The annual Vanity Fair Oscar Party, a cornerstone of Hollywood’s awards season celebrations, unfolded Sunday night at its new location, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Following the 96th Academy Awards, the exclusive event drew a constellation of stars, industry titans, and cultural figures, offering a glimpse beyond the formality of the Oscars ceremony and into a more relaxed atmosphere of revelry. This year’s party, documented extensively by photographer Hunter Abrams, provided a unique inside look at the evening’s festivities, capturing candid moments and showcasing the fashion choices of attendees as they transitioned from the red carpet to a night of celebration.
The move to LACMA marked a significant change for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, which had previously been held at Morton’s The Steakhouse for decades. The newly reopened museum provided a fresh backdrop for the event, signaling a new chapter for the long-standing tradition. As stylist Rachel Zoe noted, the change in venue and atmosphere often prompts a shift in mindset for attendees, allowing them to transition from the pressure of the awards show to a more playful and celebratory mood. The 2026 iteration of the party continued to solidify its reputation as the most sought-after after-party in Hollywood, attracting a diverse guest list that included Oscar winners, athletes, fashion designers, and prominent figures from various fields.
A New Home for a Hollywood Tradition
The decision to relocate the Vanity Fair Oscar Party to LACMA was announced in the lead-up to the event, generating considerable buzz within the industry. The museum, undergoing extensive renovations, offered a larger and more modern space to accommodate the growing scale of the party. The change in location also presented an opportunity to reimagine the event’s aesthetic, with LACMA’s architectural features providing a striking contrast to the traditional glamour of the Oscars after-party. The party’s debut at LACMA was timed to coincide with the museum’s reopening, adding to the sense of occasion and renewal.
The evening began with a dinner reception on the patio of LACMA, where guests mingled and celebrated Michael B. Jordan’s recent Oscar win for Best Actor. According to reports, the atmosphere was electric as attendees, including Jane Fonda, Jon Batiste, and Lakeith Stanfield, offered a standing ovation to Jordan as his name was announced. The celebratory mood continued throughout the night, with guests enjoying cocktails, music, and the opportunity to connect with peers and industry leaders. A New Orleans-style seven-piece jazz band provided entertainment as guests arrived, setting a lively tone for the evening.
Hunter Abrams Captures the Inside View
While the red carpet offered a first glimpse of the evening’s fashion, it was photographer Hunter Abrams who truly captured the essence of the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. As one of the few photographers granted access inside the event, Abrams documented the candid moments, interactions, and overall atmosphere of the celebration. His photographs provided a unique perspective, showcasing the stars as they relaxed and enjoyed themselves away from the public eye. Abrams’ function has become synonymous with the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, offering an exclusive look at an event known for its exclusivity.
Abrams’ images revealed a vibrant scene, with attendees indulging in the party’s signature In-N-Out burgers alongside more refined culinary offerings. The photographs also highlighted the diverse fashion choices of the guests, ranging from classic black gowns to more daring and avant-garde ensembles. Jessica Alba, for example, was photographed in a black Tamara Ralph gown featuring 3D feathers, while Cara Delevingne opted for a striking Thom Browne look with a red and black skeletal top. The images underscored the party’s reputation as a platform for showcasing both high fashion and individual style.
Fashion and Festivities on Display
The 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party red carpet, and the party itself, served as a showcase for some of the most prominent designers and fashion trends of the year. Model Quenlin Blackwell, who also served as one of the livestream hosts for the event, was seen in a floral Chanel gown. Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow made a stylish appearance in matching black ensembles. Eva Victor, star of “Sorry Baby,” wore a black Loewe gown, while Louisa Jacobson of “The Gilded Age” sported a black leather look from Khaite. These fashion choices, captured by Abrams, provided a glimpse into the evolving styles and preferences of Hollywood’s elite.
Beyond the fashion, Abrams’ photographs also captured the sense of camaraderie and celebration that permeated the event. Guests were seen laughing, conversing, and enjoying the company of their peers. The images conveyed a sense of shared accomplishment and the joy of being part of a community that celebrates artistic excellence. The party’s atmosphere, as documented by Abrams, was one of relaxed elegance and genuine enjoyment.
Livestream and Social Media Engagement
The Vanity Fair Oscar Party was also made accessible to a wider audience through a livestream hosted by Quenlin Blackwell, Jake Shane, and Brittany Broski. The livestream, available on YouTube, allowed fans to experience the event remotely, offering a glimpse of the red carpet arrivals and the atmosphere inside the party. The livestream generated significant social media engagement, with viewers sharing their reactions and favorite moments online. However, posting from inside the party itself was strictly prohibited, maintaining an element of exclusivity and encouraging attendees to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
The livestream’s hosts brought their unique perspectives and personalities to the coverage, adding to the entertainment value for viewers. Blackwell, Shane, and Broski engaged with the audience, providing commentary on the fashion, the winners, and the overall atmosphere of the event. The livestream’s success underscored the growing importance of digital platforms in extending the reach of Hollywood events and connecting with fans around the world.
A Tradition Continues
The 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, with its move to LACMA and the captivating photography of Hunter Abrams, reaffirmed its status as the premier after-party of the awards season. The event provided a fitting conclusion to a night of celebration, offering a space for Hollywood’s elite to relax, connect, and revel in their accomplishments. The party’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend glamour, exclusivity, and a genuine sense of community. As the night drew to a close, guests departed with memories of a memorable evening and a renewed sense of excitement for the future of the film industry.
Looking ahead, the Academy Awards and its surrounding events will continue to evolve, adapting to changing trends and technologies. The 97th Academy Awards are currently scheduled to take place on March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Further details regarding the location and format of the subsequent Vanity Fair Oscar Party will be announced in the coming months. The event remains a highly anticipated fixture on the Hollywood calendar, and its continued success is a testament to its enduring appeal and its ability to capture the spirit of the film industry.
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