What happened at the 2025 Oscars afterparty when a 3.9-magnitude earthquake hit L.A.?

Los Angeles experienced a jolt on one of the biggest nights in Hollywood. As A-listers, filmmakers, and more gathered at various afterparties following the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, a 3.9-magnitude earthquake struck North Hollywood at 10:13 p.m. PT, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The quake was centered about 1.4 miles east-southeast of North Hollywood and near Universal City. It was reportedly felt across Los Angeles, from the San Fernando Valley to Pasadena and other areas.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage. However, the tremor occurred right as post-Oscars celebrations were in full swing. It might have made an unsettling end to the night for some.

Conan O’Brien hosted the 2025 Oscars at the Dolby Theatre. It had wrapped up just hours before the quake hit.

Anora arguably dominated the event. The film won five awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Sean Baker), and Best Actress (Mikey Madison). Other major winners included Adrien Brody (Best Actor for The Brutalist), Kieran Culkin (Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain), and Zoe Saldaña (Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez).

The awards ceremony was just the beginning of the night’s celebrations. Hollywood’s biggest names moved on to various afterparties, including the Governors Ball, Vanity Fair’s annual party, and Elton John’s AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party.

While the earthquake did not cause panic or damage, it reportedly became a talking point during these events.

Earthquake felt at star-studded Oscars 2025 afterparties

At the 33rd Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards afterparty, singer Chappell Roan was performing when the quake hit, claims The Hollywood Reporter.

However, reports suggest that guests inside the venue barely noticed the tremors. At the Vanity Fair afterparty, cameras on a live stream reportedly captured slight shaking. The party was hosted at the Wallis Annenberg Center.

A source of The Hollywood Reporter at the Governors Ball, one of the most prestigious post-Oscars gatherings, mentioned that guests felt the tremors. The hit if the quake was not severe. However, it momentarily paused conversations and sent a ripple of surprise through the star-studded crowd.

The Los Angeles Fire Department assessed the situation and confirmed they were not entering 'earthquake mode.' This is a protocol for stronger quakes that require emergency inspections.

Netizens took to social media platforms to share their thoughts over the 3.9-magnitude earthquake in Los Angeles. Below are what some of them remarked:

"Living on a deck of cards.", declared an X user.

"Warning signs from nature.", added another.

"Lol, the reptilians we throwing a underground party or what?", joked a third.

The earthquake follows a series of seismic activities in California. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), this was one of about 40 small tremors to hit Southern California since the beginning of March, most of which were too minor to be felt.

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