In an exclusive interview, veteran photographer John Shearer shares intimate behind-the-scenes glimpses from the 2025 Oscars, revealing candid moments that didn't make it to the ABC broadcast. From Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's triumphant backstage embrace to Conan O’Brien’s playful antics with Adrien Brody’s Oscar, Shearer’s lens captures the raw, unfiltered essence of Hollywood’s most celebrated night.

Unveiling the Authenticity of Hollywood’s Finest Moments

Preparation and Strategy for Seamless Coverage

John Shearer, a seasoned photographer renowned for his work at star-studded events, meticulously prepares for the Oscars. Days before the grand ceremony, he immerses himself in rehearsals and meetings with stage managers, ensuring he understands every detail of the event. His preparation extends to familiarizing himself with seat arrangements and show schedules, allowing him to anticipate key moments without disrupting the telecast. By building relationships with everyone from talent to security, Shearer ensures trust and access to capture candid moments that remain unseen by the public eye.His strategy involves using minimal equipment—just two small Leica cameras—to remain as unobtrusive as possible. This approach allows him to blend into the background, capturing genuine reactions and interactions without drawing attention. The silent operation of his cameras ensures that he doesn’t interrupt any spontaneous moments, preserving their authenticity.

The Power of Trust and Relationships

Trust is paramount in Shearer’s ability to document these private moments. Building rapport with everyone backstage—from celebrities to their support teams—ensures that he can move freely and capture candid images. One of his most memorable photos features Cynthia Erivo backstage, surrounded by her glam team just minutes before taking the stage. This image encapsulates the collaborative effort behind each performance, highlighting the unseen dedication and teamwork that goes into creating magic on screen.Shearer’s long-standing relationship with Ariana Grande adds a personal touch to his work. Having known her since the early days of her career, he captures her in moments of pure joy and triumph. The photograph of Grande embracing Erivo after their opening performance is not only a testament to their chemistry but also a reflection of the emotional highs experienced by performers on such a monumental night.

Post-Ceremony Revelry and Spontaneous Celebrations

The evening’s festivities extend beyond the televised ceremony, offering Shearer unique opportunities to capture off-camera moments. Among the most striking images is one of Conan O’Brien playfully attempting to snatch Adrien Brody’s Oscar trophy during a post-ceremony gathering. This candid moment showcases the lighter side of Hollywood’s elite, revealing their human nature amidst the glamour.Another notable photo features Robert Downey Jr. and Kieran Culkin sharing an emotional embrace following Culkin’s win for best supporting actor. These moments, often overshadowed by the formal proceedings, provide a more intimate look at the celebrations and camaraderie among winners and nominees alike.

Logistical Challenges and Real-Time Distribution

Behind the scenes, Shearer works tirelessly to ensure his photographs are distributed in near real-time. Collaborating with Getty Images’ senior director of photography, Neilson Barnard, he strategizes the fastest methods to get images to editors backstage. This seamless process guarantees that fans and media outlets can access these exclusive moments almost immediately after they occur.Shearer’s commitment to staying out of the spotlight while capturing history is evident in his meticulous planning and execution. By prioritizing discretion and efficiency, he delivers a unique perspective on the Oscars that transcends the typical red carpet coverage. His work not only provides a glimpse into the inner workings of Hollywood’s biggest night but also preserves these fleeting, authentic moments for posterity.