Taraji P. Henson delivered the biggest talking point of the Oscars red carpet on Sunday (4 March) night when she had fans wondering if she had thrown shade at Ryan Seacrest.
The ‘American Idol’ host was fronting coverage of the arrivals at the 90th Academy Awards for US TV network E!, after having faced allegations of behaving sexually inappropriately.
The presenter has vehemently denied claims he harassed a former E! stylist, and continued working for the channel after an internal investigation found no evidence of misconduct.
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However, ‘Empire’ actress Taraji had viewers speculating if she had referenced the allegations when she made a pointed comment as she chatted to Ryan.
After he praised double-nominee Mary J. Blige’s performance in ‘Mudbound’, Taraji turned to him and said: “You know, the universe has a way of taking care of the good people. You know what I mean?”
She then grabbed Ryan by the chin and smiled sweetly at him, as he said he “agreed”.
As Taraji moved down the line to speak to other media on the red carpet, she told an ABC reporter: “I’m great now that I’m in your company.”
People on social media had a lot to say about Taraji and Ryan’s uncomfortable exchange:
Anonymous allegations of sexual misconduct surrounding Ryan from a former E! stylist first came to light in November, with the internal investigation later concluding there was insufficient evidence to support the claims.
The stylist has since identified herself as Suzie Hardy, accusing him of harassing and assaulting her while she was with the E! network from 2007 to 2013.
Ryan released a statement last Tuesday responding to the allegations, branding the report “salacious”, and claimed he’s being exploited for financial gain. He also continued to express his general support for the Time’s Up and Me Too movements.
“I absolutely support this cause unequivocally and applaud all the brave souls who have come forward to share their stories,” the statement read.
“Sadly, last fall I became one of the accused, which I promptly revealed proactively to the network involved and to the public. And to be equally clear, those accusations were then investigated by an independent third-party over the course of a two-month process and involved dozens of interviews that included me, the accuser and countless others.”
He added: “I eagerly participated in the investigation in order to demonstrate my innocence because I know my truth, and I believe in due process.”
Oscars 2018 Red Carpet
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Daniel Kaluuya attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (credit:Frazer Harrison via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Allison Janney attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) (credit:Jeff Kravitz via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Margot Robbie (R) and Sarie Kessler attend the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Lupita Nyong'o (L) and Danai Gurira attend the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
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THE OSCARS(r) - The 90th Oscars(r) broadcasts live on Oscar(r) SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2018, at the Dolby Theatre� at Hollywood & Highland Center� in Hollywood, on the ABC Television Network. (Kelsey McNeal via Getty Images) (credit:Kelsey McNeal via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Timothee Chalamet (L) and Armie Hammer attend the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) (credit:Jeff Kravitz via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Allison Williams attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images) (credit:Matt Winkelmeyer via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Chadwick Boseman attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) (credit:Jeff Kravitz via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Greta Gerwig attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage) (credit:Steve Granitz via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Viola Davis attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Saoirse Ronan attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images) (credit:Neilson Barnard via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Nicole Kidman attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage) (credit:Steve Granitz via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Emma Stone attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Jennifer Lawrence attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images) (credit:Matt Winkelmeyer via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Mark Hamill (R) and Marilou Hamill attend the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Sam Rockwell and Leslie Bibb attend the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Tiffany Haddish attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) (credit:Jeff Kravitz via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Mary J. Blige attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) (credit:Jeff Kravitz via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Betty Gabriel attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Laura Dern attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (credit:Frazer Harrison via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Helen Mirren attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage) (credit:Steve Granitz via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Taraji P. Henson (R) attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Zendaya attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Tom Holland attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (credit:Frazer Harrison via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Taraji P. Henson attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) (credit:Jeff Kravitz via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Kelly Marie Tran attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (credit:Kevork Djansezian via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Gal Gadot attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (credit:Kevork Djansezian via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Patrick Stewart (L) and Sunny Ozell attend the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (credit:Kevork Djansezian via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Phoebe Waller-Bridge attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Salma Hayek Pinault attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) (credit:Jeff Kravitz via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Ashley Judd attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images) (credit:Matt Winkelmeyer via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Jennifer Lawrence attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Andy Serkis attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (credit:Frazer Harrison via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Jane Fonda attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Jennifer Garner attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Whoopi Goldberg attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (credit:Frazer Harrison via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Blanca Blanco (R) attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images) (credit:Neilson Barnard via Getty Images)
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Lakeith Stanfield arrives for the 90th Annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018, in Hollywood, California. / AFP PHOTO / VALERIE MACON (Photo credit should read VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:VALERIE MACON via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Andra Day attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) (credit:Jeff Kravitz via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Emily Blunt attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (credit:Kevork Djansezian via Getty Images)
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British actress Sally Hawkins arrive for the 90th Annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018, in Hollywood, California. / AFP PHOTO / ANGELA WEISS (Photo credit should read ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ANGELA WEISS via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Christopher Plummer attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage) (credit:Steve Granitz via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Gael Garcia Bernal attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (credit:Frazer Harrison via Getty Images)
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THE OSCARS(r) - The 90th Oscars(r) broadcasts live on Oscar(r) SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2018, at the Dolby Theatre� at Hollywood & Highland Center� in Hollywood, on the ABC Television Network. (Kelsey McNeal via Getty Images)ABBIE CORNISH, CALEB LANDRY JONES (credit:Kelsey McNeal via Getty Images)
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Nazanin Mandi and Miguel arrive for the 90th Annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018, in Hollywood, California. / AFP PHOTO / VALERIE MACON (Photo credit should read VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:VALERIE MACON via Getty Images)
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Darrell Britt-Gibson arrives for the 90th Annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018, in Hollywood, California. / AFP PHOTO / VALERIE MACON (Photo credit should read VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:VALERIE MACON via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Janet Mock attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (credit:Frazer Harrison via Getty Images)
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Zoey Deutch arrives for the 90th Annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018, in Hollywood, California. / AFP PHOTO / VALERIE MACON (Photo credit should read VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:VALERIE MACON via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Allison Williams attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (credit:Kevork Djansezian via Getty Images)
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THE OSCARS(r) - The 90th Oscars(r) broadcasts live on Oscar(r) SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2018, at the Dolby Theatre� at Hollywood & Highland Center� in Hollywood, on the ABC Television Network. (Rick Rowell via Getty Images)DANNY GLOVER, ELIANE CAVALLEIRO (credit:Rick Rowell via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Lakeith Stanfield attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (credit:Kevork Djansezian via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Gina Rodriguez attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images) (credit:Christopher Polk via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: (L-R) Darrell Britt-Gibson, Sandy Martin, Abbie Cornish, and Caleb Landry Jones attend the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: St. Vincent attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage) (credit:Steve Granitz via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: (L-R) Adrian Molina, Darla K. Anderson, and Lee Unkrich attend the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (credit:Frazer Harrison via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Director Agnes Varda attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Samara Weaving attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) (credit:Jeff Kravitz via Getty Images)
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Actress Rita Moreno arrives for the 90th Annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018, in Hollywood, California. / AFP PHOTO / VALERIE MACON (Photo credit should read VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:VALERIE MACON via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Mira Sorvino attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) (credit:Jeff Kravitz via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Margot Robbie attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage) (credit:Steve Granitz via Getty Images)
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Dee Rees (L) and Sarah Broom arrive for the 90th Annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018, in Hollywood, California. / AFP PHOTO / VALERIE MACON (Photo credit should read VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:VALERIE MACON via Getty Images)
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US figure skater Mirai Nagasu (L) and US Olympic medalist Adam Rippon arrive for the 90th Annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018, in Hollywood, California. / AFP PHOTO / ANGELA WEISS (Photo credit should read ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ANGELA WEISS via Getty Images)
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Leslie Man arrives for the 90th Annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018, in Hollywood, California. / AFP PHOTO / VALERIE MACON (Photo credit should read VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:VALERIE MACON via Getty Images)
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HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Willem Dafoe (L) and Giada Colagrande attend the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (credit:Kevork Djansezian via Getty Images)