Inside the 2026 Oscars Nominees Luncheon Celebration
The 2026 Oscars nominees luncheon returned on Feb. 10 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, bringing together nearly all of the 230 contenders across 24 Academy Award categories for a festive celebration and networking event ahead of the 98th Academy Awards on March 15.
The annual gathering offers nominees a chance to relax, connect, and celebrate their achievements before the big night.
Attendees included a mix of Hollywood’s biggest names -from veteran stars to first-time nominees. Among those spotted were Jessie Buckley, Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Stone, Kate Hudson, Michael B. Jordan, Rose Byrne, Jacob Elordi, Wagner Moura, Elle Fanning, Chloé Zhao, and many others.
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Hollywood’s Big Moments and Mingling
The luncheon featured a relaxed red-carpet atmosphere where nominees mingled over lunch, posed for photos, and enjoyed conversations with peers across film genres. Actors, directors, and film professionals alike took part in the traditional class photo, a defining moment that symbolized unity and shared excitement for this year’s awards season.
Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor addressed the crowd – many attending their first Oscars celebration – urging them to prepare concise, heartfelt speeches in the event of a win and to embrace their diverse creative journeys.
Style, Spirit and Pre-Oscars Buzz
Fashion and A-List Presence
Nominees showcased a range of styles on the luncheon’s unofficial carpet, from sophisticated gowns and tailored suits to inventive interpretations of Hollywood chic. Stars like Emma Stone and Kate Hudson turned heads with elegant ensembles that reflected both personal flair and awards-season polish.
First-time nominees, including Teyana Taylor, expressed their joy and disbelief at being recognized among peers, describing the occasion as a “fairytale” moment and celebrating the camaraderie of being honored alongside longtime collaborators.
The luncheon also spotlighted films that dominated the nominations, including the record-setting Sinners, and served as a reminder of cinema’s global reach, with nominees representing 29 countries and regions around the world.
Looking Ahead to Oscar Night
As nominees look forward to March’s awards ceremony – hosted by Conan O’Brien – the luncheon highlighted both the competitive spirit and supportive community at the heart of the Oscars. For many attendees, the event served as a rare pause from campaigns and press tours – a moment to celebrate craft, storytelling, and the honor of being nominated.