Oscar Hopefuls Gather for Rare Moment of Calm Before Awards Season’s Final Push
The annual Academy Awards nominees luncheon offered a brief respite from the intense campaigning of awards season, as 203 of this year’s 230 nominees gathered at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Tuesday for a moment of convivial mingling. With the 98th Academy Awards ceremony just weeks away on March 15, the event provided a unique opportunity for nominees to connect with peers, ranging from established stars to first-time contenders, before voting begins on February 26.
A Star-Studded Gathering
The luncheon drew a diverse array of talent. At 6 feet 5 inches tall, Jacob Elordi, nominated for his role in “Frankenstein,” was easily spotted as he greeted Teyana Taylor, a supporting actress nominee for “One Battle After Another.” Nearby, veteran actor Leonardo DiCaprio caught up with director Steven Spielberg, who first directed him 24 years ago in “Catch Me If You Can.” Filmmakers also connected with one another, as “Sentimental Value” director Joachim Trier huddled with Paul Thomas Anderson, a fellow directing nominee for “One Battle After Another.” Even after 17 nominations, songwriter Diane Warren paused to capture the moment with a selfie, seemingly still energized by the experience.
A Welcome Reprieve, But Competition Looms
The gathering, a tradition dating back to 1982 and returning after a one-year hiatus due to the 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires, offered a welcome change of pace. Nominees like Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, and Kate Hudson shared champagne toasts with those less widely known, including nominees in categories like animation, sound, and live-action short film. However, the Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor acknowledged the looming reality: roughly 80% of nominees will not win on Oscar night.
Historic Representation and Personal Stories
For many first-time nominees, the luncheon held particular significance. Christalyn Hampton, a co-director of the documentary short “The Devil Is Busy,” which explores a day at an Atlanta abortion clinic, expressed excitement at meeting director Ryan Coogler, whose film “Sinners” leads the nominations with a record 16 nods. “We’re two African American directors nominated this year — I think that’s pretty historic,” Hampton said, reflecting on the importance of the moment.
The event also underscored the complex realities facing the film industry and the world at large. Discussions among attendees reportedly touched on the potential acquisition of Warner Bros. by either Netflix or Paramount, and the implications for the future of cinema. Howell Taylor addressed these concerns directly, stating, “The art you create is vital,” and acknowledging the challenges nominees face in a time of industry contraction, political volatility, and global conflict.
Global Turmoil Casts a Shadow
The weight of current events was particularly acute for nominees like Sara Khaki, co-director of the documentary feature “Cutting Through Rocks,” which follows the story of the first Iranian woman elected to a rural village council. Khaki described the situation in her home country as “terrible and wonderful,” with protests against the Iranian government unfolding amidst the celebration of her nomination. Tragically, Mehdi Mahmoudian, a co-writer of the nominated drama “It Was Just an Accident,” was recently arrested in Iran for condemning the government’s crackdown on protestors.
Finding Inspiration and Preparing for the Stage
Attendees were asked to reflect on the films that inspired them to pursue a career in filmmaking. Chloé Zhao, a past Oscar winner and current directing nominee for “Hamnet,” cited Hirokazu Kore-eda’s 1998 film “After Life” as a formative influence. The responses will be incorporated into a special moment during the Oscar telecast.
Howell Taylor also offered practical advice for nominees, urging them to keep acceptance speeches concise – no more than 45 seconds – and to avoid lengthy thank-you lists. “You are the show,” she reminded them, emphasizing the importance of making the most of the moment.
