Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, and Ellie Kemper took the stage on Sunday to present the Academy Award for Best Original Score.

Wendi McLendon-Covey reveals why she missed the Bridesmaids reunion at 2026 Oscars

Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, and Ellie Kemper took the stage on Sunday to present the Academy Award for Best Original Score.

By Marina Watts

Marina Watts

Marina Watts is a news writer for with seven years experience covering entertainment, pop culture and celebrity news. Her previous work appears in PEOPLE, Bustle and Newsweek.

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March 16, 2026 10:26 a.m. ET

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Wendi McLendon-Covey; 'Bridesmaids' cast. Credit:

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic; Everett

- Wendi McLendon-Covey was absent from the *Bridesmaids *reunion at the 98th Academy Awards.

- Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, and Ellie Kemper took the stage on Sunday night to present the Academy Award for Best Original Score.

- The actress revealed on social media that there was "no drama" between her and her costars, and that she was recovering from a neck lift.

Wendi McLendon-Covey might've missed the Oscars, but she is more beautiful than Cinderella.

The *Bridesmaids** *actress was noticeably missing from the Academy Awards on Sunday when castmates Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy and Ellie Kemper reunited on stage to celebrate the comedy's 15th anniversary.

McLendon-Covey, who played Rita in the beloved Paul Feig-directed film, was quick to dispel any rumors about ill will between her and the actresses.

Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Ellie Kemper at the 2026 Oscars.

Frank Micelotta/Disney via Getty

"In response to some of the dms I'm getting: I had a neck lift last week because I'm tired of looking like a melting candle," she posted on Instagram alongside a selfie of herself with gauze wrapped under her chin and around her head. "So I had to skip the Academy Awards. No drama. Everything is fine. 😘"

Fans sent her their well wishes in the comments section.

At the Academy Awards, which took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the *Bridesmaids *stars presented the Oscar for Best Original Score. “We are so happy to all be here together tonight. I cannot believe that it’s been 15 years,” Wiig addressed the audience. “Now, we are not good with numbers, but we figured out backstage that means we shot this movie in 1883.”

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However, before Kemper could wax poetic about the importance of a film's score, the stars were handed notes from the audience. "Mine says, ‘First of all, you ladies look extremely beautiful tonight.’ Oh, that’s nice," said Rudolph. " ‘You’re all aging well. Signed, Stellan Skarsgård.' ”**

An oral history of 'Bridesmaids,' one of the raunchiest rom-coms of all time

Kristen Wiig thought 'Bridesmaids' was a flop upon release

Byrne, who was nominated for Best Actress for her performance in *If I Had Legs I'd Kick You*, then read hers. "Oh, this one’s for me. ‘Rose, can you please stop looking at me? The eye contact is too much. I’m thinking of leaving. I’m so uncomfortable. Sincerely, Leonardo DiCaprio.’ "

"I apologize, I have been staring at you. I thought you were somebody else," Byrne added.**

Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Ellie Kemper at the 2026 Oscars.

Kevin Winter/Getty

The gag ended with Jacobi Jupe's note, which was perhaps the most honest. "I’m tired and I want to go home. This show is very long and there’s no pizza. Signed, the kid from *Hamnet*."

See the full list of the 2026 Oscars winners here.

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