LOS ANGELES — The “Bridesmaids” gathered for a rehearsal the day before the big show, but this time they’re playing the role of awards presenters. Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, and Ellie Kemper took the stage at the Dolby Theatre Saturday to run through their lines one last time.
The Associated Press got a behind-the-scenes look at some of what’s to come during the 98th Oscars Sunday, with a few big caveats: what they’re presenting and what they’ll be saying are to be kept surprises. But 15 years after “Bridesmaids” hit theaters, the actors looked happy to be together again—laughing, chatting, and blowing kisses to the theoretical audience.
Wiig especially had Byrne in stitches as they got ready for their cue. When it was time for rehearsal, Wiig turned de facto director, asking about lighting timings and camera cuts to make sure their bit landed just right.
Byrne finds herself in the unusual position of also being a nominee Sunday for her leading performance in *If I Had Legs I’d Kick You*. All the actresses were dressed informally, except for their sky-high show heels. The male actors, meanwhile, tended to be more casual with their footwear—Javier Bardem and Adrien Brody both wore sneakers.
Most of the presenters were in and out of the room fairly quickly, with their power publicists and agents ushering them along. However, Bardem ventured into the auditorium to greet and chat with Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor and CEO Bill Kramer. “Am I fired?” he asked with a laugh. “I promise I’ll learn the lines.”
Brody, who won Best Actor last year, ran through his script several times. Sporting a black T-shirt with “Hollywood” printed on the front in big, white block letters, a black baseball hat, and red-rimmed sunglasses, he looked serious as he knelt to discuss something with a producer.
There was an air of calm inside the theater with just 24 hours until showtime, as producers, technicians, and camera operators milled about going through their tasks. Rehearsals have been ongoing for a few days now, and more will continue into the evening.
On Friday, the theater hosted a rehearsal for “I Lied to You,” from *Sinners*, which Kramer promised will be “epic.” “There’s not a bad beat,” Kramer said. “It’s a stacked show.”
In addition to a planned Marvel reunion—likely with Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., and Gwyneth Paltrow—producers said there will also be a *Moulin Rouge!* reunion with Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor taking the stage together.
The Academy Awards, hosted again by Conan O’Brien, will be held Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The show, broadcast live by ABC, is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.
https://abcnews.com/Entertainment/wireStory/day-oscars-bridesmaids-rehearsed-131076971