Theatre transformed into a playground of stardom on Saturday, March 14, as A-listers traded red-carpet polish for casual sweats and sneakers, honing their big moments ahead of the 98th Academy Awards. With just one day until showtime, the air buzzed with laughter, last-minute tweaks, and the quiet thrill of perfection in progress. Presenters ran lines under bright lights, while producers darted between cues, ensuring Hollywood’s night of nights unfolds without a hitch.

‘Bridesmaids’ reunion lights up the stage

Nothing captured the rehearsal spirit quite like the ‘Bridesmaids’ crew reuniting to present an award. Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Ellie Kemper, Rose Byrne, and Melissa McCarthy bounded onstage, scripts in hand, nailing a comedy bit that had everyone cracking up. Wiig fine-tuned camera angles, playfully directing her costars to sync with the audience reactions, while McCarthy capped her mock acceptance speech with an impromptu dance dash offstage. Their chemistry sparked pure joy a nostalgic throwback proving the group’s magic endures years later.Javier Bardem added his own charm, gliding through his segment flawlessly before flashing a mischievous grin at the producers. Dressed down in a black T-shirt and pants, he joked, “Am I fired?” Then, with a wink, he added, “I’m going to learn the lines”, as per People Magazine. His lighthearted vibe eased any pre-show jitters, reminding everyone that even Oscar gold comes with room for fun.

A-listers blend focus and fun

The lineup of presenters brought star power in gym shorts and hoodies. Adrien Brody commanded the stage with quiet intensity, Kieran Culkin flashed his signature smirk, and Mikey Madison brought fresh energy alongside Will Arnett, Bill Pullman, Lewis Pullman, and Wagner Moura. Amid the run-throughs, the venue hummed with crew members adjusting 800 custom lighting fixtures and fine-tuning tech after months of prep. Co-executive producer Rob Paine likened the chaos to a “circus,” now camera-ready in under 72 hours.Teasers hinted at live-show highlights: a Marvel reunion with Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., and Gwyneth Paltrow, plus Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor evoking ‘Moulin Rouge.’ Musical moments promise Raphael Saadiq performing “I Lied to You” from Sinners, Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami with “Golden” from K-Pop: Demon Hunters, and Josh Groban leading the LA Maestro Choir

Countdown begins

As rehearsals wrapped, the theatre glowed with promise for Sunday’s broadcast at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET), hosted by Conan O’Brien. These behind-the-scenes hours strip away the glamour to reveal the hard work fueling it, turning raw talent into timeless television. Hollywood held its collective breath, ready for speeches, surprises, and standing ovations under those iconic lights