In Los Angeles on Tuesday, nearly 230 nominees across 24 categories gathered for the Academy’s annual luncheon, marking a significant step toward the Oscar Awards 2026. The event, attended by stars including Emma Stone, Timothée Chalamet, and Michael B. Jordan, served as both a celebration and a briefing for the upcoming ceremony.
A Gathering of Oscar Hopefuls Ahead of the Big Night
With the Oscars just a month away, nominees convened at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills for the Academy’s traditional luncheon. This event is a yearly occasion where nominees across all categories, ranging from Best Animated Short to the recently introduced Casting Oscar, come together to mark their achievement and prepare for the main event. Attendees included prominent figures such as Jessie Buckley, Ryan Coogler, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Emma Stone, who joined their peers for a lunch and group portrait session.
The luncheon is known for its inclusive and communal atmosphere, offering an equal platform for veteran actors and first-time nominees to mingle, fostering a sense of solidarity among the contenders.
Guidance from the New Academy President
Lynette Howell Taylor, recently elected as the Academy’s president, addressed the nominees for the first time during this luncheon. She shared advice intended to help winners manage their acceptance speeches effectively. Taylor emphasized the importance of preparation and sincerity, urging winners to avoid appearing surprised and instead embrace their moment with heartfelt thanks. She also recommended limiting their speech to 45 seconds and selecting a single representative to thank on behalf of multiple victors.
“Don’t say you didn’t expect it. You have a one in five chance of winning.”
— Lynette Howell Taylor, Academy President
Roll Call and Group Portrait: Highlights of the Event
The central feature of the luncheon was the roll call, a ceremonial moment where each nominee was called to the stage in front of their peers, reminiscent of a high school graduation. Actor and Academy Board of Governors member Lou Diamond Phillips had the honor of reading the names. The roll call began with Delroy Lindo, nominated for Best Supporting Actor for the record-breaking film Sinners, and concluded with Teyana Taylor, a nominee for Best Supporting Actress for the rival film One Battle After Another.
This year’s luncheon marked a return to form after the previous year’s event was canceled due to devastating wildfires in Southern California. Last year, the Academy replaced it with a cocktail reception and photo session just days before the Oscars ceremony.
Significance of the Luncheon and What Lies Ahead
The Oscar nominees luncheon continues to solidify its role as a key tradition in the awards season calendar. Beyond the celebration, it offers nominees critical information about ceremony protocols and fosters camaraderie in an otherwise competitive environment. For newcomers and seasoned actors alike, this gathering is both a moment of recognition and a reminder of the challenges ahead. As April’s Oscars ceremony approaches, the industry’s brightest talents, including Emma Stone, Timothée Chalamet, and Michael B. Jordan, will carry the anticipation and advice from this event to the prestigious stage.
