Iconic filmmakers: Are they really just like us?

Steven Spielberg, renowned for his 13th Oscar nomination for "Maestro," recently gave fans a glimpse into his life by sharing a post-Oscars tradition he participated in. The internet is buzzing with excitement, enjoying this behind-the-scenes moment as much as one of his blockbuster films.

The 96th annual Academy Awards took place on March 10th, and amidst memorable moments like Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s moving acceptance speech and Ryan Gosling's lively "I’m Just Ken" performance, Hollywood's elite let loose at various afterparties, shedding their formal attire and embracing the festivities.

Three-time Oscar winner Steven Spielberg made an appearance at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California, following Hollywood’s grandest night, and appeared to have found his next star: an In-N-Out Burger.

The annual party serves as a gathering for A-listers who opt to watch the ceremony if they didn’t attend in person. Those who did attend the Oscars, such as Spielberg, had their own memorable moments, like his amusing interaction with Kate McKinnon and nominee America Ferrera. Upon arrival at the Vanity Fair party, attendees were treated to a vibrant atmosphere featuring a light-up dance floor and catering from In-N-Out Burger.

In photos captured by photographer Stefanie Keenan, Spielberg can be seen relishing a burger from the renowned chain, so much so that he felt compelled to immortalize the moment in a photo before taking a bite, perhaps reminiscent of his iconic film "Jaws."

But Spielberg's indulgence in the savory delight of In-N-Out isn't confined to just one photo; in subsequent images, he can be seen chatting with actor and comedian Tiffany Haddish, as well as Celine Song, the writer-director of the best picture nominee "Past Lives," all the while clutching his burger.

This relatable moment wasn't lost on Spielberg’s fans, who took to social media platforms to crack several jokes after one post went viral:

  • "Cheeseburger soundtrack by John Williams"
  • "Captured that burger with a sense of childlike wonder"
  • "Oscar for cinematography"
  • "Best Picture 2025"
  • "The latest addition to the Spielberg family group chat cinematic universe"
  • "Epic lens flare coming out from behind that bun"
  • "Steven Spielburger 🍔"
  • "That would be the best picture of a burger ever taken I bet. ✌️"
  • "Classic Spielberg shot — capturing a sense of innocence and wonder, the camera angle is pointing downward so the hamburger looks like a child staring up at us…"
  • "I don't ever want anyone to fault me for taking pics of my food because even Spielberg does it!!!!"

In recent years, In-N-Out has become a staple during awards season.

In January, Paul Giamatti made a stop at the chain for a meal after winning a Golden Globe, trophy in hand. Giamatti carried the burger spirit to the Oscars by sporting In-N-Out cufflinks at the event.

Following her presentation of the Oscar for best supporting actress, Jamie Lee Curtis made an early exit to grab a bite at In-N-Out—although had she chosen to attend the Vanity Fair party, she would have received a complimentary one.

Sara Marks, the director of special projects for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that they initially served In-N-Out to police, firefighters, crew, and vendors at the magazine's inaugural Oscar party in 1994. However, they later extended the offering to everyone, including the stars, after noticing their longing gazes.