Ryan Phillippe Recalls "Wild Night" at 2006 Oscars with Reese Witherspoon
The actor shared anecdotes about his ex-wife's Best Actress win and "Crash" taking home Best Picture.
Ryan Phillippe recently reflected on the "wild night" he shared with his then-wife Reese Witherspoon at the 2006 Academy Awards, recalling the excitement of her Best Actress win and the film "Crash" securing Best Picture.
During an appearance on "Live with Kelly and Mark," Phillippe described the evening as significant because Witherspoon was honored with the Best Actress award for her portrayal of June Carter in "Walk the Line." He noted that while Witherspoon was engaged in post-award interviews backstage, "Crash," in which he was part of the ensemble cast, was announced as the winner of Best Picture.
Phillippe recounted a memorable moment on stage when he encountered actor Morgan Freeman, who was presenting the Best Picture award. "I had never met Morgan Freeman so I fanned out on stage at the Oscars," Phillippe admitted. "I’m like, ‘I’ve always wanted to meet you, sir,’ and this is while the producer is accepting the award. Kind of a funny moment."
The celebrations continued long after the ceremony, with Phillippe stating that they partied "up until probably 5 or 6 in the morning."
"We had such a fun after-party," he added.
At the 2006 Oscars, Witherspoon's performance as June Carter in the biographical drama "Walk the Line" earned her critical acclaim and the prestigious award. The film, directed by James Mangold, also starred Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash. Meanwhile, Phillippe was a member of the cast of "Crash," Paul Haggis's crime film that explored racial and social tensions in Los Angeles. "Crash" surprised many by winning the Best Picture Oscar that year.
Despite the celebratory nature of the night, Phillippe and Witherspoon's marriage ultimately ended. Witherspoon filed for divorce a few months later, and their split was finalized in 2008. The couple share two children: daughter Ava, born in 1999, and son Deacon, born in 2003. Phillippe and Witherspoon have maintained a united co-parenting front over the years, most recently reuniting for their son Deacon's college graduation from New York University in May.