Actor Colin Firth, left, and stage manager Gary Natoli talk during rehearsal for the 84th Academy Awards, Saturday, Feb 25, 2012 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) (Associated Press)
BACKSTAGE MEETING: Oscar host Billy Crystal, who has declined to speak with reporters and kept his rehearsals closed throughout the week, emerged from his dressing room to observe the proceedings Saturday. Wearing jeans, sneakers and a newsboy cap, the comedian blended in with the rest of the backstage workers_ so much so that he had to re-introduce himself to an admired colleague. "Hi James, Billy Crystal," he said to James Earl Jones, who received a Governors Award late last year and will be honored again at Sunday's ceremony. As soon as the actor recognized Crystal, he hugged him. "With that cap on, I thought you were a hoodlum," Jones said before wishing the comedian well on his ninth Oscar-hosting stint. "Have fun tonight," Jones said, "and tomorrow night."
A BLAST OF "BRIDESMAIDS": The cast of "Bridesmaids" reunited on the Oscar stage and dosed the theater with a blast of energy. "Oh my God, I cannot believe I'm there!" Rose Byrne said when she spotted her seat near the front of the theater. "I see you!" Maya Rudolph said to Kristin Wiig, pointing out her seat-saving placard. As the actresses prepared to make their entrance alongside co-stars Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper and Wendi McLendon-Covey, they threw up jazz hands and pretended to disco dance. McLendon-Covey also played an oversized air guitar.
Read the rest: http://www.newser.com/article/d9t4q7u81/hanks-streep-kermit-other-stars-dress-down-for-final-oscar-rehearsal-before-the-big-show.html
