On a night shimmering with stars and sequined gowns, the unseen moments of the 2025 Oscars captured by John Shearer provided a unique backstage pass to the highs and emotions rarely witnessed by the public. Shearer, a seasoned photographer for the Film Academy and Getty Images, offered an all-access glimpse into the behind-the-scenes antics and preparations at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California.
With a candid philosophy that keeps him as unobtrusive as possible, Shearer’s strategy is simple yet profound: “I like to just be a fly on the wall, my goal is for them [stars] to not notice me because the second they think there’s a photographer or media in the room or the dressing room, everything changes,” he explained. This approach allows Shearer to capture moments that are both raw and real, providing an authentic peek into the world of high stakes and glamour.
Behind the Curtain with Grande and Erivo
Perhaps the most poignant captures of the evening were those of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who were seen sharing a moment of exhilaration after their crowd-pleasing opening performance. The photos show a blend of meticulous preparation and spontaneous celebration, revealing the intense collaboration with their glam teams moments before taking the stage. “I love the photos of them with their glam team, preparing to take the stage just minutes before the show, and then seeing the excitement and everything after the performance when they ran down to the dressing rooms,” Shearer recalled fondly.
A Photographer’s Preparation
Preparation is key to Shearer’s method. His days leading up to the Oscars are filled with rehearsals and coordination meetings with stage managers and camera operators to ensure he remains invisible during the live telecast. “Staying off camera during the live telecast is my No. 1 priority at these shows, so I want to make sure everything is buttoned up before it starts,” Shearer stated.
Armed with only two small Leica cameras that are completely silent and without flash, Shearer roams the backstage hallways to make introductions, building trust and awareness among everyone from talent to security, ensuring his presence is both known and accepted without disrupting the natural flow of events.
Candid Moments and Unscripted Joy
The unscripted moments captured by Shearer include Conan O’Brien jokingly trying to steal Adrien Brody’s Oscar, a moment that punctuates the night with humor and levity. Another touching scene involves Robert Downey Jr. and Kieran Culkin sharing a heartfelt embrace after Culkin’s win for best supporting actor.
These snapshots not only highlight the joy and camaraderie of the evening but also underscore Shearer’s ability to discreetly memorialize these fleeting interactions. His photos offer a stark contrast to the televised event, presenting a side of the Oscars that is less about the spectacle and more about the human moments that occur off-camera.
John Shearer’s work at the 2025 Oscars underscores the importance of the unseen and the unspoken in storytelling. His images serve as a reminder that behind the glitz and the scripted dialogues, there are genuine emotions and interactions that are equally worthy of recognition. Through Shearer’s lens, we gain an intimate understanding of the Oscars, celebrating not just the winners, but the wonderful spirit of cinema and the people who bring it to life year after year.