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Chanel event brings Oscar nominees together the night before the big show

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Chanel event brings Oscar nominees together the night before the big show
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Chanel event brings Oscar nominees together the night before the big show

2025-03-02 16:41 Last Updated At:16:51

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — The patio of the storied Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel was packed to the brim with Hollywood stars for the annual Chanel and Charles Finch dinner on Saturday, the final event before the 97th Academy Awards.

Everyone was ready to celebrate, undaunted by the long day ahead or the pressure of the awards show Sunday. Oscar nominees at the dinner included Adrien Brody, Demi Moore, Jeremy Strong, Ralph Fiennes and Fernanda Torres.

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Elle Fanning arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Elle Fanning arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Dakota Fanning arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Dakota Fanning arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Elle Fanning, left, and Dakota Fanning arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Elle Fanning, left, and Dakota Fanning arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Elle Fanning, left, and Dakota Fanning arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Elle Fanning, left, and Dakota Fanning arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Judd Apatow, left, and Maude Apatow arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Judd Apatow, left, and Maude Apatow arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Mona Fastvold, left, and Brady Corbet arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Mona Fastvold, left, and Brady Corbet arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Lily-Rose Depp arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Lily-Rose Depp arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Natasha Lyonne arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Natasha Lyonne arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Natasha Lyonne, left, and Bryn Mooser arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Natasha Lyonne, left, and Bryn Mooser arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Rege-Jean Page arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Rege-Jean Page arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Sebastian Stan arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Sebastian Stan arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Felicity Jones arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Felicity Jones arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Gia Coppola arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Gia Coppola arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Lupita Nyong'o arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Lupita Nyong'o arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Lupita Nyong'o arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Lupita Nyong'o arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Andrucha Waddington, left, and Fernanda Torres arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Andrucha Waddington, left, and Fernanda Torres arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Fernanda Torres arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Fernanda Torres arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Adrien Brody arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Adrien Brody arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Adrien Brody, left, and Georgina Chapman arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Adrien Brody, left, and Georgina Chapman arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Emma Wall, left, and Jeremy Strong arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Emma Wall, left, and Jeremy Strong arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Jeremy Strong arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Jeremy Strong arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Demi Moore arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Demi Moore arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Demi Moore arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Demi Moore arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Lupita Nyong’o, who voiced the robot Roz in “The Wild Robot,” which is up for best animated film, said she is just excited to attend the show and see how the night plays out.

“When you vote, it’s more interesting,” Nyong’o said. “Also, it’s been a crazy time in the world, so the fact that we still get to sit around and celebrate imagination? That’s a privilege. And I’m looking forward to doing that.”

The black carpet on Saturday was a conveyer belt of celebrities: actors Elle Fanning and Dakota Fanning arrived together, chatting casually with TV journalist Gayle King. Director and producer Judd Apatow made it a family affair, posing with his daughter, actor Maude Apatow.

“Oh, I think I will take a boyfriend picture, thank you so much,” actor Natasha Lyonne told photographers before grabbing her date's hand. Noticing “Bridgerton” actor Regé-Jean Page nearby, she said with a smile, “They’re both my boyfriends.”

Other dinner guests included “Dune” filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, “Wicked” star Jeff Goldblum, musician and producer Questlove, filmmaker Patty Jenkins and actors Riley Keough and Olivia Wilde. Some attendees, like Fiennes and comedian John Mulaney, skipped the waiting photographers.

On the patio inside, Harvey Keitel was thrilled to see Willem Dafoe and gave him a kiss on the cheek. The two, who co-starred in “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” were soon joined by actor Lily-Rose Depp. Behind them, actor Michael Keaton snuck by to see a friend, while Mulaney and his wife, actor Olivia Munn, huddled in a corner chatting with actor Zoey Deutch.

Brody held court with some admirers elsewhere, while “The Brutalist” filmmaker Brady Corbet stayed close to his partner and co-writer Mona Fastvold. Strong navigated the room in sneakers and actor Julie Delpy tried to get a word with Moore.

In another corner, actor Felicity Jones chatted with filmmaker Gia Coppola, who said the event is a celebratory night where the two art forms of cinema and fashion can come together.

Most attendees were bedecked head to toe in Chanel, a fashion house that has been intertwined with cinema since its earliest days.

In 1930, Samuel Goldwyn invited Gabrielle Chanel to Hollywood to dress film stars including Gloria Swanson. On her return to Paris, Chanel collaborated with French filmmakers like Jean Renoir and dressed many of the new wave actresses such as Jeanne Moreau and Romy Schneider.

Finch, a British producer and entrepreneur, helped kick off Saturday's event before attendees took their seats in the dining room with a brief speech about being guests in this country and not standing for tyranny, which had Corbet cheering enthusiastically.

Finch said the best part of the evening is when it’s over and he is certain people have had fun.

“Also, when I get to see these people the next day win an Academy Award,” Finch said. “Celebrating film is always the most amazing part of the night.”

For more coverage of the Oscars, visit https://apnews.com/hub/academy-awards.

Elle Fanning arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Elle Fanning arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Dakota Fanning arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Dakota Fanning arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Elle Fanning, left, and Dakota Fanning arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Elle Fanning, left, and Dakota Fanning arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Elle Fanning, left, and Dakota Fanning arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Elle Fanning, left, and Dakota Fanning arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Judd Apatow, left, and Maude Apatow arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Judd Apatow, left, and Maude Apatow arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Mona Fastvold, left, and Brady Corbet arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Mona Fastvold, left, and Brady Corbet arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Lily-Rose Depp arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Lily-Rose Depp arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Natasha Lyonne arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Natasha Lyonne arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Natasha Lyonne, left, and Bryn Mooser arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Natasha Lyonne, left, and Bryn Mooser arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Rege-Jean Page arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Rege-Jean Page arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Sebastian Stan arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Sebastian Stan arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Felicity Jones arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Felicity Jones arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Gia Coppola arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Gia Coppola arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Lupita Nyong'o arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Lupita Nyong'o arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Lupita Nyong'o arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Lupita Nyong'o arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Andrucha Waddington, left, and Fernanda Torres arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Andrucha Waddington, left, and Fernanda Torres arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Fernanda Torres arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Fernanda Torres arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Adrien Brody arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Adrien Brody arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Adrien Brody, left, and Georgina Chapman arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Adrien Brody, left, and Georgina Chapman arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Emma Wall, left, and Jeremy Strong arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Emma Wall, left, and Jeremy Strong arrive at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Jeremy Strong arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Jeremy Strong arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Demi Moore arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Demi Moore arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Demi Moore arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Demi Moore arrives at Chanel's 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

KEY LARGO, Fla. (AP) — Nearly 15 years after his first Soldier Ride, Bill Hansen joined dozens of other wounded veterans on Friday as they cycled along the Overseas Highway, including the Seven Mile Bridge, for the annual Florida Keys event.

A total of 45 men and women, as well as their supporters, are participating in the cycling event organized by the Wounded Warrior Project.

“I wake up in pain every single day. I’ve gotten used to a level of pain,” Hansen said. “And so doing physical fitness, things like this, I know I’m gonna be in a little bit of pain, but it’s worth it for my mental health and for just my comradery with other vets.”

Hansen, who served more than two decades in the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army National Guard, participated in his first Soldier Ride in Phoenix in 2012. He said he had suffered a serious neck and back injury and become addicted to pain medication before connecting with the Wounded Warrior Project. Hansen was able to make friends with other injured veterans and form a support system that remains in place.

“One of my bucket list events is to ride a bike over the Seven Mile Bridge,” Hansen said. “I mean, what an iconic thing to do, and it’s part of America, part of our heritage. And so this is gonna be fun for me, because I get to do this. Plus, I’m gonna be able to help other vets.”

The ride through the Keys started Friday and runs through the weekend. While some riders are missing one or more limbs after combat injuries, the veterans are using bicycles fitted with special adaptive equipment. Other injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, are not so visible.

“The path to healing always starts with movement,” Wounded Warrior Project CEO Walter Piatt said. “This is about getting them outside, getting them reconnected with people they serve with, and people are going through the same thing they are.”

The group started their day with a 17-mile (27-kilometer) ride from a Key Largo VFW post to the Theater of the Sea in Islamorada. Following lunch at the Marathon fire station, riders traveled another 10 miles (16 miles), including over the Seven Mile Bridge, and stopped for the day in Big Pine Key.

A large crowd of Coral Shores High School students cheered on the warriors during a break in Tavernier, but smaller groups of residents lined the route as riders made their way through the island chain.

“I want them to see that we appreciate what they do,” Keys resident Carol Dieck said.

The Wounded Warrior Project's cross-country and Keys bicycle trips provide inspiration and rehabilitative opportunities for injured soldiers, while raising money for others recovering in American military hospitals. The funds generated help foster veterans’ independence, develop peer-mentoring programs and arrange transport between home and hospital when needed.

The Florida Keys Soldier Ride continues Saturday through Key West, with an additional community ride where the public can cycle with the warriors. And finally they will spend Sunday morning swimming with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon.

U.S. Army veteran Sabrina Bradley, left, takes a group photo at the Veterans Memorial Park after riding in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Little Duck Key, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

U.S. Army veteran Sabrina Bradley, left, takes a group photo at the Veterans Memorial Park after riding in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Little Duck Key, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

U.S. Navy veteran Jerry Padgett, right, is wheeled into the ocean at the Veterans Memorial Park after riding in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Little Duck Key, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

U.S. Navy veteran Jerry Padgett, right, is wheeled into the ocean at the Veterans Memorial Park after riding in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Little Duck Key, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Wounded veterans ride over the Seven Mile Bridge in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Marathon, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Wounded veterans ride over the Seven Mile Bridge in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Marathon, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

People line the street as wounded veterans ride in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Marathon, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

People line the street as wounded veterans ride in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Marathon, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Wounded veterans ride in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Marathon, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Wounded veterans ride in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Marathon, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

U. S. Force veteran Spencer Charron rides in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Marathon, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

U. S. Force veteran Spencer Charron rides in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Marathon, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Wounded Warriors Project CEO Walt Piatt, left, signs an American flag for students outside of the Coral Shores High School as wounded veterans ride in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Islamorada, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Wounded Warriors Project CEO Walt Piatt, left, signs an American flag for students outside of the Coral Shores High School as wounded veterans ride in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Islamorada, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

U.S. Army and Marine veteran William Hansen high-five students as wounded veterans ride in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Islamorada, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

U.S. Army and Marine veteran William Hansen high-five students as wounded veterans ride in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Islamorada, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Students from an elementary school hold signs in support as wounded veterans ride past in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Islamorada, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Students from an elementary school hold signs in support as wounded veterans ride past in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Islamorada, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Students from the Coral Shores High School wave as wounded veterans ride past in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Islamorada, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Students from the Coral Shores High School wave as wounded veterans ride past in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Islamorada, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Wounded veterans ride past a crowd gathered at Coral Shores High School in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Islamorada, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Wounded veterans ride past a crowd gathered at Coral Shores High School in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Islamorada, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Matthew Hannon adjusts his helmet before riding in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Key Largo, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Matthew Hannon adjusts his helmet before riding in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Key Largo, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Wounded veterans prepare to start their ride in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Key Largo, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Wounded veterans prepare to start their ride in the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Key Largo, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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