If you thought the live televised award ceremony was the biggest part of Oscar night, you may have been mistaken.
While the awards show is a time honored event that is certainly important to those nominated, the real action begins for everyone else after the cameras stop rolling.
Nominees, presenters and the rest of Hollywood were eager to head out last night to celebrate an entire year of film.
The Governor's Ball
Immediately following the ceremony, best supporting actress nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal sat down for a bite to eat after a long night. The actress and other guests at the ball enjoyed culinary creations by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, who has been catering the event for the last 16 years.
Across the room, best actress nominee Gabourey Sidibe chatted with her new BFF Oprah. Earlier in the evening, the queen of talk praised the young actress giving a speech in her honor during the awards.
Also at the ball: best actress Sandra Bullock, best actress nominee Carey Mulligan, best supporting actress Mo'Nique, best supporting
actor Christoph Waltz and many more.
18th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party
He may not have been her official date to the Oscars, but Liam Hemsworth was girlfriend Miley Cyrus' main man at the after parties. The couple cozied up and chatted with friends at 18th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party.
Miley also met up with pal Nicole Richie, as they jokingly shouted to get another guest's attention.
Sharon Osbourne, figure skater Johnny Weir and Kelly Osbourne made one fabulous trio as they chatted and posed for pictures. Johnny and Kelly appeared to be quite good friends and they spent most of the evening at each other's side.
Also at the party: Victoria Beckham, Betty White, Jason Mraz and Jennifer Hudson.
2010 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Costars from way back, Kristen Stewart and Jodie Foster took the time to reconnect while enjoying the party. The pair played a mother and daughter in the 2002 thriller Panic Room.
Sandra Bullock chatted and posed for pictures with her "son," The Blind Side costar Quinton Aaron.
They've got something in common! Two time Oscar winner Hillary Swank mingled with the man of the evening, best actor winner Jeff Bridges.
Also at the Vanity Fair bash, Jeremy Renner giving Carey Mulligan a good laugh, Natalie Portman and Macaulay Culkin chatting over a glass of champagne and Guy Pearce feeding Cameron Diaz a hamburger.
