. The actress starred in Mulaney's sitcom. She keeps busy on her phone. 

5:17 p.m. Mulaney's co-host, Nick Kroll is across the way talking to Jesse Plemmons. The Other People actor's fiance Kirsten Dunst isn't around them. It's possible she's seated nearby, taking another break from walking, like she did when Plemmons gave her a piggy back ride out of the awards show.  

5:30 p.m. The carousel is up and running. Sarandos is not riding, but Orange is the New Black star Danielle Brooks is. She gets in trouble though. She's sitting backwards and is told by a party staffer she has to turn around. Video proof here. 

5:36 p.m. Andrew Ahn is not letting go of his Spirit Award. He carries it around the entire party with him including when he hops on the carousel.

5:44 p.m. Edelman heads over to the IFC and Sundance Selects party at 41 Ocean Club where he's continuing his "thank you" tour as he gets flanked by guests congratulating him. 

5:49 p.m. Moonlight editor Joi McMillon arrives. The IFC Flms' party is sponsored by Peet's Coffee and Hendrick's Gin. There's even a Peet's Coffee bar here to balance the Hendrick's gin and custom cocktails including on of the biggest hits, Cucumber Basil Smash.

6:01 p.m. Back at the pier Alex Pettyfer is spotted outside the party, but he's definitely not there for it. The actor strolls by the party on the pier dressed casual, wearing a baseball hat and heads towards the beach with a friend. Guess he wasn't invited? It's too bad because he's missing out on all the fun including Moonlight stars Jaden Piner and Alex R. Hibbert having a blast on the carousel.

6:03 p.m. Plemons is still here and Dunst joins him as the couple take a photo with tonight's performer Gary Clark Jr.

6:06 p.m. The couple heads outside because Plemons needs a smoke break. Dunst's feet might hurt again because she sits down as her fiancee smokes his cigarette. A fan approaches Plemons and asks for a picture. Not of Plemons, of Dunst. The actress gets up and takes a picture with the fan. And it's not a selfie. The fan asks Plemons to take the photo. Plemons is a good sport, puts out his cigarette and takes the photo of Dunst and the super fan. Once the photo is finished Plemons and Dunst make their exit.

6:37 p.m. Kroll is still at the party and he's one of the last ones to give the carousel a go. Once he gets off he heads over to the milk shake bar and calls it a night.

— Reporting by Brian Porreca

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Meryl Streep at Women in Film Party: "I Feel Like Never Saying Anything Again"

7:03 p.m. Venue Nightingale Plaza is starting to fill up with well-dressed guests, most of whom are ignoring the buffet set up on an outdoor space, instead preferring to drink Stella Artois or wine, this year presented by Alexana Estate Vineyards and Winery. Company CEO dishes to THR that his company has brought 60 bottles of black label to give away as gifts to the night's female nominees. But in total, John Gabelhausen says Alexana has shipped down 300 bottles of wine for the night's event, marking the company's first foray into an awards weekend event. 

7:05 p.m. A security guard instructs THR and another guest to step down off a black raised platform as it's for VIP guests only, people like Meryl Streep, Ava DuVernay, Emma Stone, Brie Larson, WIF's Cathy Schulman and Kirsten Schaffer. Good to know. 

7:06 p.m. Streep takes a seat next to DuVernay and Schulman after politely agreeing to pose for a string of photos and accept well-wishes from random guests eager to shake hands with the Florence Foster Jenkins Oscar nominated actress.

7:10 p.m. That same security guard is keeping busy. Now he's clearing large chunks of the VIP platform in order to prepare for the night's remarks.

7:13 p.m. Schaffer kicks off the brief program, asking guests to get quiet but only for a brief amount of time as she expects the program to last only about seven minutes. "It's great to see so many familiar faces," Schaffer says, adding that it's nice to see so many ladies wearing Max Mara, which dressed many VIP guests including Schaffer. 

7:16 p.m. Schulman welcomes her "dear friends" and the "voices of this movement," Streep and DuVernay, and asks them to say a few words to the party people. As seen in the video, Streep claims, "I feel like never saying anyting again…because everybody is speaking up and that’s great. With numbers they can’t ignore us. That is all." 

.@WomenInFilm prez Cathy Schulman welcomes #MerylStreep @ava. Meryl: "I feel like never saying anything again…bc everybody is speaking up" pic.twitter.com/iQDqnEeMCZ

— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 25, 2017

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7:18 p.m. DuVernay, on a break from shooting A Wrinkle in Time to attend the Oscars for her nominated documentary 13th, expresses her gratitude to the organization for always inviting her into the circle. "Anytime that we have like-minded voices coming together to express ourselves, whether it’s dissent, whether it’s welcome, whether it's invitation, whether its revolution it is an important thing to do," she said. "Our ancestors have taught us how to fight and we're in a fight right now. We need to come together. Power in numbers. Power in unity. I hope we can take the energy that is in a room like this that is very celebratory and extend it throughout the year. Continue to hold hands and stand by each other."

After expressing gratitude, @ava says:"Our ancestors taught us to fight, we're in fight right now. Power in numbers, in unity." @WomenInFilm pic.twitter.com/rhTCN44lde

— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 25, 2017

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7:20 p.m. Schulman takes opportunity to tell the crowd about the organization's ReFrame project, which was recently announced in The Hollywood Reporter. "What's great about tonight is that we get to celebrate working on our plan to create sustainable change," she said. 

7:26 p.m. Schulman welcomes Oscar winner Bree Larson to the microphone. The actress opened her remarks by saying that she's "probably one of the younger people in here," so she wanted to refrain from giving any sort of advice. However, she went back on her word by encouraging guests to swap phone numbers — not in a "creepy" way — but to start a dialogue that could lead to artistic projects. "Let's talk. Not like industry talk. Let's actually talk about what's really going on with us, what worries us, what scares us, what we're excited about, what it feels like to be a mother, what it feels like to be a daughter, what it feels like to be a father or a son at this period of time. Let's incubate all of this and make something amazing. Because we will be here a year later and let’s talk about this was the moment. This was the moment when we went, 'I got it. I know how to make the world a better place,' " Larson said. "Artists are the ones who the politicans fear. Its always been the case. So let’s do it." 

After urging guests to swap digits, @brielarson says let's incubate, make amazing art: "Artists are ones politicians fear." @WomenInFilm pic.twitter.com/r1m4zUoH4z

— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 25, 2017

Other guests included Viola Davis, Freida Pinto, Catherine Hardwicke, Jenny Slate, Amy Landecker, Gabby Hoffmann, Viggo Mortensen, Michelle Dockery, Zoe Kravitz, Keegan-Michael Key, Karl Glusman and Sue Kroll. 

— Reporting by Chris Gardner

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Common’s 3rd Annual Toast to the Arts Honors Ava DuVernay, Barry Jenkins, Raoul Peck, Ezra Edelman

10 p.m. Gabrielle Union has entered L.A. restaurant Ysabel where the appetizers of sesame shrimp, tuna tartar and mini burgers are flowing throughout the room. Shonda Rhimes and Samuel L. Jackson are inside catching up by the dance floor where Moonlight’s young stars Alex R. Hibbert and Jaden Piner are busting a move. Minutes later, Oscar week has caught up with them as they put their put their heads down in seats next to Rhimes and Jackson.

Notes are placed at every seat stating that the event is in support of Planned Parenthood along with a pin of the organization's logo that guests have the option of wearing during the evening.

Shonda Rhimes and Samuel L. Jackson (David X Prutting/BFA.co)

11:18 p.m. Common outlines his appreciation of Moonlight, I Am Not Your Negro, O.J. Made in America, 13th, Hidden Figures and thanks the cast and crew of each for "changing humanity."

He says Barry Jenkins has created a “masterpiece” with Moonlight. He exclaims the story is something we rarely get to see in film whiel Taraji screams "yes!" in agreement.

"The way you all put that together and the way you directed that film Barry you’ve shown the world something that we need to see. It’s a voice that needs to be heard. A lot of the kids that grew up in some of the places that we grew up never felt that they had a voice or could express themselves or be themselves like that and you championed it in a way that was so honest and so pure that we all can relate to it."

Common also gives a shoutout to playwright Tarell McCraney whom he calls the beginning of Moonlight. "I’m still chasing him down to do some work with him," says Common. "He is one of the greats already.”

11:26 p.m. Common speaks to Ezra Edelman and mentions how his film O.J. Made in America had him hooked. “You’ve taken a story that we all know and examined the life of this one man and made us look at ourselves and see how we think about race. For 22 years I didn’t believe that. I saw that documentary O.J. Made in America and I can finally say O.J. did it. Art can change people’s lives y’all.”

Taraji P. Henson chimes in saying, “I didn’t think he did it. I didn’t watch the documentary. I gotta watch that when I get home.”

11:30 p.m. Honoree Ava DuVernay arrives while Common is speaking, but instead of rushing to her seat she stands in the back, listening to Common as he calls her an icon in black culture. “I got some of my best friends I’ve ever met in this industry because of you and the way you brought us all together,” he says.

He also takes the time to praise her mass incarceration documentary 13th on for educating many including himself and helping people realize the what they can do to be the change America needs. He says the film inspired his daughter who is now going to school to be a lawyer. “I’m very happy to hear when my daughter calls me and says ‘man I just watched 13th. I got things to do. I got work to do.’”

“13th is a movie I’m grateful to have witnessed," adds Common. It’s going down in history as is O.J, Made in America, as is I Am Not Your Negro as is Moonlight. You all have created some things that have changed humanity and we appreciate you.”

11:40 p.m. Guests are still going strong on the dance floor where DJ D-Nice is spinning old and current hip-hop and R&B hits and Issa Rae catches up with DuVernay just outside on the patio. Guests are lounging while puffing on cigars courtesy of the cuban cigar station, but Taraji P. Henson opts to take her freshly rolled souvenir to go.

Partners, Massah David and Miatta Johnson, MVD, Inc. tell THR their strategy in working with Common for the budding event. "The strategy for our annual event is simple. To celebrate art in an intimate, warm environment that feels like home. The films being honored not only moved us, they have left an indelible mark. Common’s vision to recognize his peers such an authentic way has made for nothing short of a magical evening once a year.”

– Reporting by Arlene Washington

Samuel L. Jackson and Common (David X Prutting/BFA.co)

Issa Rae chats with Common (David X Prutting/BFA.co)

Mariachi Band and A-List Support at Chanel's Glamorous Dinner at Madeo

Chanel has been in the news this week after Karl Largerfeld's comments about Meryl Streep's Oscar dress. But the controversy is quieted with a glamorous dinner in West Hollywood. 

7:30 p.m. Harry Connick Jr., wearing a black suit, leans against the back bar decorated with vases of white ranunculus and candles and talks with a tall blonde (perhaps daughter Georgia?), sipping a clear drink in a Collins glass (maybe water?).

7:33 p.m. Best supporting actress nominee Nicole Kidman arrives right on time wearing a wearing a white and silvery gray Chanel SS 2017 Haute Couture dress with a draped pastel green bodice, peplum, embellishments and a metallic leather belt. She poses for photos at the bar immediately upon walking in, smiles, and then moves down the bar grabbing a glass of champagne and chatting with two men and laughing.

7:43 p.m. Pharrell Williams, in a sparkly beige Chanel tweed coat, his wife, Helen Lasichanh (wearing a black Chanel dress with red wool tweed coat), arrive smiling. He drapes his arms around her and they pose for a photo, before greeting people as they enter the restaurant. They say hello to Kidman and continue moving inside.

7:52 p.m. Adrien Brody, in a dark suit with the top button of his white shirt unbuttoned and black tie loose, stands at the bar with a male friend talking expressively and gesticulating a lot.

7:59 p.m. Filmmaker Paul Haggis and host Charles Finch stand at the bar talking. “Is Jagger here this year?” Paul asks Charles. Charles confirms he is, but he hasn’t seen him yet, and talks about how much he loves the bar at Madeo. A man and woman approach saying they wanted to make sure to say hello. Charles says, “I mean, Alicia Vikander can wait for three minutes!”

8 p.m. Adrien Brody, holding his girlfriend Laura Lieto’s hand, leads the way toward the back to the restaurant slowly, stopping to say hi to guests.

8:09 p.m. Matthew Modine chats closely with a woman wearing a turban.

8:10 p.m. Mick Jagger is here, holding court in the dining room, attracting a crowd of guests eager to say hello. Brody and his girlfriend approach and shake hands, saying hi. Jagger says something and laughs, calling it “a bad joke.”

8:11 p.m. Shameless actor Cameron Monaghan and Ruby Modine (Matthew’s actress daughter, wearing a sheer long-sleeve black lace and pearl dress) sit super close in a banquette. Ruby is practically on his lap, whispering and looking affectionate as he sips a clear cocktail on the rocks with lime.

8:12 p.m. Just down the banquette Kidman sits beside pal Naomi Watts, wearing a colorful printed Chanel twill dress from the SS17 RTW collection. They look relaxed and happy to be hanging out. Kidman has her elbow on the back of the banquette, and they’re casually chatting and laughing, seem to be sharing a glass of red wine.

8:18 p.m. Best actress nominee Ruth Negga, wearing a Chanel ecru wool tweed embroidered jacket and pencil skirt from the Paris-Cosmopolite 2016-17 collection, tries to make her way through the crowd toward the entrance, for a photo op

8:21 p.m. Matthew Modine talks to the turbaned woman and another man about documentaries on Cuba

8:22 p.m. Kidman takes the last sip of red wine in the glass as she and Naomi inspect their respective rings and jewelry, and swap rings to try on. A brunette woman approaches and they shriek a little, getting up to say hello. Jennifer Meyer, too, comes over, and they say hi and ask how she is. Meyer asks Watts if she’s here a bit, to which she replies, “No, I leave tomorrow.”

8:23 p.m. Rachel Zoe, in a glam white fur coat and holding white wine, and Lily Collins (wearing Chanel from head to toe) pose with their heads together, smizing for a photo.

8:26 p.m. Looking around, Zoe says, “I just want to put my shit down.”

8:28 p.m. As they make their way to their table, Poppy Delevingne, in Chanel, says to a friend, “I love you in this dress so much.”

8:29 p.m. A man tells Negga “you need to do more films like that,” meaning Loving. Ruth replies so graciously, “Thank you. Films like these are such little diamonds of joy.” He tells her what a lovely performance she gave. “I must tell [director] Jeff [Nichols],” she replies genuinely, thanking him again.

8:30 p.m. Kristen Stewart, wearing a Chanel black leather jacket, black cashmere top and black silk/lace skirt with Chanel fine jewelry and Gabrielle bag, leans against the back bar talking to a man and a woman about something she seems annoyed about. She’s talking emphatically and seems to be making a point as she sips a brown liquor (whiskey?) neat. As a waiter walks by asking guests to sit for the meal, they walk to the back of the restaurant to find their table.

8:36 p.m. Hailee Steinfeld, in Chanel black leather pants, rushes in past the mariachi band at the entrance with her mother, late for dinner, and grabs their table number.  

Harvey Weinstein Makes Brief Appearance at Company Bash With Piaget, While Jessica Chastain is a No-Show

8:30 p.m.  Early attendees (guests were picked up from the drop off point for a two-minute golf-cart ride up the hill) at the Weinstein Co. and Piaget party at a private residence in the Hollywood hills with breathtaking views of Los Angeles include Harvey Weinstein, David Glasser and Lion's young star Sunny Pawar. Both Weinstein and Pawar don't stay long at the event, however. Glasser's father was also making the rounds, and was seen passing through the crowded party.

8:45 p.m. The buzz around the event is that the home, a three-story glass house that's estimated at 8,500 sq. ft. with views of Sunset Boulevard, is for sale and that the owner is in attendance to show it off.

9 p.m. Iain Canning, one of the producers of the Weinstein Co.'s Lion, makes his way through the party. The film's star Dev Patel is not in attendance. Canning says he thinks Patel "is spending time with his mom."

9:15 p.m. Jessica Chastain, who was expected to host the night, is said to be sick with no plans to attend.

9:30 p.m. Kate Beckinsale, though, is present, wearing a red gown. She takes a minute to pose with CEO of Piaget, Philippe Leopold-Metzger.

10:15 p.m. Saroo Brierley, the man whose true story inspired the film Lion, drops by the event. He's missed running into Sunny Pawar, who plays the young version of himself. He's got a busy weekend of events ahead of him, culminating in the Oscars on Sunday. Then, he says, it's back to Tasmania, Australia, before heading to Japan for the premiere of the film there. "I'm taking it all in stride," he says of the intense awards season. "It's good to have real true stories out there," he adds about this year's crop of films.

— Reporting by Rebecca Ford

Inside Paul Haggis' Songs From the Cinema Benefit Where Jack Black Urges Meryl Streep to Talk More S--t About Donald Trump

9:42 p.m. Following a private dinner for just over 60 guests — an event that saw VIP guests like Jeremy Renner and Maxwell serving plates of food to lucky attendees — the concert portion of the evening kicks off with "As Time Goes By" from Casablanca. And while the night's program says the event was conceived and curated by Jackson Browne, the rocker admits that the idea actually was seeded by A-lister Rita Wilson, who is seated front and center in a circular booth next to Jeff Bridges and his wife. 

9:56 p.m. The Haden Triplets take to the stage to perform songs from O Brother, Where Art Thou. There seem to be a bit of technical issues to start and Browne leans over and explains the situation to Wilson. Everything is good to go less than two minutes later and the ladies sing I'll Fly Away while Bridges sings along.

10:02 p.m. Haden Triplets start a second song, "Go to Sleep Little Baby," just as someone knocks over a glass which spills on a woman not far over Bridges' shoulder. 

10:04 p.m. Wilson walks back from the restroom while singing along to another O Brother track, "Down to the River to Pray." along coming back from the restroom. Good lord show me the way o brother let's go down come in down.

10:18 p.m. The front door to the venue opens and Quincy Jones walks in as Browne applauds him for his work in Haiti and all over the world. 

10:27 p.m. Haggis takes the stage and urges those in attendance to commit some major cash and join Artists for Peace and Justice's advisory board.

10:27 p.m. Bridges raises his hand and pledges $50,000 a year. "it's always the artists, man," Haggis praises.

10:33 p.m. APJ CEO David Belle breaks a bit of news for the organization, announcing that they plan to reignite a salon series to share ideas. "We have to inspire and reinvigorate each other," he notes. Belle continues that the organization will also start an activist film series soon and will be calling on their friends to be interviewed for that project. Also new: A coalition called United We Stand to help curate what actions the org plans to take. "We want to connect the dots between everyone," he says. "We must not ever lose focus. This is going to be a long game." 

Paul Haggis jokes he's a man who has no shame as he makes plea for guests to step up, make real diff join @artistsforpeace advisory board pic.twitter.com/JrXS7fGN51

— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 24, 2017

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10:58 p.m. Jenny Lewis, in a velvet tuxedo with a white ruffled shirt, takes the stage to perform with Browne.

11:01 p.m. Rocker Jonathan Wilson performs "Billy 4" from Billy the Kid. 

11:10 p.m. The Living Sisters peform a rendition of the theme song to The Valley of the Dolls.

11:18 p.m. Shirley Jones brings the house down with her rendition of "Goldfinger" from the film Goldfinger. She's appropriate dressed in a shimmering gold trench coat, and when she finishes the killer performance, she breezes over to Jones' table and gives him a high-five.  

11:28 p.m. Wilson takes to the stage to perform a song that she wrote for My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, a track that she admits could have double meaning for the love of a partner or for the love of a child.

Radiant @RitaWilson performing song she wrote for My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. @artistsforpeace pic.twitter.com/HzghAdLRVT

— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 24, 2017

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11:32 p.m. Wilson then raises the roof with a rendition of an Abba classic.

Hittin em with the #Abba classic and whole place is dancing with @RitaWilson @artistsforpeace pic.twitter.com/3VtvnfyaBZ

— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 24, 2017

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11:34 p.m. Browne notes that there's "only one guy who could follow that" and that guy is Jack Black. The actor and musician makes his way to the stage after dancing along to Wilson's Abba redo, clearing having a great time. 

11:36 p.m. Before Black crushes it with his School of Rock performance, he takes aim at President Donald Trump, laying out his wishes for Sunday's Academy Awards. "Is Meryl Streep in the audience tonight?" he inquired, before getting political. "I just hope she wins the Oscar and talks some more s–t about that a–hole. A lot of people say, 'Oh that's just liberals … patting themselves on the back.' I don't agree. I thought it took balls. I thought she was very brave. I was very inspired by it. To get up there and tell the truth about the President of the United States in front of a billion people — that takes courage and is very inspiring."

Now this: Jack Black applauds Meryl Streep's courageous @goldenglobes speech, hopes she wins Oscar, goes after @POTUS again. pic.twitter.com/DALs4phji4

— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 24, 2017

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11:53 p.m. Haggis records a video on his phone of his pal Browne performing the Leonard Cohen track "Thousand Kisses Deep."

Jackson Brown explaining work done in Haiti, building studio there to teach music, foster talent, creativity, opportunity @artistsforpeace pic.twitter.com/rgQ2ILUUjh

— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 24, 2017

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Jeff Bridges + Jackson Browne = this (Fallin' and Flyin') @artistsforpeace pic.twitter.com/TVMg7QVFfW

— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 24, 2017

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Paul Haggis: It's not our job to end poverty but we can give dignity. @artistsforpeace pic.twitter.com/mwp4NQOApS

— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 24, 2017

Other performers at the sold-out show included Moby, Catero Colbert, Paul Beaubrun, The Songbirds and the Hot Club of Los Angeles, which acted as house band for the evening. Other guests in attendance included Sacha Baron Cohen, Petra N?mcová, Claire Forlani, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Moran Atias, Aldis Hodge, and BOVET owner Pascal Raffy, among others.

— Reporting by Chris Gardner
 

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Naomi Watts, Zoe Saldana, Chrissy Metz, Christoph Waltz and others Fete the Oscars at Cadillac's Annual Oscars Celebration

9:03 p.m. Abigail Spencer chats with two girlfriends on a couch, having sneaked past the red carpet unnoticed. Colin Egglesfield laughs and shaking hands with a group of guys in the Chateau lobby as crowds frantically push past him, with people muttering about Zoe Saldana being somewhere on the patio.

9:10 p.m. Zoe Saldana and Marco Perego lounge on a couch center stage on the patio, ignoring glasses of champagne on the table and mini cheese and ham toasties. Next to Zoe, her sister Cisley relaxes and chats to friends. "I'm going to try not to fall asleep, because obviously, now, with a full house of children, you're sleepy by 7. But it's an exciting night. We wait for it all year. We watched amazing performances, and I think that the culmination warrants for us to stay up later than usual," Saldana tells THR about watching the Oscars on Sunday.

9:14 p.m. Michelle Dockery checks texts on her phone and sips champagne, being jostled by the crowd. Ben Feldman quickly gets a mini pig in a blanket with mustard.

9:18 p.m. Victoria Smurfit frowns as she hustles through to the lobby looking for her ride. Westworld's Leo Nam waits at the bar joining the long line.

9:24 p.m. Rachel Griffith sits in one of the Chateau’s patio wicker chairs, looking laid back with her sunglasses on her head and chatting to passersby.

9:26 p.m. Jessica Pare and her husband John Kastner try to sneak out the back curtains of the patio only to find a dead end and eventually give up and smoke on a bench in full view instead.Paul Wesley poses with a fan and looks grumpy about it.

9:33 p.m. Christophe Waltz looks lonely and bored standing on the patio looking around with a whisky in hand, while Matthew Morrison chats to Barry Jenkins like they’re old pals in the packed lobby.

9:45 p.m. Hidden Figures’ Glen Powell hangs out chatting with models and talking about being stoked to attend the Elton John party on Sunday.

9:55 p.m. Moonlight director Barry Jenkins makes a dive for the last slider on a passing plate, then graciously gives it up to a female guest, saying "ladies first!"

10:06 p.m. Allen Leech edges through the crowd to the bar, although his Downton co-star Michelle Dockery has already disappeared.

10:23 p.m. Milana Vayntraub dances to throwback beats by DJ Michelle Pesce. 

Viola Davis at Alfre Woodard's 8th Annual Oscar Party: "I'm in a Room With People Who Have My Back"

7:01 p.m. "I look like your Auntie, Ms. Busoms," jokes Alfre Woodard as she greets the first guest, Viola Davis who walked into the Beverly Wilshire Penthouse Suite in a revealing dress. Woodard later compliments Yolanda Ross' (How To Get Away With Murder) outfit saying, "I didn't get the sexy memo!"

7:20 p.m. "I'm excited to see you all but I'm so hyped and happy for you, Octavia," says Woodard as she greets Octavia Spencer, Tracee Ellis Ross and Rashida Jones.

7:40 p.m. As the women share laughs and selfies, Viola Davis notes, "It's almost a reunion of friends, of peers. A sacred place where I could come and share and know that by the time I leave I've connected. I'm in a room with people who have my back. It's a rarity. It's a jewel. It's kind of a sweet elixir in a season that is so ripe and hype with winning and competition." Davis, however, notes that she only gives advice if the younger artists ask, since she believes it's equally important to let young people grow and find their own path in life.

8:10 p.m. As Chandra Wilson, Kim Wayans and Tessa Mae Thompson flow in, Woodard says of the evening (where the name of the 45th president of the U.S. will not be invoked) "I called them together because I felt the need. I wanted the business to see all of us together and say 'wow I could have cast Rashida Jones' or 'wow I could have cast Yolanda Ross.'

Woodard added that for the past seven years, there hasn't been a breach between the women who discuss whatever is on their minds regarding their personal or professional lives: We would only hear each other's names being damned, hoping that person wouldn't take the job so somebody else could get the perceived three jobs that were available for women of color that year but that's B.S. If there is 100 roles we should be considered seriously for all of them except the Queen of England – Helen and Kate and Claire Foy can have that. It is a lack of creative intelligence that we are not considered for those roles, so I wanted to have that picture to remind us and I wanted us to understand how much we have in common and that we can support each other. When the ladies go off on the red carpet yeah they know their families and fans are supporting them but they know the women just like them who understand their language and craft are pulling for them just as hard."

8:15 p.m. Ruth Negga arrives straight from filming in Louisiana and says she's looking to enjoy herself this evening amidst the chaos of her first Oscar week. "It's a room full of women of color and that's so lovely because it's rare. It's very important to me. You meet other women in this industry you sort of observe their knowledge," she says. "I think there might be a judgment that there is this awful competition in this industry but actually I found quite the opposite, that people are really supportive of one another because we all know how tough it is."

8:19 p.m. Woodard starts clapping to gather all of the women's attention for the annual group photo saying "we love the media" but signaling that it's time for the dinner to become private. As the women gather for the photo, they scream upon Angela Bassett's arrival to the party.

– Reporting by Arlene Washington

EBONY Editor on Oscars 2017: “We're Looking Forward to #OscarsSoWhite Being #OscarsSoBlack"

10 p.m. Macro’s Charles King, Franklin Leonard, Nicole Murphy, Queen Sugar’s Omar Dorsey and Kofi Siriboe and Earth Wind and Fire’s Verdine White are making the rounds as guests, and even bartenders, were dancing along to throwback and current hip-hop tracks courtesy of DJ D-Nice, who plans on spinning for Floyd Mayweather’s 40th birthday bash the next day.

10:07 p.m. Manchester by the Sea producer Kimberly Steward arrives as an honoree of the evening with fellow producer Lauren Beck, singing along to throwback songs by LL Cool J, Michael Jackson and more. “Fences, Moonlight, Hell or High Water, Lion…there’s so many female producers that are across the board and some of the amazing content that has been made. I honestly have to say I’m in a good group,” says Steward.

10:18 p.m. Honoree Joi McMillon says she’s making a point to enjoy Oscar week but hopes to get a break afterwards. “I keep on joking to Barry [Jenkins] I’m going to tag along on his vacation, he’s like no, it’s my vacation,” she says. She also dishes about what she'll catch up on in television this year after the Oscar madness comes to an end: “Westworld and The Crown which I’m really excited to watch. I’ve been saving it so I can give it my full attention.”

10:20 p.m. The bouncer tells Atlanta star Lakeith Stanfield he can’t leave with his drink, so he heads back inside, passing by Dorsey who is one of the many congratulating Peck on I Am Not Your Negro.

11:05 p.m. “We're looking forward to #OscarsSoWhite being #OscarsSoBlack this year,” says EBONY Editor-in-Chief Kyra Kyles before honoring Kimberly Steward, Raoul Peck and Joi McMillon (whom she says she thinks will take home the Oscar for film editing).

12:18 p.m. Insecure’s Yvonne Orji is still going strong on the dance floor as she’s joined by Queen Sugar’s Dawn-Lyen Gardner and rapper Wale grooves next to the DJ booth. The EBONY/iTune evening is co-produced by Miatta Johnson and Massah David of Lifestyle Boutique Firm, MVD Inc. who also plan to oversee Common’s Toast to the Oscars event the next day.

Honoring gifted filmmakers Joi McMillon, Raoul Peck & Kimberly Steward with @ebonymag. #MOONLIGHT #IAmNotYourNegro #MBTS #Storytellers pic.twitter.com/ETQst0dSU8

— iTunes Movies (@iTunesMovies) February 24, 2017

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

– Reporting by Arlene Washington

Meryl Streep Booed, Steven Seagal Cheered at SMASH Global's MMA Pre-Oscar Fight

7:26 p.m. It's prom night outside the Taglyan Complex, located at 1201 Vine St. in Hollywood. Women dressed in revealing gowns fix the ties of their dates dressed in tuxedos and suits. One male guest is wearing sweat pants. Actually, nevermind, he's a photographer and should be allowed, right?

7:37 p.m. No sign of the night's sole honoree, actor Steven Seagal, as guests fill the cocktail reception inside the venue and crowd around the bar. On the menu: Yellow Tail Cabernet, Patron Tequila, champagne, vodka and beer. Patron seems to be the most-ordered offering. One woman storms to the front of the bar to ask for two more servings of tequila. Meanwhile, outside, a woman sports a crop top instead of a gown on what is a very cold night in L.A., with temperatures dipping below 50-degrees. But she's got good reason: She is later spotted inside as the night's ringside staffer for the five fights on the schedule.

7:40 p.m. Still no sign of Seagal. Some guests huddle around the silent auction table. The highlight item up for grabs? A pair of fight shorts worn and signed by the late Muhammad Ali. Other items include a signed poster of Michael Keaton in Birdman and a signed Tom Brady jersey. SMASH Global founder Steve "Hulk Smash" Orosco comes downstairs to the reception from his private room upstairs at the venue. He's stopped by party guests asking for pictures. 

8:05 p.m. Mr. Seagal, where are you? The doors are closed to the dining room but when THR opens a door, there he is. It's an empty ballroom with a MMA cage in the center, surrounded by numbered tables, all of which are empty save for table 27, where Seagal is seated along with wife Erdenetuya and a few friends. He says he's skipping the reception and prefers to stay planted in his seat until the event starts.

8:10 p.m. A Mel Gibson look-a-like is approached by confused guests who ask to take photos with him. Meanwhile, the real Courtney Stodden is photographed inside by that sweat pants-clad photographer. 

8:33 p.m. Doors open for the dinner and guests head to their assigned tables where they find calamari, avocado salad, potatoes and asparagus. 

8:45 p.m. The ring announcer, Karlos Kramer, introduces the first fight of the night. Some guests watch the fight from their table, others stampede towards the stage to get a closer look. 

9:05 p.m. Orosco is introduced. He heads into the cage and, almost immediately, brings up Meryl Streep's Golden Globes speech where she snubbed the sport of mixed martial arts as "not the arts." As soon as Orosco mentions her name the crowd goes wild, not with cheers, but with boos. Orosco fires back: "Without mixed martial arts Hollywood would just have Broadway dramas." He then introduces someone who is the force behind driving movie hits at the box office "worldwide." He's talking about Seagal, who he tells THR is "one of the founding fathers of mixed martial arts. You're talking about Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and Steven Seagal. Those really are the three grandfathers of MMA."

9:09 p.m. Seagal takes the stage to a roaring applause from the night's 100 or so guests. He circles around the cage bowing to the audience. He has a message for Streep, too: "Mixed martial arts are really the arts." So how does Seagal feel about the honor? The actor tells THR, "As a Buddhist we believe that you really shouldn't be swayed or get a swollen head over people praising you or saying nice things about you." 

— Reporting by Brian Porreca

Dolby’s Oscar Event Hosts a Who's Who in Sound Community

7:25 p.m. Cinema Audio Society (CAS) president and Academy Award winner Mark Ulano (Titanic) and Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) president Tom McCarthy are chatting at the bar.
 
8:02 p.m. Lion cinematographer Greig Fraser also shot Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and he’s joined at the party by Rogue One helmer Gareth Edwards.

8:35 p.m. Guests are also stopping to greet veteran sound engineer David Gray –who led the 2012 technical update at the Dolby Theatre and ensured the Oscars and premieres held at the Theatre went off without a hitch. He retired from Dolby last year but stayed on to help with certain events. Among them: The Oscars. “There’s going to be so much 5.1!” he says.
 
9:15 p.m. Aussie Robert Mackenzie, a first-time nominee this year for sound editing and sound mixing in Hacksaw Ridge, describes his admiration for his veteran co-nominee for sound mixing, 21-time nominee Kevin O’Connell. He also shared that O’Connell gave him some sage advice for awards season: Pack multiple suits; you don’t want to wear the same thing to every event.

Guests included: Hacksaw Ridge’s Andy Wright and Robert Mackenzie (nominated for sound editing and sound mixing); La La Land’s Ai-Ling Lee (sound editing and sound mixing) and Steve A. Morrow (sound mixing); Arrival’s Bernard Gariépy (sound mixing), 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi’s Greg P. Russell (sound mixing), Deepwater Horizon’s Wylie Stateman (sound editing), Lion cinematographer Greig Fraser; four-time Oscar winner Scott Millan; and 10-time Oscar nominee Anna Behlmer.

Oscar Wilde Awards: It's a Night Without Moderation

6:30 p.m. Ray Donovan star Paula Malcomson bellies up to the bar.

6:50 p.m. Diane Keaton is seen sporting a gray fedora (not bought for the occasion) and heavy platform shoes that look like black army boots.

8:05 p.m. J.J. Abrams takes to the podium on the rooftop patio of his Bad Robot production offices to kick off the festivities. "I'd like to begin tonight with a prayer; that they will f—ing find someone else to host."

8:15 p.m. More from Abrams: "It must be mentioned that in addition to the various tragedies of the past 12 months, we lost a dear friend, former Oscar Wilde honoree Carrie Fisher. As Stephen Fry said two years ago when we honored Carrie, she had a genius for life and friendship."

8:16 p.m. Honoree Caitriona Balfe: "Luck is the key ingredient a lot of time in this business. We are Irish, and we have kind of patented that."

8:26 p.m. Honoree Glen Hansard accepts his award and sings "This Land Is Your Land," made famous by Woody Guthrie (and performed by Lady Gaga at the Super Bowl). The song resonates in these days of travel bans, and the audience joins in:

"This land is your land, this land is my land,
From California to the New York Island
From the Redwood Forest, to the Gulf stream waters
This land was made for you and me."

8:28 p.m. Chris Pine ribs his Star Trek co-star, honoree Zachary Quinto, for only knowing how to play one song on the banjo: "Danny Boy." Says Pine, "It was incredible — the first couple times. Zach, you've got to learn another song."

8:33 p.m. Quinto notes that Oscar Wilde was persecuted for being homosexual: "My journey as an openly gay man in Hollywood has in many ways been inspired by his inability to back down from who he was, celebrating the world the way he saw it and what made him different," he says.

8:38 p.m. Catherine O'Hara reveals when she first encountered Martin Short. "I met him backstage at his Toronto production of Godspell. I was a high school senior and a perspiring young actress. He was very cute and very funny. It didn't go beyond a handshake, but I went home and kissed Marty's picture in the Godspell program." She adds: "If you want to laugh like a happy baby, he's your man."

8:45 p.m. Short takes the stage and points out he's Canadian ("We're the aliens you don't deport") as Lorne Michaels stands uncomfortably nearby. He makes Michaels (and everyone else) crack up with 11 minutes of comedy gold, like: "I bet you I've seen Star Wars: A Force Awakens more than 60 times. And every time I see it, I say the same thing: 'You know J.J., we could watch something else.'" He concludes with, "It's better to have loved a Short than never to have loved a tall."

8:56 p.m. Ruth Negga, looking a bit weary as her first Oscar season is finally winding down, has just arrived from another event and begins her 33-second speech: Loving is "a very beautiful film about two very beautiful people, I'm just very touched with how many people it's inspired."

9:15 p.m. Quinto, Sarah Paulson and Abrams stand on a table and huddle.

9:45 p.m.: It's like 45 degrees out here!

Brett Ratner Buys Two Photographs at Finch & Partners Photo Exhibit

7 p.m. Brett Ratner is standing not too far from the entrance to the gallery. Asked by THR what he thinks of the exhibit, the filmmaker says, "It's great — I love it." His only wish is that there could be an image on the walls from photographer Brigitte Lacombe, but he's not too disappointed. Ratner admits that he's purchased two photographs from the exhibit including one shot by his pal Jean Pigozzi and the other featuring icons Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. Wise purchases since a portion of the proceeds from the night's sales benefit the Ghetto Film School for which Ratner serves on the board of directors. Just as Ratner finishes his sentence, he notices a friend a few steps away and announces that he's arrived to the party after shooting a secret project with Lady Gaga earlier in the day. What about it? He won't say, but he does say that he posted a picture of her on Instagram. 

7:04 p.m. Manager John Carrabino walks by. What does he think of the show? "Love!"

7:12 p.m. Filmmaker Paul Haggis is pacing the gallery, trying to pick out something to buy. He tells THR that he's made a couple of rounds and wants to make a couple more before zeroing in on a print. Haggis has his hands full this week as he's prepping his own Oscar week event — Songs From the Cinema Benefit to benefit his Artists for Peace and Justice team — and it's sold out. Demand is so high, he's been offered north of $10,000 for a ticket. "People are begging to get in," he says. But about the gallery event, Haggis adds that he loves what Charles Finch does. "He always curates a great group of people," he says. "And, as a director, I love what goes on on set. It makes me think I have to start carrying a camera. Maybe I'll buy a Leica." 

7:16 p.m. ICM Partners agent John Burnham attended the show when it was at the Hotel Du Cap in Cannes. "The photographs are so beautiful and no one throws a better get-together than Charles," he admits.

7:22 p.m. Finch tells THR that he worked with a "very good" in-house curator at his company, Fatima Khan, to put the exhibit together. "A photograph hits you and you know that's the one for you, so we picked things that we genuinely love," he explains. As for how to throw the perfect L.A. party, Finch tells THR that there's one thing he won't do. "Just invite successful people," he admits. "One thing that Hollywood has a tendency to do is to just invite people at the top. I like to have people from all walks of life, in all diff disciplines. I'm in the food business, the brand business and the movie business. So here, you'll find chefs, artists and filmmakers."

Other guests included Matty Cardarople, Julian Sands, Matthew Modine, Micheal Ornstein, Britt Salveson , Mikael B., Michael Grecco, Alice Eve, Bonnie Wright, Ozwald Boetang, Nona Summers, Peggy Siegal, Ben and Stanley Silverman, Nick Broomfield and participating artists Linda Chen, Melinda Sue Gordon and Jean Pigozzi.

— Reporting by Chris Gardner

Vanity Fair's Young Hollywood Party Hits Capacity Early, But Host Dakota Johnson Makes the Cut

8:39 p.m. Start time for the party came 39 minutes ago, and a slew of burly security guards at the front call out that it's time to hold the door and not allow any more guests to enter for a few minutes. The sidewalk is jammed with paparazzi and autograph and selfie seekers who are eager to get a moment with Vanity Fair's revelers. 

8:40 p.m. "Excuse me! Excuse me! Excuse me! Excuse me!" shouts one security guard who is taking a lap down the sidewalk to clear some of the crowd as Outlander star Caitriona Balfe arrives and is immediately surrounded by fans and photographers. Noticing that the situation could quickly get out of hand, a security staffer asks the actress to step inside the party to avoid any situations. 

8:41 p.m. Her name is on the invite and she's here: Dakota Johnson arrives at the party, joined by her rep Robin Baum. 

8:42 p.m. The line starts to move again and a few guests are allowed to enter (including THR!).

8:44 p.m. Patrick Schwarzenegger, who definitely qualifies as "Young Hollywood," is standing at the bar waiting to order a drink. Wearing a black leather jacket, the 23-year-old actor orders a bottle of Acqua Panna sparkling water, a move that definitely doesn't qualify as a typical "Young Hollywood" beverage of choice. 

9:01 p.m. Dope and The Get Down actor Shameik Moore does just that — get down — on a tiny dance floor space directly in front of DJ Myles Hendrik. He's the only one dancing and looks to be having a great time as Rae Sremmurd's jam "Black Beatles" comes on. One of Moore's moves causes him to bump into Hendrik's equipment and he quickly apologizes.

9:02 p.m. Colton Haynes hugs E!'s Marc Malkin and the two catch up. Haynes, who recently posted on Instagram about a new relationship with famed florist Jeff Leathem (who designs arrangements for the Four Seasons Los Angeles and clients like Kris Jenner), is wearing a sparkly ring on his wedding finger. 

9:14 p.m. Cynthia Errivo passes by THR, stopping to chat for a second. The singer and actress is making a big mark in Hollywood these days on the heels of a Grammy performance with John Legend and her upcoming gig at the Governors Ball inside the Dolby Ballroom following the Oscar telecast. "I didn't expect to be making that big of a mark in Hollywood," Erivo laughs. "But to be able to do that — it's awesome." As for Tuesday night's party, Erivo jokes, "I feel like I'm one of the oldest people here." She's not. The Tony winner is only 30 years old. 

Additional guests included Jovan Adepo, Luke Bracey, Reeve Carney, Cleopatra Coleman, Amanda Crew, Poppy Delevingne, Erin Foster, Sara Foster, Kat Graham, Grace Gummer, Chris Hardwicke, Lydia Hearst, Victoria Justice, Arielle Kebbell, Jane Levy, Zoe Lister-Jones, Melanie Lynskey, Ashley Madekwe, Max Minghella, Shay Mitchell, Cameron Monaghan, Jason Ritter, Naya Rivera, Emily Robinson, Holland Roden, Halston Sage, Angela Sarafyan, Serayah, Lucky Blue Smith, Pyper America Smith, Lakeith Stanfield, Patrick Starr, Fuschia Kate Sumner, Brenton Thwaites, Hannah Ware, Zelda Williams, Scout Willis, Rumer Willis, Ariel Winter, Edgar Wright, Odessa Young, Maddie Ziegler and others.

— Reporting by Chris Gardner

Film Editor Oscar Noms Party It Up at Panel and Luncheon

9:30 a.m. There’s a long line in front of the theater; the panel attracted a capacity crowd.

10:35 a.m. ACE president and Academy Award nominee for Avatar, Stephen Rivkin introduces “the winners of this year’s editing nominations” and Moonlight’s Joi McMillion gets particularly enthusiastic applause as he announces her distinction as the first black woman ever to be nominated in the film editing category.

11:02 a.m. Cross and Sanders recalled that early in their careers they stood in line to attend this annual Invisible Arts, Visible Artists panel to learn for then-nominated editors.

12:19 p.m. Asked what genre they would like to work in, that they haven’t done yet, the nominees generated chuckles from the crowd as Arrival’s Walker responded “a musical;” Gilbert said after Hacksaw Ridge he’s like to try a comedy; and La La Land’s Cross (whose credits also include Whiplash) quipped “I wouldn’t mind doing something that isn’t musical.” (Sanders, McMillon and Roberts left early as they were Spirit Awards nominees and had to travel to that ceremony.)

12:30 p.m. The panel wraps and guests cross the street for lunch at Musso & Frank, where they sipped martinis and wine, while enjoying a menu that included iceberg wedge salad, New York steak and grilled salmon.

1:15 p.m. I ask Heim about his recollection of attending the Oscars, having won for All That Jazz and earned a second nomination for Network. “Nerve racking” was how he described the experience of getting out of the car and walking onto the red carpet. He remembered that when he won his Oscar, he was sitting with friends and fellow editing nominees including Jerry Greenberg, who was a double nominee for Apocalypse Now (a team of four nominees) and Kramer vs. Kramer. — Carolyn Giardina 

2:03 p.m. While McMillon had left for the Spirit Awards, her family, including sister Jennifer and Aunt Bettye, attended this luncheon. Cheers erupt suddenly from McMillon’s family when the news came that she and Sanders won the Spirit award for Moonlight. A tearful Aunt Bettye was embraced by one of McMillon’s mentors, editor Maycie Hoy. She then received warm congratulations from guests including Tom Cross.