A-list stars fume and tear up over 'unforgiving' Vanity Fair Oscar party lighting

Some celebrities mention the Vanity Fair Oscar party cast them in an unflattering light — in a literal sense.

After the widely talked-about post-Oscar event at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Sunday, top-tier guests reportedly expressed concerns about the intense lighting and the unforgiving photographs it produced.

“It felt like I was under very bright stadium lights,” one attendee told the Hollywood Reporter after the exclusive gathering that VF revamped with a reduced guest list, limited outside media, and a new location.

Another person humorously remarked that she felt like she was experiencing premature menopause due to the piercing lights.

“It was suffocatingly hot,” an unidentified guest told THR. “I was honestly having intense heat flashes.”

The Hollywood trade journal highlighted that the annual event was previously celebrated for its outstanding red carpet lighting when it was traditionally hosted in Beverly Hills at the Wallis Annenberg Center.

A person referred to by THR as “a party regular” observed that the “painstakingly balanced” and appealing lighting was once considered “the key to the Oscar party’s charm.”

“I’ve been photographed at numerous parties, but the arrangement for that occasion was always extraordinary,” they told the publication. “When you posed for photos at the VF gathering, even the least photogenic celebrities knew they’d look their best. It was enchanting!”

However, a source mentioned that the lighting this year was, “Similar to being captured in ultra high-definition.”

The red carpet lighting used to be described as “magical.” Anna Wintour is shown on the red carpet. Getty Images

A light grey carpet — which was new for Sunday’s event — seemingly worsened matters.

The pictures soon circulated on social platforms where TikTok users relentlessly mocked some unfortunate celebrities.

THR further reported that the morning after Hollywood’s grandest event, some stars chose to share photos taken at Guy Oseary and Madonna’s star-filled party rather than the Vanity Fair captures.

Although the event’s organiser, Vanity Fair editor Mark Guiducci, appeared to face some tension due to the lighting snafu, a Vanity Fair insider believed it concluded well.