Laura Dern stunned viewers on Live with Kelly & Mark when she revealed her 2020 Oscar is not in her house but is “living with” Gregory Peck’s Oscar.
At a Glance
- Laura Dern keeps her Oscar at Cecilia Peck’s home after wildfire evacuations
- She jokes the two trophies are “dating”
- Dern won the Academy Award for Marriage Story on her 53rd birthday
- Why it matters: Fans curious about celebrity keepsakes get a rare peek at Oscar storage
The 58-year-old actress explained that during recent California fires she had to evacuate quickly. Rather than risk damage, she entrusted her gold-plated prize to Cecilia Peck, daughter of the To Kill a Mockingbird legend. The arrangement has lasted longer than expected.
“My Oscar is now having an amazing time living with Gregory Peck’s Oscar,” Dern told Kelly Ripa. “It’s being cared for by his daughter Cecilia.”
Ripa laughed that the statuette sounds like it’s “living her best life.” Dern doubled down on the joke, saying, “It’s safely dating the To Kill a Mockingbird Oscar.”
Peck, who died in 2003 at 87, won his Oscar in 1963 for portraying Atticus Finch. His trophy and Dern’s now sit side by side, prompting playful speculation about a “committed relationship.”
Co-host Mark Consuelos pressed Dern on retrieval plans. “You planning on getting that Oscar back?” he asked. Dern admitted she still needs to “figure that out.” Consuelos advised, “You might have to,” but Dern worried about splitting the happy couple.
“I think they really like each other, so I’m confused,” she said, laughing. Ripa concluded, “They’re in a committed relationship.”
Dern ultimately agreed, adding, “Yes, yes, you don’t want to break it up.”
The lighthearted segment provided a rare window into Oscar logistics for A-list stars. Many viewers assume trophies occupy mantels or display cases; Dern’s revelation shows wildfire safety can override sentimentality.
Dern earned her Academy Award for playing divorce attorney Nora Fanshaw in Noah Baumbach’s Netflix drama Marriage Story. The role marked her first win after three career nominations. She accepted the honor on her 53rd birthday, declaring it “the best birthday present ever.”
During her acceptance speech she thanked her children: daughter Jaya, son Ellery, and stepchildren Charles “CJ” and Harris. She also paid tribute to her parents, actors Bruce Dern and the late Diane Ladd, who died in November.
“I share this with my acting heroes, my legends, Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern,” she said. “You got game. I love you. Thank you all for this gift.”
The current living arrangement means Dern’s Oscar resides alongside Peck’s historic trophy until she decides the wildfire threat has passed. No timeline has been set for the statue’s return.
