But those jokes clearly rolled off the back of Netflix co-head Ted Sarandos. When I caught up with him in the orchestra lobby bar, he expressed happiness with the streamer’s three wins, which included a pair of statues for Emilia Pérez (Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Song) and The Only Girl in the Orchestra (Best Documentary Short).
Not for nothing, but I also spied Sarandos animatedly chatting with presenter and future Jurassic World Rebirth star Scarlett Johansson. Perhaps they’re hatching a project that’ll be coming to a CinemaStreams near you in 2026.
Culkin commits
Kieran Culkin wasn’t about to be a real pain following his Best Supporting Actor win. In the orchestra lobby bar, the Succession star took a moment out of his big night to snap a photo with some of the Los Angeles firefighters who appeared onstage during an Oscars tribute to their bravery in combating January’s devastating wildfires.
Not long after, Selena Gomez broke her stride while crossing the lobby and thanked the firefighters for their service, signing autographs and shaking hands.
The firefighter tribute was one of several ways that the Oscars acknowledged the fires, which have further hindered the area’s already-challenged film industry. The ceremony included a charitable component, and O’Brien raised the topic during his monologue, saying: “Even in the face of terrible wildfires and divisive politics, the work, which this is about, the work continues.”
Several Oscar ads also acknowledged the wildfires both directly and indirectly. California-based companies like Hiscox Business Insurance, Charter Spectrum, and Visit California promoted business opportunities in the area through local spots placed by Disney Advertising Local. And a quartet of ads by Prudential shone a spotlight on some of the artisans who make movie magic possible.
“It’s been a challenging beginning of the year for Los Angeles,” Prudential’s chief brand officer, Richard Parkinson, told ADWEEK. “We want to be part of celebrating the perseverance and dedication that defines the film community.”
