Hollywood (United States) (AFP) – Welcome to Oscars night! AFP is bringing you all the latest developments from the star-studded 98th Academy Awards in Hollywood. Following the red carpet where A-listers showed off their top looks for the industry’s most glamorous night of the year, host Conan O’Brien kicked off the main event with a comedic skit highlighting the night’s top films.
Watch this space for the latest: O’Brien used his opening monologue to take a dig at best actor nominee Timothee Chalamet — up for his role in the ping-pong nailbiter “Marty Supreme” — who came under fire recently for eyebrow-raising remarks about the importance (or lack thereof) of ballet and opera. “Security is extremely tight tonight,” O’Brien said, in what initially appeared to refer to heightened security measures over the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. “I’m told there’s concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities,” the comedian instead quipped, before the camera cut to Chalamet laughing. “They’re just mad you left out jazz.”
Next to Chalamet was his partner Kylie Jenner, who opted against walking the carpet but appeared in a plunging, body-con halter gown in red glitter with a cutout in the shape of a key. Amy Madigan won the night’s first prize for her role as the voodoo-wielding evil Aunt Gladys in horror hit “Weapons,” a prize she accepted with a cackle of joy. The 75-year-old said she’s been asked throughout the Oscars campaign how this year’s awards cycle has been different from her experience as a nominee four decades ago. “What’s different is I’ve got this little gold guy!” she exclaimed, admiring her statuette.
On the red carpet, Kate Hudson, a best actress nominee for “Song Sung Blue,” appeared on the carpet in a sculptural mermaid gown some 20 years after her first Oscar nod for “Almost Famous.” She said after decades in the business, this year “feels a lot warmer, a lot cozier, than it did the first time.” Kleber Mendonca Filho, director of “The Secret Agent” — nominated for several awards including best picture — told AFP the evening was “the conclusion of a very busy time and a lot of joy.” Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard, also a star in “Sentimental Value,” called his turn as a famed director trying to reconnect with his estranged daughters “one of the best roles I’ve ever had.”
Chase Infiniti has earned acclaim for her role as Leonardo DiCaprio’s daughter in the top nominated film “One Battle After Another,” though she did not receive an individual nomination. But she was out on the carpet as part of the film’s entourage in a stunning Louis Vuitton gown with a fitted bodice and cancan-esque train. She said working on the film that starred nominees DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, and Sean Penn “was the ultimate masterclass.”
Jessie Buckley, the favorite to win best actress for her role in “Hamnet,” said the evening was “overwhelming.” “You just never ever think when you’re growing up that it’s going to be a real thing,” the Irish actress said on the carpet, wearing a custom Chanel ruby and pink gown that exuded Grace Kelly. The film centers on William Shakespeare’s wife and her experience of motherhood’s expansive love and profound pain — a role Buckley said met her as she was getting ready to become a mother. “I was changed after I got to live beside her and inside her,” Buckley, whose child was born last year, said of her character.
Best actress nominee Rose Byrne — the star of the film “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” — said her role in the film that also centers on the trials of motherhood “was truly such a gift.” Renate Reinsve, who stars in the Norwegian family dramedy “Sentimental Value,” for which she is up for best actress, said on the carpet she’s “so overwhelmed.” “This whole year has been so insane,” said the actress, who wore a minimalist cherry red column gown — also Vuitton. “I feel I’ve won by being nominated.”
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