Early show cast members — Robin Duke, Joe Piscopo, Terry Sweeney — were among the evening’s earliest red carpet arrivals. A chorus of “Garrett, Garrett” rang out from the carpet’s fan section as original cast member Garrett Morris made his debut.

The retired Oscar winner set the stage for Sandler’s comedic yet heartfelt song that honored the show's historic half-century on the air.

Adam Sandler’s performance at Sunday night’s “ SNL50: Anniversary Special” was one of the most memorable moments of the night — even before it began. The performance was introduced by Jack Nicholson, who received loud applause inside Studio 8H.