BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Nearly all 230 Oscar nominees across 24 categories convened on Tuesday at the Beverly Hilton for the annual Academy Award nominees luncheon, a key event marking the lead-up to next month’s ceremony. The gathering brought together actors, directors, and filmmakers, including Timothée Chalamet, in a moment of celebration, photographs, and guidance for the awards night ahead.
A Gathering of the Year’s Most Celebrated Filmmakers and Actors
Among those attending were Jessie Buckley, Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Emma Stone, who joined nominees across diverse categories, from best animated short films to the newly introduced casting award. The Beverly Hilton ballroom was especially populated by nominees connected to Sinners, the film with the greatest number of nominations in Academy history, with notable appearances by star Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler.
Guidance and Encouragement From the Academy President
Lynette Howell Taylor, newly elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, addressed the nominees for the first time during the luncheon. She advised those who may receive awards to prepare carefully for their acceptance speeches.
“Don’t say you didn’t expect it. You have a one in five chance of winning,”
she cautioned, underscoring the importance of heartfelt and concise remarks. Winners were encouraged to thank a limited number of people and keep speeches within 45 seconds to maintain impact.
Nominees from Around the Globe Share Moments
The luncheon provided an egalitarian atmosphere, where newcomers and seasoned nominees mingled. For example, documentary short nominee Craig Renaud, recognized for Armed Only With a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud, shared a conversation with Leonardo DiCaprio, nominated for best actor in One Battle After Another. Nearby, Mohammaddreza Eyni, co-director of documentary feature nominee Cutting Through Rocks, discussed his work with Ethan Hawke, an actor hopeful for his performance in Blue Moon.
A Ceremony-Like Roll Call Brings Tradition Back to Life
The central event of the luncheon was the roll call, where every nominee present was called to the stage, simulating a high school graduation. Each nominee received a certificate resembling a diploma, delighting attendees such as Elle Fanning, nominated for best supporting actress, who asked for a photo while exclaiming, “Woo-hoo!” This year’s roll call was led by actor and Academy Board of Governors member Lou Diamond Phillips. It began with Delroy Lindo, nominated for best supporting actor for Sinners, and closed with Teyana Taylor, up for best supporting actress for One Battle After Another.
Reconnecting After Last Year’s Wildfire Disruptions
This year’s luncheon marked a return to the traditional format, after last year’s event was canceled due to devastating wildfires in Southern California. Instead, a cocktail reception with a group photo took place days before the ceremony. This time, the full luncheon reinstated the celebratory gathering of nominees in person.
Notable Interactions and Exciting Encounters Among Nominees
As attendees arrived, warm reunions and new meetings took place. Steven Spielberg, nominated for best picture as a producer of Hamnet, was spotted in the lobby chatting with Paul Thomas Anderson, best director nominee for One Battle After Another. Spielberg captured a photo of Anderson posing beside an Oscar statue. Chloé Zhao, also nominated again for best director for Hamnet, shared an embrace with former Academy president Janet Yang.
Jacob Elordi, known for his height of 6-foot-5, greeted Oliver Laxe, director of Sirât, a nominee for best international feature. Elordi is nominated for best supporting actor for Frankenstein. Their encounter near the luncheon entrance attracted significant attention from photographers.
Global Representation Highlighted Among Nominees
Howell Taylor proudly reminded guests that Academy members from 88 countries participated in voting for the nominees, ensuring international coverage in every category. This diversity reflected the Academy’s ongoing commitment to recognizing talent from around the world, enriching the awards with a broad range of cultural perspectives.
The Timothée Chalamet Oscar Luncheon brought together some of the entertainment industry’s brightest talents in a setting both reflective and hopeful, balancing excitement with the nerves typical of award season. As nominees prepare for the upcoming ceremony, the luncheon served as a meaningful step in fostering camaraderie and reminding hopefuls of the support behind their craft.
