Seven Moments You Didn’t See on TV at the 2024 Oscars

“Fan it,” instructs Emily Blunt with a bit of humor, speaking of her dress’ train as she prepares to enter the Dolby Theater’s main floor seating. Meanwhile, a showrunner whispers into her walkie-talkie that Bradley Cooper should really be in his seat by now for the top of the show as Mark Ronson and wife Grace Gummer gently ask to be pointed to their own seats. And just outside the theater, Anya Taylor-Joy glides into the lobby as Ramy Youssef is deep in conversation as Emma Stone hangs back by the bar.

Yet, despite all the commotion, as the countdown clock soon begins — signaling the impending start of the 96th Academy Awards — almost everyone (except for Michelle Yeoh and Mark Ruffalo, who file in as the lights dim) manages to take their places in time. Because if this crowd knows one thing, it’s to not miss their cue. 

By the end of the evening, Oppenheimer had won big – taking home seven trophies, including for best picture — but it was Barbie that ruled the night. Not only did the show open with host Jimmy Kimmel edited into one particular sequence from the film, but Hollywood’s biggest names were lining up to meet Greta Gerwig during commercial breaks or take selfies with cast members (one of Ryan Gosling with Lily Gladstone does indeed exist).

Plus, Barbie was the only film to produce two best original song-nominated hits. Billie Eilish and Finneas won with “What Was I Made For” – a historic feat that made the pair the youngest two-time Oscar winners in any category – but Ryan Gosling won the room with his grandiose performance of “I’m Just Ken.” 

Billboard had a coveted seat inside the Hollywood venue on Sunday night (March 10) to cover all the action and keep a detailed account of the best moments the cameras didn’t catch. 

Below are seven major moments from the 2024 Academy Awards that you likely didn’t see.

Sometimes, you just have to be there to feel the Kenergy.