“It’s Hollywood’s biggest night that starts at four in the afternoon,” joked Conan O’Brien in his opening monologue for the 97th Academy Awards. What he didn’t mention was that for some, the night ends at four too—thanks to the sheer number of after-party options keeping Tinseltown buzzing until dawn.
The 97th Oscars delivered the usual mix of triumphs, tears, and Twitter discourse, with Anora emerging as the night’s big winner, taking home Best Picture along with four other golden statues. Mikey Madison, at just 25, gave a heartfelt acceptance speech for Best Actress, solidifying her status as Hollywood’s newest darling. Meanwhile, Adrien Brody added another notch to his awards belt with a Best Actor win for The Brutalist. A Real Pain’s Kieran Culkin and Emilia Pérez’s Zoe Saldaña rounded out the acting categories, nabbing Best Supporting Actor and Actress, respectively.
And while the ceremony inside the Dolby Theatre wrapped up before midnight, the real fun was just beginning. Hollywood’s biggest players scattered across town, from the ever-exclusive Vanity Fair bash to Netflix’s starry soiree at Chateau Marmont. For those who weren’t quite ready to let go of the limelight—or their freshly acquired Oscars—the after-parties provided a second act. Here’s where the stars went after the statues were handed out.
Everyone You Wanted Was at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party
As always, the Vanity Fair Oscar Party was the it destination of the night, held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. This is where Hollywood’s brightest stars, whether they attended the main event or not, came to see and be seen. Anora’s cast and crew arrived toting their newly acquired statues, glowing from their film’s Best Picture win. Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian and Lauren Sánchez appeared in what can only be described as an unplanned bridal party moment—both dressed in dramatic white gowns.
Inside, the guest list was a mix of Oscar winners and A-list revelers who skipped the ceremony entirely, including Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Katy Perry. Julia Fox, never one to be outdone, opted for a look that was barely a look—arriving nearly nude in yet another of her signature avant-garde ensembles. As the night wore on, trays of In-N-Out burgers made the rounds, balancing out the Champagne intake.
Selma Blair, always a beloved presence on the Hollywood social scene, brought her dog along for the ride, and the sight of a four-legged guest at the party was enough to bring even the most seasoned stars to the floor. Patricia Clarkson and Chrissy Teigen were seen crouched down, showering the pup with affection, proving that sometimes, even at the most glamorous events, a well-behaved dog can steal the show.
Chappell Roan Performed at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 33rd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party
Not technically an after-party but rather a during-party, Elton John’s annual AIDS Foundation Viewing Party in West Hollywood was a glamorous and philanthropic affair. Despite making an appearance at the Oscars later in the evening, Elton himself stopped by early, ensuring the festivities were in full swing. The party featured live performances by rising pop sensation Chappell Roan and singer-songwriter Zoe Ko, keeping the energy high as guests watched the ceremony unfold on big screens.
As always, Elton’s longtime friend Donatella Versace was in attendance, joined by Megan Thee Stallion, Zooey Deschanel, and Kathy Hilton with daughter Nicky. Many guests who started their evening here eventually made their way to other after-parties, but not before bidding on high-ticket auction items to benefit the AIDS Foundation.
Even more moments from the party, here.
Lots of Statuettes Were Seen at the Governor’s Ball
For Oscar winners, the Governors Ball remains a necessary stop, if only to have their brand-new golden statues engraved before heading off to the night’s wilder after-parties. Held on-site at the Dolby Theatre, it’s the easiest event to attend, which is why it often sees the highest concentration of actual Oscar winners. Mikey Madison, still beaming from her Best Actress win for Anora, was spotted celebrating with her co-stars, while Best Actor winner Adrien Brody toasted with fellow nominees. Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg, fresh off their indie hit A Real Pain, made the rounds, while Colman Domingo, nominated for Sing Sing, was seen posing for photos with Rita Wilson.
Meanwhile, Conan O’Brien, fresh from his first-time hosting duties, seemed relieved as he enjoyed a quieter moment with his wife. With Wolfgang Puck’s signature cuisine fueling the evening—including cacio e pepe macaroni and cheese and those iconic chocolate Oscar statuettes—this was the perfect place for stars to bask in their victories before venturing out into the Los Angeles night.
Kieran Culkin Was Everywhere, Including the Searchlight After-Party
Hosted at Cipriani Beverly Hills, the Searchlight party had a distinct indie feel—though with an A-list twist. The event might as well have been a Real Pain cast reunion, as Best Supporting Actor winner Kieran Culkin and director-star Jesse Eisenberg were at the center of the action.
Emma Stone helped celebrate her friend Kieran’s win, her infectious energy making her one of the night’s most sought-after conversation partners. Monica Barbaro was also in attendance, adding to the star power. Searchlight had plenty to celebrate, ensuring that this particular party had no shortage of toasts and Champagne refills.
Emilia Pérez Was the Star of the Netflix After
Netflix, which had a strong presence at the Oscars with its Bond-themed tribute segment and several nominated films, fittingly threw its after-party at the legendary Chateau Marmont. The streaming giant had reason to celebrate, particularly with Zoe Saldaña taking home Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez. Saldaña was seen making the rounds, her Oscar in hand, sharing celebratory moments with fellow partygoers.
Keke Palmer was also in attendance, adding her signature charm to the festivities. While Netflix’s awards haul wasn’t as hefty as some of the other studios, the party still exuded an air of Hollywood power—a reminder that the streaming giant continues to hold significant sway in the industry.
