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Melissa McCarthy and the Bridesmaids cast brought hilarious chemistry back to the Oscars on March 14. The five-woman powerhouse reunited at the Dolby Theatre for rehearsals ahead of Sunday’s 98th Academy Awards. Watch for their 15-year anniversary tribute during tonight’s live ceremony.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Cast Members: McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph, Ellie Kemper reunited March 14
- Anniversary: The original film celebrates its 15th year since 2011 release
- Ceremony Date: The March 15, 2026 Academy Awards air live on ABC and Hulu
- Memorable Moments: McCarthy playfully pretended to punch Byrne, cast danced and joked throughout
Hilarious Reunion Captures Original Magic
Melissa McCarthy and her Bridesmaids co-stars proved the chemistry remains as strong as ever. The group gathered at Los Angeles‘s Dolby Theatre on Saturday afternoon for the rehearsal, dressed casually in jeans and t-shirts for their run-through. McCarthy, 55, and Byrne, 46, walked onstage with arms outstretched, blowing kisses and hamming it up for the crews.
The atmosphere was electric as the five actresses laughed together between their scripted moments. Byrne joked about missing co-star Stellan Skarsgård, pointing to a giant printout picture in his seat. Her full-throated laugh rang out as McCarthy playfully pretended to sucker punch the Oscar nominee in the stomach. On the opposite side of the stage, Kemper and Rudolph were spotted dancing and twirling, while Wiig handed out replica Oscar statuettes to stand-in winners.
Melissa McCarthy hilariously reunites with Bridesmaids cast at Oscars
Stellan Skarsgård faces first Oscar nomination for Sentimental Value
Celebrating a Comedy Landmark
The 2026 Oscars marks a special moment for this beloved ensemble. The original 2011 Bridesmaids earned two Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for McCarthy and Best Original Screenplay for Wiig and Annie Mumolo. The film became a box office phenomenon, earning over $280 million worldwide and launching multiple careers.
Today’s reunion presentation will celebrate this 15-year milestone in front of audiences worldwide. The ceremony promises multiple major reunions, including tributes to Moulin Rouge, Devil Wears Prada, and Marvel franchises. Academy CEO Bill Kramer teased that this ceremony is a “stacked show” with surprises planned throughout the evening.
Behind-the-Scenes Rehearsal Details
| Element | Details |
| Cast Members | Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph, Ellie Kemper |
| Rehearsal Date | March 14, 2026 at Dolby Theatre |
| Ceremony Air Date | March 15, 2026 on ABC and Hulu |
| Anniversary Milestone | 15 years since original 2011 film release |
“The same magic that drove Bridesmaids to box office glory was evident from the get-go. As the room full of producers, technicians, crew and camera operators applauded, McCarthy and Byrne walked onstage with their arms jokingly outstretched, blowing kisses and hamming it up.”
— People Magazine, Coverage from March 14 Oscars Rehearsals
Other Stars Prepare for Hollywood’s Biggest Night
Oscar-winning actors brought their casual A-game to Saturday’s rehearsals at the Dolby. Adrien Brody, last year’s Best Actor winner, rehearsed in a dark gray Hollywood t-shirt and orange-framed sunglasses dangling from his collar. Spanish actor Javier Bardem strolled through the theater in black sweatpants and a dark tee, joking with Oscars producers that he’d actually learn his lines.
The 98th Academy Awards will be hosted by returning comedian Conan O’Brien, who reportedly sprinted through his opening number during rehearsals. Academy CEO Bill Kramer confirmed a mind-blowing performance from the film Sinners and hinted at the aforementioned cast reunions that will headline tonight’s telecast. The show promises nostalgia, performances, and tributes throughout the evening.
Will These Reunion Moments Steal the Night?
The Bridesmaids reunion represents just one of many career-spanning moments scheduled for Sunday’s ceremony. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor reunite for a Moulin Rouge tribute marking the film’s 25-year anniversary. Meanwhile, Anne Hathaway joins a Devil Wears Prada moment ahead of the franchise’s second film arriving in May. Even Marvel superhero reunions are confirmed, though details remain under wraps.
The rehearsal footage of McCarthy, Wiig, Byrne, Rudolph, and Kemper joking, dancing, and genuinely enjoying each other’s company suggests their on-stage presentation will deliver genuine laughs and heartfelt moments. Fans worldwide can tune in tonight at 8 PM ET on ABC or stream on Hulu to watch this special tribute unfold live.
Sources
- USA Today – Behind-the-scenes Oscars rehearsal coverage with direct quotes from cast interactions
- People Magazine – Official Academy Awards rehearsal documentation and cast reunion details
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – Official 98th Academy Awards ceremony information
