Everybody raise your glasses to the reunion of the decade.
“Bridesmaids” stars Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy and Ellie Kemper gathered on the Oscars stage together, 15 years after sharing the screen in the 2011 comedy directed by Paul Feig.
“We are so happy to all be here together tonight. I cannot believe that it’s been 15 years,” said Wiig. “Now, we are not good with numbers, but we figured out backstage that means we shot this movie in 1883.”
The actors then read “notes” from people in the audience, with Rudolph starting: “Well, mine says ‘First of all, you ladies look extremely beautiful tonight.’ Oh, that’s nice. ‘You’re all aging well. Signed, Stellan Skarsgård.’”
Then Byrne went: “Oh, this one’s for me. ‘Rose, can you please stop looking at me? The eye contact is too much. I’m thinking of leaving. I’m so uncomfortable. Sincerely, Leonardo Dicaprio.’ I apologize, I have been staring at you. I thought you were somebody else.”
“I have to say, mine is almost impossible to read,” said McCarthy. “The handwriting is really pretty terrible. It says, ‘Hi, I’m with Stellan Skarsgård writing my own separate note. I also agree you ladies look radiant. All the things you’ve done to your faces are very tasteful. Yours truly, Elle Fanning.’”
Pausing for comedic effect, she added, “Okay, wait, there’s more. It says, ‘Just kidding, it’s me again, Stellan Skarsgård.’ Come on!”
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Wiig went next: “Okay, mine’s short. ‘You guys have been talking for a long time. This bit could have been a lot shorter. This is really going on and on. You aren’t even talking about score. That’s all. Love you lots! Benicio del Toro. Or, for those of you who refuse to learn Spanish, it’s Benedict of the Bull.’”
Kemper capped off the bit: “Well, this last one is quick. It just says, ‘I’m tired and I want to go home. This show is very long and there’s no pizza. Signed, the kid from “Hamnet.”’ He’s right.”
The “Bridesmaids” reunion celebrates 15 years since audiences saw these women’s characters fighting over wedding responsibilities and hilariously “blowing up” a bridal shop in grotesque fashion. The film was a major success, earning two Academy Award nominations. Wiig and co-writer Annie Mumolo were nominated for best original screenplay, while McCarthy received her first Oscar nomination for supporting actress.
Byrne is a first-time Oscar nominee this year for best actress for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” in which she plays an overwhelmed mother caring for a child with severe health issues while grappling with mounting personal crises. The performance earned Byrne widespread critical praise during the awards season.
Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the 98th Academy Awards takes place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, airing live on ABC and streaming on Hulu.
From Variety US