Oscars 2023: Glimpse into Academy Awards rehearsals shows stars at Dolby Theatre

On Oscars Sunday, audiences can expect to see stars reunited from some of ir favorite films.

“Four Weddings and a Funeral” co-stars Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell will stand beside one ar to present an award at show, as will Harrison Ford and Glenn Close, President and Vice President of United States in “Air Force One,” and “Creed III” frenemies Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors.

Associated Press got to take a peek inside Oscars rehearsals at Dolby atre Saturday morning. A two-hour power out in Hollywood did t affect work inside Dolby but forced shops and restaurants at Ovation Hollywood complex to close and stopped elevators at an adjacent hotel.

Saturday morning, Oscar presenters made trek to ater as a light, chilly rain fell outside, to run through ir lines and practice handing out awards. It’s one of several rehearsals in leadup to show, culminating with a full run through that stretches late into night.

ater, populated by a few dozen people from Janet Yang, President of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, to sthands and camera operators practicing ir movements, had an air of calm and anticipation.

“I hope I say everything correctly,” MacDowell said while opening envelope. “I hope I prounce everything correctly. I wish Hugh was doing this part.”

awards are fake and so are winners — working actors are hired to play minees, sit in ir seats, take st and give acceptance speeches. same person might be playing everyone from “Tár” director Todd Field to composer John Williams. And all are ready to go with well-researched, and very brief, remarks.

presenters all have different approaches. Some are one and done — ors have questions and tweaks. Jordan discussed font size on teleprompter with show producer Glenn Weiss. Mindy Kaling had her director’s hat on, rewriting and reworking some of her and John Cho’s remarks on spot.

“Sorry I was asking so many questions,” Kaling said.

“, thank God you did,” Cho responded.

Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield had giggles running through ir lines. Garfield got up to mic and cleared his throat.

“Maybe don’t do that,” Pugh said.

Halle Berry practiced with a small brunette woman playing Jessica Chastain and Kate Hudson made a dramatic entrance, atrically extending her arms as if to say “I’ve arrived.”

Though all will be dressed to nines in 24 hours, rehearsals are a decidedly more casual affair — at least for men. Jordan was dressed in a matching black sweatsuit, while Grant opted for a more professorial look with a blazer, sweater, Oxford shirt combination. women all wore ir show heels with ir jeans and daywear. t only do camera operators need to kw just how tall stars are going to be on night, but it’s also a long walk across storied st with millions watching.

Most of what goes on in ater is strictly off record, however — from look of st to who is handing out which award and what y’re scripted to say. Those behind show, which airs live Sunday on ABC at 8 p.m. Eastern, want to preserve some surprises after all.