Stars and Stories at the 2026 Oscars Nominees Luncheon in Beverly Hills
Hollywood’s most-acclaimed talents and cinematic storytellers gathered Tuesday in Beverly Hills for the 2026 Oscars Nominees Luncheon, an annual celebratory event that marks the official start of the final sprint toward the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026.
The luncheon brought together nominees from across all 24 Oscars categories — from actors and directors to animators and casting professionals — for a moment of camaraderie, reflection and recognition at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
A Star-Studded Celebration Before Oscars Night
Among those in attendance were some of the year’s most talked-about nominees — including Emma Stone, Timothée Chalamet, Jessie Buckley, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Hudson, Rose Byrne, and Leonardo DiCaprio — all mingling in a relaxed but elegant atmosphere.
With invitations extended to nearly all of the roughly 230 nominees, the event served both as a celebration of achievement and a chance for Hollywood’s finest to connect before awards season reaches its climax.
“This luncheon is more than a meal — it’s a welcome into a community of storytellers whose work has defined this year’s cinematic achievements,” said Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor, addressing the nominees during the midday gathering.
Tradition Returns After a One-Year Hiatus
This year’s luncheon marked a return to tradition after the 2025 event was canceled due to devastating Southern California wildfires. Instead of last year’s abbreviated photo gathering, attendees this year enjoyed the full luncheon experience — a sign of resilience and continuity in Hollywood’s awards circuit.
A signature element of the event is the class photo, where all nominees assemble for a collective portrait that symbolizes unity and mutual respect within the industry.
Advice, Applause and Oscars Insights
In her remarks, Howell Taylor encouraged nominees to prepare short, heartfelt acceptance speeches in the event they win on Oscars night — advising winners to focus on sincerity and brevity.
The afternoon also featured a ceremonial roll call, reminiscent of a graduation, in which each nominee was acknowledged individually by Academy Board of Governors member Lou Diamond Phillips. The roll call began with actors like Delroy Lindo and concluded with nominees such as Teyana Taylor.
For many first-time nominees — including emerging performers and international filmmakers — the luncheon offered not just celebration but an opportunity to network and build community ahead of the Oscars broadcast.
Fashion, Faces and Authentic Moments
Beyond speeches and photos, the luncheon was a display of Hollywood style and personality. Actors arrived in chic, sartorial looks that blended red-carpet flair with daytime elegance — from tuxedo-inspired dresses to tailored suits and statement gowns.
Nominees exchanged hugs, shared laughter, and posed for snapshots, underscoring a sense of shared achievement after a year of remarkable cinematic storytelling.
Looking Ahead to Oscars Night
With just over a month until the 98th Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the nominees luncheon served as both a reflective pause and a moment of anticipation.
Hosted by Conan O’Brien and set to air live on March 15, 2026, the Oscars remain the industry’s most high-profile celebration of film artistry — and this year’s class of contenders reflects a diverse and dynamic range of cinematic voices.
As studios, creatives and fans alike prepare for the final countdown, Tuesday’s luncheon provided one of the first glimpses of Oscars season’s spirit: a blend of art, achievement, tradition and heartfelt enthusiasm.
