Bridesmaids Cast Reunites for Pre-Oscar Rehearsal: A Behind-the-Scenes Look Before Hollywood’s Biggest Night

LOS ANGELES – The iconic “Bridesmaids” cast reunited for a special occasion, but this time they swapped their bridesmaid duties for the role of awards presenters. Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, and Ellie Kemper gathered at the Dolby Theatre on Saturday to rehearse their lines for the upcoming event.

The Associated Press was granted a sneak peek of the preparations for the 98th Academy Awards, set to unfold on Sunday. However, the specifics of what the group will present and say remain under wraps, adding an element of surprise for viewers.

Fifteen years after the film “Bridesmaids” made its debut, the actresses appeared delighted to reunite, sharing laughter, conversations, and even blowing kisses to an imaginary audience. Kristen Wiig, in particular, kept Rose Byrne amused with her antics as they awaited their rehearsal cue. Once on stage, Wiig took charge, focusing on perfecting lighting and camera angles to ensure their segment would be flawless.

Rose Byrne, who is also a nominee this year for her leading role in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” found herself in a unique position. The group opted for casual attire for the rehearsal, with the exception of their towering high-heeled shoes.

Meanwhile, male actors like Javier Bardem and Adrien Brody chose a more relaxed approach to their footwear, donning sneakers for the occasion. The majority of presenters made brief appearances, quickly ushered by their publicists and agents. However, Bardem took a moment to engage with Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor and CEO Bill Kramer, making his way into the auditorium for a friendly chat.

“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 and discussed 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 going on for a few days now, and more will continue into the evening. Friday, the theater hosted the 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 on Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The show, to be broadcast live by ABC, is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

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For more coverage of the 2026 Oscars, visit https://apnews.com/hub/academy-awards.