The day before the Oscars is rehearsal day. Starting at 9am, and every 15 minutes until 6pm, a different presenter runs through their entry, their lines and their exit. They meet the producer, are ushered on to the stage, shown the teleprompter; they walk it through once. Tom did his entire rehearsal holding Suri, who was very well-behaved. The nice thing about rehearsals is that the celebrities turn up casually, not dressed up, not wearing make-up. I have to ask permission to take their pictures during rehearsal.
Photograph: Art Streiber/August
She was waiting in the wings to go on. A lot of the time nothing much happens – just this A-list traffic jam backstage. Some are nervous – it’s live TV, they’re bumping into their peers. Literally you turn around and there goes Tom, there’s Johnny. An actor like Jennifer is a fan just like the rest of us. They’re constantly on their guard because anybody could be walking out of the bathroom.
Photograph: Art Streiber/August
He’s interesting because his manic comedic presence definitely increases with the number of people around. He’s never afraid to start doing a bit. So he comes out of the bathroom, immediately off stage right, and does a little comedy moment. Then he goes back in and comes out again, performing. I’ve watched lots of actors come in and out of that room.
Photograph: Art Streiber/August
On Friday night they rehearse all the musical numbers. She was rising out of the orchestra pit from beneath the stage and there’s just a little Beyoncé head and all these crew feet. They were trying to work out how fast she should go up.
Photograph: Art Streiber/August
They were just talking and when I raised the camera they started mooning and posing. Some people are very camera-conscious. You get three comedians together and they have to have a moment.
Photograph: Art Streiber/August
The Oscar between her legs is made of wood – it’s one of the two rehearsal Oscars. A lot of jokes are made about those fake Oscars. They are so light – the real ones are very heavy. People throw them up in the air, they twirl them. On rehearsal day, friends and family of the production team are allowed in to watch. The celebrities don’t take it very seriously. They have fun.
Photograph: Art Streiber/August
That’s the same bathroom Robin Williams was in. They bumped into each other outside and she said, “Oh my God! I’ve got to take these things off.” He graciously held her shoes while she gave her feet a rest. There’s a bit of embarrassment about that restroom. Stars are conscious of the fact that it’s an industrial bathroom and they are wearing gowns and heels.
Photograph: Art Streiber/August
Outside the loading dock, were Jack and Nic having a cigarette. “Do you gentlemen mind?” I asked. Jack said, as he always does, “Do whatever you need” and lights up a big grin. I love that sign – these two guys are recognisable to nearly everybody on the planet.
Photograph: Art Streiber/August
Just before he went on, leaning in to have his make-up done, he realised this was not the best time to be photographed and registered his bemusement. That’s what I love about being able to shoot backstage. It’s the last place where there are real unguarded moments with these kinds of people.
Photograph: Art Streiber/August
