On Saturday, the Dolby Theatre was a relaxed rehearsal area as big-name performers changed dresses for hoodies and trainers to work through the 98th Academy Awards just before the show. People laughing was mixed with finishing touches, as those presenting and the team made sure the timing, how the cameras moved and the funny parts were good, before the Oscars 2026.
The feeling at the Dolby Theatre during rehearsals
The people in charge of the show walked the stage while those working with the technology sorted out hundreds of lights and what they would do, which would make up the live broadcast. There was a real sense of needing to get things done, but the mood stayed cheerful as the performers and team worked to get every part to be great for the millions watching.
One of the people in charge of the show said the organised mess was like a ‘circus’ getting ready for the cameras in less than 72 hours – a reminder that the great show depends on being exact. Rehearsals showed how the need to be technically correct and being creative work together to make a smooth Oscars 2026 show on TV.
The ‘Bridesmaids’ get-together brings comedy and remembering the past
One of the best parts of the rehearsals was the ‘Bridesmaids’ get-together, with Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Ellie Kemper, Rose Byrne, and Melissa McCarthy all on stage. The group practised a comedy part which seemed both to remind people of the past and new, giving praise to the film’s anniversary with happy connection.
Wiig took on the job of playfully being the director, making small changes to timing and what the audience should do as the group tested how the cameras would show them. McCarthy finished a false getting-an-award with a dance made up on the spot which made the other presenters smile, showing the get-together would be a light, pleasing-to-the-crowd part of the night.
Performers, practised parts and unexpected hints
People well-known did their parts in relaxed rehearsal clothes: Javier Bardem, Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Will Arnett, and others gave the stage energy while working through what they had to say. Bardem even made jokes with the people in charge of the show during a practice, lessening worry with charm and humour.
The people in charge of the show also hinted at unexpected get-togethers of stars and giving praise to people, including a possible ‘Moulin Rouge’ get-together and a meeting of major series stars. Music would include both modern and old performances which would promise to put together great shows with good singing.
Counting down to the live show
Rehearsals finished as the clock got near Sunday at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET), with Conan O’Brien coming back as the host. Behind-the-scenes practices showed the broadcast would depend on tight timing, good placing on the stage and well-practised changes to carry the live energy to screens.
Those last hours took away the beauty to show the hard work behind the beauty: changes to what was written, checking the lights, and testing the mics. The pressure to give perfect live TV was balanced by real friendship among the performers and team during this final effort.
What people watching can expect from Oscars 2026
Expect a mix of remembering the past, comedy and shows with stars which give praise to the best films of 2025 while pleasing a large audience. Moments from rehearsals showed an evening built on carefully timed comedy, unexpected meetings of stars, and lively music parts.
The live show will be a test of how things are organised and being creative, from complex lights to cameras working together. With rehearsals building speed, the Oscars in 2026 aim to turn those sparks from behind the stage into moments people will remember on stage, what people say and people standing and clapping.
