• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture
  • Oscars

Glenn Close's Oscars reactions to Lady Gaga, Billy Porter steal the show despite her loss

4:01
Backstage with Oscar winners Regina King, Rami Malek and more
Ed Herrera/ABC via Getty Images
Michael Rothman
ByMichael Rothman
February 25, 2019, 6:06 PM

Glenn Close may not have won the 2019 Oscar for best actress, but the classy icon stole the show with her reactions to Broadway friend Billy Porter and Lady Gaga.

Out on the red carpet before the show started, Close was next in line to talk to former "Kinky Boots" star Porter, who was serving as a red carpet correspondent for ABC, when she got a look at the Christian Siriano gown the acclaimed "Pose" actor was sporting.

Related Articles

(MORE: Oscars 2019: Best actress winner Olivia Colman reacts to her upset win over Glenn Close)

Close was looking fabulous herself, but when she saw her old friend for the first time Sunday night, her face says it all.

The wave of surprise to utter joy washes over the legendary actress' face.

Billy Porter and Glenn Close attend the 91st Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland, Feb. 24, 2019, in Hollywood, Calif.
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Related Articles

(MORE: Oscars 2019: Stars meet other celebs backstage and on the carpet and freak out)

This clip quickly went viral, of course.

But Close wasn't done yet!

Later, inside the event, Close, who has become friends with her fellow best actress nominee Lady Gaga, made sure to show her respect after Gaga won the award for original song.

Related Articles

(MORE: Oscars 2019: Queen, Lady Gaga, Tina Fey, 'Wayne’s World' and other top moments)

She grabbed her hand and gently embraced it.

Glenn Close and Lady Gaga at the 91st Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland, Feb. 24, 2019, in Hollywood, Calif.
Ed Herrera/ABC via Getty Images

It's nice to see a friendship blossom, though the two ladies lost for best actress to "The Favourite's" Olivia Colman.

Even Colman said on stage after winning that she's loved Close for so long and didn't expect to beat her this year.

And what did Close do? She smiled wide like a pro and let Colman have her moment.

Related Topics

  • Oscars

Up Next in Culture—

Live Nation illegally monopolized the market for tickets, jury finds

April 15, 2026

How to watch Coachella 2026 live: Kacey Musgraves joins lineup

April 15, 2026

Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep make 'Devil Wears Prada 2' press tour their runway

April 15, 2026

'Jeopardy!' champion Jamie Ding now a top-5 consecutive winner

April 15, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News