Jean Pigozzi: Inside the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party with the ‘Selfie King’

A Night Through a Familiar Lens

The 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party wasn’t just another glittering post-awards event; it was a reunion, captured through the unique perspective of photographer Jean Pigozzi. Known to many as “Johnny,” Pigozzi, the subject of the recent HBO documentary I Am Curious Johnny, has been a fixture at the party for nearly a decade, and for many years prior as a guest of Graydon Carter when the event was a more intimate dinner at Mortons. This year, he found himself seated next to Carter at the dinner, surrounded by a constellation of familiar faces – Anjelica Huston, Mick Jagger, and a host of other longtime friends.

Pigozzi’s presence at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party is more than just that of an attendee. He’s a chronicler of the Hollywood elite, a documentarian of their gatherings, and, arguably, a pioneer of the celebrity selfie. As early as 1974, while an undergraduate at Harvard, he famously turned his Leica camera on himself and actress Faye Dunaway, creating an image that foreshadowed a cultural phenomenon. The resulting photograph, and countless others taken over the years, have cemented his reputation as a keen observer of celebrity culture.

From Mortons to LACMA: A Party’s Evolution

The Vanity Fair Oscar Party has undergone a significant transformation since its inception. As detailed in a recent oral history published by Vanity Fair, the party began in 1994 as a more exclusive gathering at Mortons steakhouse. The early parties were a stark contrast to the sprawling, star-studded affairs of today, reflecting a different era of Hollywood. The move to larger venues, including its current location at LACMA, mirrors the increasing prominence and spectacle of the event itself.

Pigozzi’s long association with Graydon Carter dates back to those earlier, more intimate dinners at Mortons. Their friendship has spanned decades, and Pigozzi’s presence at the party has been a constant throughout its evolution. This year’s dinner, with just ten guests, offered a return to that more personal atmosphere, allowing Pigozzi to reconnect with friends in a relaxed setting.

A Different Approach to Portraiture

What sets Pigozzi’s photography apart is his unassuming approach. He eschews the large, intimidating cameras and bright flashers favored by many paparazzi, opting instead for a small Sony camera that fits in the palm of his hand. “People walk around this big threatening thing with big flashers and all that, and people get nervous,” he explained. “But when they see me, a big guy with this, they say, “Oh, what is this?” They don’t really care.”

This disarming technique allows him to capture more natural, candid moments. He’s not interested in creating perfectly posed, glamorous shots; he’s looking for authenticity, and perhaps a touch of humor. “I try to make them as natural as possible,” he says. “It’s completely different from some paparazzi who desire the pretty girl with her right leg in front of the left leg—perfect. I’m not really interested in that. I’m interested in taking very normal pictures, possibly with a slight sense of humor.”

The Legacy of “Five Degrees of Jean Pigozzi”

Pigozzi’s extensive network of celebrity connections isn’t a recent development. A 2008 Vanity Fair feature titled “Five Degrees of Jean Pigozzi” illustrated just how central he is to the Hollywood universe. The article playfully mapped out his relationships with a vast array of stars, demonstrating his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His father’s position as CEO of Simca, the Italian automotive brand, undoubtedly opened doors, but Pigozzi’s own charisma and genuine interest in people have been key to building and maintaining those relationships.

Beyond the Party: Pigozzi’s Continued Operate

Pigozzi’s work extends far beyond the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. He continues to travel the world, documenting the lives of intriguing people and capturing unique moments in time. His photographs have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and he remains a sought-after photographer for magazines and brands. His Instagram feed, as highlighted by Vanity Fair, offers a glimpse into his ongoing projects and his distinctive visual style.

The 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, through Pigozzi’s lens, wasn’t just a celebration of cinematic achievement; it was a celebration of friendship, connection, and the enduring power of a well-timed photograph. His ability to capture genuine moments, combined with his decades-long relationships with the Hollywood elite, makes him a unique and valuable chronicler of our time.

Looking Ahead: Pigozzi’s Next Project

Pigozzi is currently working on a new photography project, details of which remain under wraps. He has hinted that it will involve travel to remote locations and a focus on documenting lesser-known cultures. Given his track record, it’s likely to be a project that is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.