The Day Before The 2025 Oscars: Rehearsals with the Stars, and the Stars Behind-the-Scenes

 

Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg at the 2025 Oscar Rehersals. Courtesy  Trevor Totaro / A.M.P.A.S.®

The Dolby Theatre was buzzing with activity today as Hollywood’s biggest names gathered for the final rehearsals ahead of the 2025 Academy Awards. The cameras may not be rolling just yet, but this is where the real work happens. Behind every dazzling red-carpet moment and heartfelt acceptance speech is a whirlwind of preparation, fine-tuning, and a crew working tirelessly to ensure the night runs seamlessly.

From teleprompters to lighting cues, the Academy’s creative and tech teams are deep in the trenches, making sure everything is picture-perfect for film’s biggest night. And with a lineup of A-List Hollywood presenters—Oprah, Whoopi Goldberg, Elle Fanning, Andrew Garfield, Lily-Rose Depp, Ana de Armas, Miles Teller, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, John Lithgow, and Goldie Hawn—there is plenty of excitement in the air.

Goldie Hawn and Andrew Garfield at the 2025 Oscar Rehearsals. Courtesy  Trevor Totaro / A.M.P.A.S.®

The Oscar stage is no stranger to iconic moments, and ensuring that tradition continues, means days (and nights) of preparation. Presenters walk through their lines, practice stage entrances, and adjust to the ever-changing flow of live television. Teleprompters are tweaked, camera angles are tested, and those signature gold envelopes are passed around for practice—because no one wants a repeat of that infamous mix-up.

But the real stars behind the scenes are the crews making it all happen. While Hollywood’s elite rehearse, teams of lighting designers, sound engineers, and production coordinators are fine-tuning every technical element. The Dolby Theatre’s transformation into an Oscar-worthy spectacle doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a carefully choreographed feat of creativity and precision.

As the final touches come together, the energy in the Dolby Theatre is electric. Whether it’s the moment a presenter steps onstage or a filmmaker delivers a career-defining speech, none of it would be possible without the tireless work of the production teams ensuring everything unfolds without a hitch.

So while the world watches the stars take the stage on Oscar night, take a bow crews behind the cameras, in the control rooms, and working the long hours to create the seamless spectacle that is the Academy Awards.