In a place full of celebrity sightings, sometimes even the host can find himself camouflaged.
Even past Oscar-winners like Gwyneth Paltrow, pictured here, can have a doh moment.
he declares, like he really,really, means it.Really.
Credit: Jolie and Oscars co-producer Brian Grazer (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
He chuckles, and after a beat so does the stunned stand-in.
If sincerity is the goal, it is surely one of Cruises worst-ever performance.
But hes just goofing around.
Lewis Jacobs/NBC
Though the crew is working hard, the stars are literally going through the motions.
Its like the worlds most expensive and elaborate high school graduation.
ET, 4 PT.)
Suzanne Hanover
I think its because theyre not there for themselves, says Cagle.
Theres no pressure to promote something or themselves.
Theyre there for the Oscars and to support the nominees.
It brings out the best in everybody.
NEXT PAGE:Billy Crystal … that name sounds familiar.
Jones brow furrowed, and his mouth opened slightly as a spark of recognition crossed his face.
The short mans brow also furrowed.
Im Billy Crystal, he said.
Jones grabbed his chest and boomed, Jesus, itsyou!
I … With that cap on I thought you were some kind ofhoodlum!
A line like that can make even Billy Crystal laugh.
Humility is good for the soul.
They parted on friendly terms.
Have fun tonight, Jones said, before adding the even more important: Andtomorrownight!
NEXT PAGE:Tom Hanks gets a big kiss (from a very grizzled crew guy.)
These nerves are going to be I guess positivetomorrow?
Its a tough room for comedy, all those paper faces.
Presenting the next year is a good chance to take in what you missed.
This whole thing goes up?
Firth will present Best Actress, while Portman is now awarding Best Actor, and so on.
I think its attitude, he told the telecasts co-producer Brian Grazer.
It is a lot of words, but if you think it holds…
I was standing here watching and had no idea if you were using the prompter, Grazer reassured him.
You seemed very comfortable with it.
MORE ON REHEARSALS:Muppet shenanigans
Comfortable?
Sometimes you’ve got the option to be too comfortable.
All I know is, their eyes do look a little glassy in this photo … Maybe someone will give them a hand.
*
*(Wocka, wocka.)
NEXT PAGE:Portman ditches shoes &Bale applauds a fake.
Before you’re free to look glamorous, you have to be graceful.
Bale was perhaps the most reflective of the previous years winners.
Coming off stage after rehearsing his presentation, he shook his head and smiled.
Hes good!The Fighterstar laughed.
NEXT PAGE:Angelina Jolie on the downlow.
Angelina Jolie was trying not to cause a stir.
She kept things low-key as she arrived for rehearsals no big entourage, no Brad, no kids.
Actually, she was a little tired.
Im kind of like … said the actress, fluttering her eyes wearily.
We went through the whole tour, from Sarajevo to Berlin and Paris.
We finally got back on Wednesday, she said.
Its like… am I awake yet?
she laughs, shaking her head.
Jolie laughs and waves him off.
Oh, youre sweet …
NEXT PAGE:Bridesmaidsinvoke wrath of God.
Do you know what music will be playing?
Turns out its hard to do much withThe Wedding Marchbesides … march.
Is that you… God?
she cried, shielding her face.
I just got off a plane!
Rudolph straightened her back and puckered her lips.
I didnt, she said.
In just a few hours, everyone involved in the Oscars will be ready for their closeups.
