Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel meanwhile was waylaid outside of the main party, chatting with Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski and The Whale director Darren Aronofsky. Judd Hirsch also made his way to Kimmel, who was in good spirits standing next to his wife and producer, Molly McNearney, as he sipped red wine.
“I thought it was a good show,” screenwriter Tony Kushner said on his way out. “I thought Jimmy Kimmel did great.”
Brian Tyree Henry snapped a photo with Troy Kotsur, who won a best supporting actor award for his role in CODA at last year’s Oscars, on his way out the door, leaving Kotsur free a few moments later to run after Michelle Williams. When she stopped and turned around, Kotsur complimented Williams on bringing such authenticity to her role in The Fabelmans.
“Thank you so much,” she said. “That’s exactly what we wanted to do.”
By 9.30, some were ready to go. Hugh Grant pointed to the exit and, separately, Sigourney Weaver wasn’t far behind. Vanity Fair was underway already, after all, and a drive away. Grant would be sipping champagne there soon after. Weaver, Kimmel and Hirsch soon followed.
The Fabelmans director and Hollywood royalty Steven Spielberg made a rare, and brief, party appearance. He was greeted and embraced by Ariana DeBose, who won an Oscar last year for his West Side Story.
