Minnie Driver Recalls Oscars Bracelet Mishap, Reveals Celebrity Helpers

The actress lost hundreds of ruby beads from her bracelet at the 1998 Academy Awards, but two A-list stars came to her rescue.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:57pm

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Minnie Driver, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Good Will Hunting in 1998, recalled a wardrobe malfunction that occurred at that year's Oscars ceremony. While applauding her co-star Robin Williams' win, Driver's ruby-adorned bracelet broke, sending hundreds of beads spilling onto the theater's floor. She revealed that fellow actors James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger got down on their hands and knees to help recover all but four of the lost rubies.

Why it matters

This story provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the chaos that can unfold at high-profile awards shows, where even the most glamorous celebrities can face unexpected challenges. It also highlights the camaraderie and goodwill that can exist among Hollywood's elite, as two A-list stars went out of their way to assist Driver in her time of need.

The details

Driver, who was 28 years old at the time, was wearing a ruby-encrusted bracelet to the 1998 Oscars. As she was applauding Williams' win for Best Supporting Actor, the bracelet suddenly broke, scattering hundreds of ruby beads across the theater's floor. Nearby actors James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger immediately sprang into action, getting down on their hands and knees to help Driver recover all but four of the lost gems.

  • Minnie Driver was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 70th Academy Awards in 1998.
  • The bracelet mishap occurred while Driver was applauding her co-star Robin Williams' win for Best Supporting Actor at the 1998 Oscars ceremony.

The players

Minnie Driver

An English actress who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 1997 film Good Will Hunting.

Robin Williams

An American actor and comedian who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Good Will Hunting in 1998.

James Cameron

A Canadian filmmaker known for directing blockbuster movies such as Titanic and Avatar.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

An Austrian-American actor, politician, and former professional bodybuilder who was a major Hollywood star in the 1980s and 1990s.

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What they’re saying

“As I was clapping for Robin, it bust. And so there's this red carpet in the aisles of the theater, and I'm not kidding you, James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger got down on their hands and knees and found... I mean, there were hundreds of them!”

— Minnie Driver, Actress

The takeaway

This story highlights the unexpected challenges that even the most glamorous celebrities can face at high-profile events, as well as the camaraderie and goodwill that can exist among Hollywood's elite. Despite the wardrobe malfunction, Driver's fellow actors stepped up to help her recover the lost rubies, demonstrating the supportive nature of the industry.