20+ Behind-The-Scenes Moments In Oscars History That The World Never Saw

Updated August 16, 2021

In keeping with the Oscars of this past weekend, we thought it would be nice to spark some warm and fuzzy feelings of nostalgia, by visiting some behind the scenes looks of the Academy Awards throughout the years (and a few from this year, 'cause why not?)

For the last 91 years, the Oscars have been an annual tradition where actors and actresses are recognized for their outstanding performances. The night is a star studded event that none of us can seem to get enough of.

Let's have a look, shall we!

Here is a gorgeous shot of Kate Hudson at the 2014 Oscars, adding the finishing touches to her look for the evening.

She is looking flawless. I swear this woman does not age!

Here's pop star, Hailee Steinfeld, posing backstage at the 2017 Oscars.

It looks like she might have been taken off guard. But let's face it, candid shots are always better!

Jennifer Lopez and Milena Canonero walking together backstage after Milena won the award for best costume design.

This was taken at the 2015 Oscars, and Jennifer Lopez looks no different than she does today.

She's basically a vampire.

Here's a serious throwback: Cher backstage at the 1986 Academy Awards.

I love Cher. She's always been so bold, and fearless with her looks. Which is what makes her such a remarkable, style icon.

Here's a backstage look at Awkwafina and John Mulaney posing for a photo.

Judging by how happy Awkwafina looks, I'm guessing this was before Spike Lee gave her the most chilling glare any of us have ever seen.

Cate Blanchett backstage moments after winning the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role, in 2014 for her performance in "Blue Jasmine."

A very well-deserved win for her!

Here's the crew from "Vice" from this year's Oscars, just after they gave their extremely memorable and awkward acceptance speech.

Their speech was probably the most memorable thing of the night besides Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga's performance, and not for a good reason.

And since I just mentioned Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, let's just take a moment to admire them.

I am obsessed with these two. I know they're not actually together. But a girl can dream, amirite?

And one more of Lady Gaga crying tears of joy after winning an Oscar for "A Star Is Born."

I promise I won't talk about Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper again for the rest of this article.

Michael Jackson and Madonna at the 63rd Annual Academy Awards looking peak glam.

Instagram | @madonna

Madonna shared the above photo from the after party at Spago's in March of 2018, calling her night out with the King of Pop the "best date ever."

Penelope Cruz getting her makeup touched up backstage at the 2005 Oscars.

Why do I feel like we hardly see Penelope Cruz anymore? Is it just me, or has she taken a bit of a step back from the limelight?

Here is Sam Smith at the 2016 Oscars, right after he won the award for Best Original Song.

His song "Writing's on the Wall" from Spectre was the song that earned him a golden statue.

Gina Rodriguez and Tom Holland at last year's Oscars.

Gina Rodriguez is so adorable and pure. I can't get over it. She looks like a damn angel in that dress!

And Tom Holland looks okay too, I guess!

Here is Chrissy Teigen and John Legend being cute, as always. What's new?

Some things just never change.

These two are simply timeless! The ultimate #CoupleGoals since day one.

Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto posing backstage together showing off their Oscar winnings in 2014.

First of all, there is way too much man crush Monday material in one photo.

Secondly, I'm really digging the white suits. Very classy, fellas!

Speaking of Matthew McConaughey, here he is again, but this time with Jennifer Lawrence.

And by the look on her face, I'd say that's probably one of the first times they're meeting. I know the look on Jennifer's face anywhere. That's the look of unadulterated giddiness.

Brie Larson shedding a few tears at the 2016 Oscars.

Moments before this photo, she accepted the award for Best Actress for her performance in Room.

Here's Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone most likely about to get into an elevator backstage at the 2017 Academy Awards.

I'm telling you, candid shots are the best kinds of photos. The both look fab.

Jennifer Lawrence looking majestic AF here.

The big, wavy, voluminous hair, her sparkling gown, her face, everything. She looks like she's about to slay the Oscars, and she probably did.

Jimmy Kimmel is not usually the type of person we see backstage. He's definitely more of a front and center kind of man.

But here he is, bracing himself to take the stage at the 2017 Academy Awards.

This one is another major throwback.

Meryl Streep has been in the acting game for so long. Hollywood is basically hers. She owns it.

Here she is with her husband at the Oscars back in 1983.

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux walking backstage, arms wrapped around each other, looking back at the camera.

What a picturesque moment at the 2017 Oscars.

I'm sure Justin was thrilled to have his arm around everyone's favorite 90's gal.

There's a lot happening in this photo. Jason Momoa looks excited as hell, and Helen Mirren and Shannon Dill look like they're having a heart-to-heart.

Looks like Jason Momoa didn't let his awkward encounter with Ashley Graham keep him down for long!

Here he is looking happy as ever.

Here's Leonardo DiCaprio and Emma Stone walking together backstage, after Emma won the award for Best Actress.

Just one year after Leo won his first Oscar.

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