AP PHOTOS: Spontaneous moments on the Oscars carpet

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The parade of Hollywood royalty on the red carpet, which was actually champagne-colored at the 95th Academy Awards, is almost as big as the ceremony itself.

The stars pose in their dazzling outfits for dozens of raucous cameras, and fashion is also in the spotlight. It’s an organized, well-choreographed and timed ritual to make sure everyone enjoys their moment.

But once the stars step into the chaos of the crowded runway, there are flashes of friendship and mutual admiration between the biggest stars in the industry.

Associated Press photographer John Locher walked the carpet, capturing many of those never-before-seen moments on Sunday night.

The crowded stands were thrilled when Lenny Kravitz walked by shirtless, but then Best Actor nominee Austin Butler showed up and they started chanting “Austin Butler!” Austin Butler!

There were also shout-outs for Florence Pugh, who stopped by to say hello before chatting with Mexican-born actor Harvey Guillen about the nominated film ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.’ Guillen was delighted to meet her, “I’ll see you in a bit,” he said. Pugh waited patiently while Stephanie Hsu had her moment with the fans, to talk and wish the Best Supporting Actress nominee luck.

Steven Spielberg, Ariana DeBose and David Bradley took selfies with fans. 2022 Best Supporting Actor Oscar winner Troy Kotsur and his “CODA” (“CODA: Signs of the Heart”) co-star Marlee Matlin sent their sign language greetings. James Hong received a kiss on the cheek from “Everything Everywhere All at Once” co-star Jamie Lee Curtis.

Jessica Chastain and Nicole Kidman shared a moment, both wearing sparkly sequin dresses. Chastain blew Kidman a kiss from a distance as they parted ways. Behind them, Best Actress nominee Michelle Yeoh was tossed onto the carpet, with a publicist and security team making their way.

The cast and crew of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” were among the last to arrive at the ceremony. Best Supporting Actor nominee Ke Huy Quan passed by moments later, waving enthusiastically to the cameras and fans.