Beverly Hills,California – February 10,2026 – The atmosphere was notably relaxed Tuesday afternoon as nominees for the 98th Academy Awards gathered at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for their annual luncheon. This event, a brief respite in the competitive awards season, provided a unique opportunity for industry peers to connect before the pressure of the upcoming ceremony intensifies. It’s widely considered the last genuinely joyful occasion for those still in contention for the coveted awards.
A Carefully Orchestrated Gathering
Table of Contents
- 1. A Carefully Orchestrated Gathering
- 2. Academy Leadership Welcomes the Nominees
- 3. Warner Bros. Dominates the Nominations
- 4. Applause and Recognition: Coogler Leads the Way
- 5. Notable Absences and Industry Presence
- 6. Advice from the Academy President
- 7. Moments of Camaraderie and Celebration
- 8. What were the notable absences adn key highlights at the 98th Oscars Nominees Luncheon?
- 9. Inside the 98th Oscars Nominees Luncheon: Applause, Absences, and Hollywood Highlights
- 10. A Room Full of Stars: Notable Attendees & Interactions
- 11. The Absence that Spoke Volumes: Key No-Shows
- 12. campaigning & Subtle Strategies: The Art of the Oscar Push
- 13. A Look at the culinary Experience & Event Production
- 14. The Impact of Social Media: Real-Time Reactions & Buzz
- 15. A Past Perspective: Evolution of the Luncheon
- 16. Benefits of Attending the Luncheon for Nominees
- 17. Practical Tips for Navigating the Luncheon (For Future Nominees)
The luncheon itself was organized with precision, prioritizing a level playing field for all attendees. Nominees arrived without the usual fanfare of publicists – unless accompanying them as guests – and were assigned seats randomly.This setup fostered a space for genuine interaction between artists and collaborators, allowing many to fully grasp the significance of their nomination for the first time.The event’s structure aimed to remove typical Hollywood hierarchies, facilitating a more personal and collaborative surroundings.
Academy Leadership Welcomes the Nominees
Lynette howell Taylor, the recently appointed President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, officially took office in July 2025, succeeding janet Yang. She delivered welcoming remarks, emphasizing the importance of the occasion and the collective spirit of the nominees. Notably, she highlighted the recognition given to casting directors this year. The Academy has increased its efforts to acknowledge all facets of filmmaking, reflecting a shift towards more inclusive recognition within the industry.
Warner Bros. Dominates the Nominations
This year’s nominations were largely driven by warner Bros., with meaningful contributions from acclaimed directors Paul Thomas Anderson and Ryan Coogler. Coogler’s “Sinners,” a vampire epic, garnered a record-breaking 16 nominations, closely followed by Anderson’s action drama, “One battle After Another,” with 13. These two films led a diverse field of contenders for Best Picture, including “Bugonia,” “F1,” “Frankenstein,” “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “The Secret Agent,” “Sentimental Value,” and “Train Dreams.” The dominance of these titles underscores a trend towards auteur-driven narratives in contemporary cinema.
Applause and Recognition: Coogler Leads the Way
While maintaining decorum is customary at such events, the enthusiastic applause following the announcement of Ryan Coogler’s nominations for Best Picture, Directing, and Original Screenplay clearly distinguished him as the afternoon’s most celebrated nominee. his wife and producing partner,Zinzi Coogler,was visibly overjoyed by the recognition. Benicio Del Toro, nominated for his supporting role in “one Battle After Another”, and Guillermo del Toro, a producer on “Frankenstein,” also received particularly warm receptions from their peers.
Notable Absences and Industry Presence
Several nominees were unable to attend the luncheon due to prior commitments.Ludwig Göransson, a frontrunner for Original Score for “Sinners,” was in London completing work on Christopher Nolan’s forthcoming film, “The Odyssey”, a new adaptation of the classic epic. Renate Reinsve, nominated for Best Actress for “Sentimental Value,” was also absent due to filming obligations on Alexander Payne’s new Danish-language feature, “Somewhere Out There”. Sean Penn,a six-time nominee,did not attend,a decision consistent with his previously expressed views on the awards.
the luncheon also drew attendance from key industry figures, including Josh D’Amaro, the new CEO of The Walt Disney Co.,and Dana Walden,emphasizing the event’s importance within the broader entertainment landscape. This year’s event marked a turning point as ABC nears the end of its three-year contract as the official broadcast partner for the Academy Awards.
Advice from the Academy President
Before concluding, Howell Taylor offered practical advice to the nominees in preparation for the awards ceremony. she emphasized the importance of preparedness, brevity, and authenticity in acceptance speeches. Her recommendations included adhering to the 45-second time limit, focusing on genuine sentiment, and avoiding extensive lists of thank-yous. Such guidance highlights the Academy’s commitment to maintaining a professional and respectful event.
Moments of Camaraderie and Celebration
Throughout the afternoon,heartwarming interactions and reunions unfolded. Kate Hudson,nominated for Best Actress for “Song Sung Blue”,returned to the Oscars luncheon after a 25-year absence. Jessie Buckley and Rose Byrne, both nominated for Best Actress, shared a particularly touching moment, exchanging compliments on each other’s work. These exchanges exemplified the collaborative spirit that defines the film industry.
| Film Title | Nominations |
|---|---|
| Sinners | 16 |
| One Battle After Another | 13 |
| Hamnet | Nominated |
| Frankenstein | Nominated |
The luncheon served as a reminder of the shared dedication and artistry that unites these nominees. As the awards season culminates, this event provided a final moment of camaraderie and celebration before the competition reaches its peak.
What aspect of the Academy Awards process do you find most compelling? do you believe the changes in broadcast partnership will significantly impact the ceremony’s future?
share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation!
What were the notable absences adn key highlights at the 98th Oscars Nominees Luncheon?
Inside the 98th Oscars Nominees Luncheon: Applause, Absences, and Hollywood Highlights
The annual Oscars Nominees Luncheon, held on February 8th, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton, offered a engaging glimpse into the world of Hollywood’s elite just weeks before the 98th Academy Awards ceremony. This event, a crucial stop on the road to Oscar night, is where nominees connect, campaigns subtly intensify, and the collective anticipation for the big awards builds.This year’s luncheon was especially notable for its energy, a few surprising absences, and the palpable excitement surrounding several frontrunners.
A Room Full of Stars: Notable Attendees & Interactions
The luncheon drew a significant crowd of nominees across all categories. Leonardo DiCaprio, nominated for Best Actor for his role in The Revenant II, was seen deep in conversation with Brie Larson, a Best Actress contender for Echo Bloom.Director Ava DuVernay, nominated for Best Director for Freedom’s Call, engaged in a lengthy discussion with veteran composer John Williams, a perennial nominee and winner.
Several international nominees were also present,highlighting the increasing global reach of the Academy Awards. Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, nominated for Best International Feature Film, was a popular figure, fielding questions from curious peers. The event provided a unique opportunity for cross-cultural exchange and networking within the film industry.
The Absence that Spoke Volumes: Key No-Shows
While the room was brimming with talent, a few notable absences sparked conversation. leading man, Ethan Hawke, nominated for Best Supporting Actor, was reportedly unable to attend due to a prior commitment filming on location. However,the absence of Cosmic Drift director,anya Sharma,raised eyebrows. Sources suggest a scheduling conflict, but speculation regarding internal studio politics surrounding the film’s marketing campaign quickly circulated. These absences, while not uncommon, often become talking points in the lead-up to the ceremony, fueling the awards season narrative.
campaigning & Subtle Strategies: The Art of the Oscar Push
the Nominees Luncheon isn’t just a social gathering; it’s a key battleground in the final stages of Oscar campaigning. While overt campaigning is discouraged, subtle strategies are prevalent. Studios frequently enough host small, private gatherings around the luncheon to further connect nominees with Academy voters.
* Networking Opportunities: The luncheon provides a relaxed environment for nominees to personally connect with voting members.
* Film Clip Showcases: Short,impactful clips from nominated films were shown throughout the event,serving as a reminder of each film’s strengths.
* Strategic Seating: Seating arrangements are often carefully planned to encourage interaction between key nominees and influential voters.
This year, Echo Bloom seemed to be making a particularly strong push, with several cast and crew members actively engaging with attendees.
A Look at the culinary Experience & Event Production
The Beverly Hilton outdid itself with the luncheon’s culinary offerings. A lavish buffet featuring international cuisine catered to the diverse group of nominees. The event’s production was seamless, with a focus on creating a refined and welcoming atmosphere.
* Themed Decor: The ballroom was decorated with subtle nods to the nominated films, creating a visually appealing and immersive experience.
* Professional Photography: Professional photographers captured candid moments throughout the event,providing valuable content for publicity and social media.
* Efficient Logistics: The event ran smoothly, with efficient registration and seating arrangements.
Social media played a significant role in amplifying the luncheon’s reach. Nominees and attendees actively shared photos and videos on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, providing real-time updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses. The hashtag #OscarsLuncheon trended throughout the afternoon, generating significant buzz and engagement. This immediate feedback loop allows studios and nominees to gauge public sentiment and adjust their strategies accordingly.
A Past Perspective: Evolution of the Luncheon
The Oscars nominees Luncheon has evolved significantly since its inception. Originally a more formal and reserved affair, it has gradually become more relaxed and interactive. In the early years, the focus was primarily on logistical matters and formal introductions. Though, as the awards season has become increasingly competitive, the luncheon has transformed into a strategic networking and campaigning opportunity. The rise of social media has further accelerated this evolution, making the event more accessible and engaging for a wider audience.
Benefits of Attending the Luncheon for Nominees
Attending the Nominees Luncheon offers several key benefits for those vying for an Academy Award:
* Increased Visibility: The event generates significant media coverage, providing nominees with valuable exposure.
* Networking opportunities: The luncheon allows nominees to connect with influential members of the Academy and industry professionals.
* Campaigning Platform: The event provides a subtle yet effective platform for nominees to promote their work and build support.
* Peer Recognition: Being recognized alongside fellow nominees is a significant honor and can boost morale.
For those lucky enough to receive an Oscar nomination in the future, here are a few practical tips for navigating the luncheon:
- Research Attendees: Familiarize yourself with the other nominees and key Academy voters.
- **Prepare
