Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest, who’ll once again host their syndicated after-Oscars Live special following the Feb. 24 event, gave Parade the scoop on working behind the scenes, the red carpet and wrangling some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Plus, we rounded up some of the biggest—and smallest—numbers about the Academy Awards, now in their 91st year.
Zero—that’s the surprising amount of (nonexistent!) Oscar nominations received by Richard Gere—and eight other recognizable actors.
7—the number of times Glenn Close has contended for a Best Actress trophy since her first nomination (1983). She’s never won, but she might this year—she’s nominated again, for her starring role in The Wife.
19—that’s how many acting nominations have gone to performers for playing British monarchs, including this year’s Olivia Colman, nominated for Best Actress (The Favourite).
59—that’s the most nominations of all time—and they went to Walt Disney (who won 22).
Oscars homework. They make it look so easy, but as prep work for their show, Seacrest prepares three questions for every celebrity he’ll encounter on the red carpet. Ripa memorizes all the information in a binder about the night’s presenters, nominees and films and past performances. They both watch all the nominated films.
Still starstruck. “I still get nervous when I hear in my ear that Meryl Streep has arrived,” says Seacrest. Ripa can’t forget the time Jack Nicholson dropped by backstage unannounced and worked his magic. “He’s every bit the movie star you’d imagine,” she says. “And Tom Cruise makes you feel like you’re the only person who’s ever asked a question, ever.”
For more about Ryan & Kelly and the Oscars, see Sunday’s Parade or go to Parade.com.