Oscars Luncheon 2026: Nominees Relax Before the Big Night

Beverly Hills, CA – A sense of camaraderie permeated the Beverly Hilton’s international ballroom on Tuesday as nominees for the 98th Academy Awards gathered for the annual Oscar Nominees Luncheon. The event, a respite from the increasingly competitive awards season, offered a rare opportunity for the 230 nominees to connect without the pressures of campaigning.

Among those in attendance were Steven Spielberg, nominated for Hamnet; Timothée Chalamet, recognized for his role in Marty Supreme; Leonardo DiCaprio, for One Battle After Another; Emma Stone, for Bugonia; Michael B. Jordan, for Sinners; and Kate Hudson, for Song Sung Blue, according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter. Notably absent were Renate Reinsve, currently filming another project, and Sean Penn, who traditionally avoids awards season events.

The luncheon, which returned to the Beverly Hilton after a one-year hiatus due to wildfires, saw nominees mingling freely. Wagner Moura was seen with Telluride Film Festival chief Julie Huntsinger, later joining Elle Fanning in conversation. Benicio Del Toro exchanged greetings with Josh Safdie and engaged in a lengthy discussion with Sirât director Oliver Laxe. The arrival of Jacob Elordi drew significant attention from photographers, as did the cast and crew of KPop Demon Hunters. Jessie Buckley shared a warm embrace with fellow Best Actress nominee Rose Byrne.

Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor addressed the nominees, highlighting the international scope of this year’s nominations. She noted that the 230 nominees represented over 29 countries and regions, and that all 24 categories included international representation. Taylor also celebrated a record 76 women nominated this year, and specifically acknowledged the new casting director category, the first new award added since 2001.

Taylor also extended her gratitude to the journalists covering the event, recognizing their role in documenting and sharing the art of filmmaking. She offered advice to nominees preparing their acceptance speeches, urging them to prioritize authenticity and heartfelt expression over exhaustive lists of acknowledgements. “The truth is, you’ll forget someone — you’ll feel terrible, they’ll feel terrible,” she said. “So instead, suppose about what it means to you and strive to communicate that.”

Lou Diamond Phillips took on the task of announcing each nominee, meticulously pronouncing over 200 names. The process involved some logistical adjustments, including moving the 6-foot-6 Oliver Laxe to the back row near Jacob Elordi. As names were called, nominees greeted each other with handshakes, hugs, and high-fives. Michael B. Jordan received an extended hug from fellow Best Actor nominee Ethan Hawke, while Jessie Buckley embraced Paul Thomas Anderson, who then warmly welcomed Guillermo del Toro.

The luncheon concluded with a palpable sense of anticipation as nominees prepare for the 98th Academy Awards ceremony, the date of which remains unannounced.