Oscar producer talks Lady Gaga's surprise appearance, Jimmy Kimmel unwinds at Governors Ball
LOS ANGELES - Lady Gaga's surprise appearance on the Oscar stage was a major reason why producer Glenn Weiss was smiling during the official Governors Ball afterparty.
On Wednesday, Weiss had ruled out a Gaga performance, telling journalists in a press conference: "She isn't going to perform."
But Weiss said Gaga's camp reached out Thursday, three days before the Oscars, to accept the standing offer to perform her Oscar-nominated song, "Hold My Hand."
"The situation changed on Thursday," Weiss told USA TODAY from the Governors Ball. "We were happy to have the conversation and jump into it. With rehearsals and everything else, we dove in deep."
After rehearsing Sunday, Gaga performed a pared-down version, wearing ripped jeans and a T-shirt, and earned critical plaudits.
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Weiss said the routine was all the more powerful due to its simplicity. "It was very raw. She could be herself and that was very cool," he said.
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Colin Farrell turns Governors Ball into playground
Colin Farrell may not have taken home the best actor Oscar, but the "Banshees of Inisherin" star did try to take an Oscar home.
Farrell was seen bending over and jokingly attempting to lift a larger-than-life Oscar decoration at the Governors Ball. The fake trophy heave caused Farrell and his son Henry, 13, to erupt in laughter.
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Jimmy Kimmel unwinds at Governors Ball
Host Jimmy Kimmel could not make it to the Governors Ball. The late-night host was stopped feet before the party by a constant swarm of well-wishers, including Jay Ellis, Danny Ramirez and Monica Barbaro from cast of "Top Gun: Maverick."
His bow tie only slightly askew after a long night, Kimmel seemed pleased with the Oscar show, deflecting credit to the powerful acceptance speeches. "The speeches really made the show," Kimmel said.
Not able to enter the party due to engaging conversations, Kimmel seemed joyfully relieved when an attendant procured a glass of red wine.
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Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser get emotional at Oscar engraving table
Having an Oscar personally engraved is an Oscar Governors Ball tradition. On Sunday, the line for engraving was filled with "Everything Everwhere All At Once" filmmakers – the sci-film took seven Oscars, including best picture.
First-time Oscar-winner Yeoh swanned through the Governors Ball, accepting congratulations from well-wishers, including Danai Gurira who offered effusive congratulations.
On the engraving platform, Yeoh embraced fellow Oscar-winner Brandon Fraser, who had his best actor Oscar personalized. The two had an intense exchange before Yeoh waved farewell to the departing Fraser.
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Jamie Lee Curtis, who achieved a career milestone with her first Oscar win, was elated while getting her supporting actress trophy engraved. The actress laughed and clutched her hand over her mouth in disbelief.
Ke Huy Quan, another first-time winner, followed up his emotional acceptance speech with palpable joy waiting for his statuette to be engraved. The actor repeatedly pointed to his Oscar, even looking over the engraver's shoulder to get a closer look at her work.
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