The Vanity Fair Oscars after-party, hosted on Sunday night, was once again the scene of Hollywood’s brightest stars letting loose after the biggest night in film. Zoe Saldaña, with an In-N-Out burger in one hand and her Best Supporting Actress statuette in the other, took center stage in the midst of the festivities. The annual party, held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, was a magnet for Oscar winners, nominees, and some of Hollywood’s biggest names.
A Night of Celebration
The event remains one of the most coveted after-parties of the Oscars season, drawing an impressive roster of stars each year. This year, the glamorous celebration was no different. Guests streamed in for a stiff drink, victory lap, or simply to enjoy the spectacle of Hollywood’s elite gathered under one roof.
Zoe Saldaña made a big impression, embracing Cynthia Erivo and sharing a selfie with Gayle King. Queen Latifah’s energetic dancing also stole the spotlight, as she twirled in the center of a lively dance circle. Meanwhile, Adrien Brody, Oscar in hand, was spotted with his parents, who were repeatedly asked how proud they were of their son. His father, Elliot Brody, humorously responded, “We’re so ashamed,” much to the amusement of those nearby.
Fashion, Fun, and Famous Faces
Among the notable arrivals was Timothée Chalamet, who was seen holding hands with Kylie Jenner as they greeted Sacha Baron Cohen. Jenner later met up with her sisters, Kendall Jenner and Kim Kardashian, at the bar.
The evening featured a slew of jaw-dropping fashion statements, as expected from a Vanity Fair after-party. Megan Thee Stallion wore a moss green gown that made a bold statement, while Olivia Wilde donned a lacy, mosquito-net-inspired dress from Chloé. Zoë Kravitz showed off a black gown with a daring sheer panel at the back, showcasing her signature edgy style.
Zac Posen, creative director at Gap Inc., commented on the evening’s fashionable turnout, saying he was impressed with the “fashion-tainment” showcased during the Oscars red carpet. He also dressed model Cara Delevingne for the party, choosing a sleek, strapless denim gown with matching gloves.
A Historic Tradition
The Vanity Fair after-party has been a Hollywood institution since 1994, when it was first held at Mortons restaurant on Melrose. Back then, it was an intimate gathering of only 100 guests, including notable names like Nancy Reagan, Donald Sutherland, and Gene Hackman. The party quickly grew in popularity, eventually relocating to the Sunset Tower Hotel in 2009.
Radhika Jones, who succeeded Graydon Carter as editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair, was busy greeting guests throughout the evening, including those from the film Anora. The best picture winner, a dramedy about a stripper who marries the son of an oligarch, took home five Oscars, including Best Actress. Mikey Madison, who won Best Actress for her role, was spotted chatting with the film’s director, Sean Baker, after changing out of her pink satin gown into a more casual black strapless dress.
A Night of Music, Laughter, and Slight Chaos
As the night progressed, the party became more relaxed. Sarah Paulson, after removing her heels, was seen barefoot on the dance floor, dancing with rapper Doja Cat to “Highway to Hell.” Meanwhile, Lil Nas X rapped along to Doja Cat’s hit song, “Paint the Town Red,” even though she was momentarily absent from the floor.
The post-Oscars night was a chance for guests to unwind after a particularly challenging awards season. After wildfires devastated Los Angeles in January, each ceremony struggled to balance somber reflection with the typical Hollywood glamour. Several controversies also affected the festivities, including backlash against the film The Brutalist, which used AI to enhance Hungarian dialogue, and derogatory tweets from Karla Sofía Gascón, a star of Emilia Pérez. Although Gascón attended the Oscars, she was not spotted at the Vanity Fair after-party.
A Messy, Yet Memorable, Affair
Despite the excitement, the evening had moments of chaos that added to its charm. At one point, a waiter nearly tripped over the train of Serena Williams’ lacy black gown. Another guest had their curly hair caught in a decorative topiary, while one attendee dropped their burger on the floor only to pick it back up and continue eating.
For many, the night felt like a laid-back office holiday party, albeit with much more glitter. Margaret Qualley was seen searching for her husband, Jack Antonoff, who had disappeared across the patio. “Where’d Jack go?” she asked, only to discover him in conversation with Zoë Kravitz and Natasha Lyonne.
By 1 a.m., guests began to consider their next moves. Fernanda Torres found herself navigating the busy pickup area, where black SUVs clogged the space, making it difficult to find her car. Meanwhile, Conan O’Brien, who had hosted the Oscars, left the party feeling pleased with how his first hosting gig went, saying, “Yeah, I did what I wanted to do.”
As always, the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party provided a memorable close to the night. It’s a place where the biggest names in Hollywood can unwind, celebrate their wins, and enjoy the camaraderie of their peers in a more relaxed atmosphere. For many, it remains the ultimate symbol of Hollywood glamour and a much-desired ticket on the biggest night of the year.
The event may have grown and evolved since its humble beginnings in 1994, but one thing remains constant: it’s a night that celebrates both the stars and the chaos of Hollywood. From stunning fashion moments to unexpected mishaps, the Vanity Fair after-party remains one of the most anticipated events of the year.
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