Oscars Flashback: Stars Shine at 2006 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Before this year's Vanity Fair Oscar Party, a look back at the event 20 years ago when Hollywood's biggest names gathered to celebrate the 78th Academy Awards.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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In 2006, the Vanity Fair Oscar Party was held at Morton's in West Hollywood, where Oscar honorees like Dolly Parton, Keira Knightley, and Jake Gyllenhaal mingled and toasted the year in film. The 78th Academy Awards that year saw several first-time winners, including George Clooney, Three 6 Mafia, Reese Witherspoon, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. The article takes a nostalgic look back at the celebrity couples, fashion, and memorable moments from the 2006 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, before the event moves to a new location at LACMA for the 2026 edition.

Why it matters

The Vanity Fair Oscar Party is one of the most exclusive and highly anticipated events of awards season, offering a glimpse into the private celebrations of Hollywood's elite. This flashback to the 2006 party provides a fascinating time capsule, showcasing the stars, fashions, and social dynamics of the era, and setting the stage for the evolution of the event as it moves to a new venue for 2026.

The details

The 2006 Vanity Fair Oscar Party took place at Morton's in West Hollywood, where Oscar nominees and winners mingled and celebrated the 78th Academy Awards. That year saw several first-time winners, including George Clooney, Three 6 Mafia, Reese Witherspoon, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. The event also featured appearances by celebrity couples like Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, and Heidi Klum and Seal, as well as fashion icons like Madonna and Guy Ritchie.

  • The 78th Academy Awards ceremony was held on Sunday, March 5, 2006.
  • The 2006 Vanity Fair Oscar Party took place after the Oscars ceremony.

The players

Dolly Parton

An Oscar-nominated singer and actress for her original song in the film Transamerica.

Keira Knightley

A best actress nominee for her role in the film Pride & Prejudice.

Jake Gyllenhaal

A best supporting actor nominee for his role in the film Brokeback Mountain.

George Clooney

A first-time Oscar winner for best supporting actor in the film Syriana.

Three 6 Mafia

A hip-hop group that won the Oscar for best original song for their track "It's Hard Out Here For a Pimp" from the film Hustle & Flow.

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What they’re saying

“Good Night, and Good Luck. It's not just Mr. Murrow's sign-off, it's how Mr. Clooney ends all of his dates.”

— Jon Stewart, Host of the 78th Academy Awards (The Academy Awards broadcast)

“Martin Scorsese: Zero, Three 6 Mafia: 1.”

— Jon Stewart, Host of the 78th Academy Awards (The Academy Awards broadcast)

What’s next

The 98th Academy Awards and the Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2026 are set to take place, with the Vanity Fair party moving to a new location at LACMA.

The takeaway

The 2006 Vanity Fair Oscar Party offered a glimpse into the glamour and exclusivity of Hollywood's biggest night, showcasing the stars, fashions, and social dynamics of the era. As the event moves to a new venue for 2026, it will be interesting to see how the Vanity Fair Oscar Party evolves to reflect the changing landscape of the entertainment industry and the cultural zeitgeist.