In one of Hollywood’s most anticipated entertainment milestones of the year, the nominees for the 98th Academy Awards gathered in Los Angeles for the annual Oscar Nominees Luncheon and class photo, marking a high‑profile moment in the 2026 awards season. This event, held on February 10 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and widely covered by entertainment press and industry outlets through February 11, brought together hundreds of leading artists, filmmakers, and industry professionals ahead of the March 15 Oscars ceremony.
The luncheon serves as both a celebratory celebration and a symbolic gathering, giving nominees an opportunity to meet, mingle, and celebrate their achievements before the competitive tension of awards night. Traditionally one of the most star‑studded dates on the awards calendar, it combines a relaxed, collegial atmosphere with networking and camaraderie that reflects the creative diversity behind one of the entertainment industry’s most prestigious honors.
A Celebration of Achievement and Anticipation
This year’s luncheon featured nearly all of the 230 Oscar nominees spanning 24 categories, including actors, directors, screenwriters, cinematographers, composers, and emerging talent from both mainstream and independent film sectors. Notable figures in attendance included acclaimed performers such as Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, and Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as standout creatives like Ryan Coogler, whose film Sinners dominated the nominations earlier in the season with a record‑breaking total.
Aside from social interaction and photo opportunities, the luncheon also offered thoughtful moments. Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor addressed the assembly, reminding nominees of the importance of heartfelt and concise acceptance speeches should they win on Oscars night, while underscoring the community spirit that defines this industry celebration.
The Iconic Class Photo
The highlight of the afternoon was the traditional class photo, a group portrait capturing the moment in cinematic history when the year’s most honored artists stand together before the legendary award night. Taken after the luncheon, the image symbolized both achievement and anticipation, forever documenting this cohort of creatives ahead of the 2026 Oscars.
Entertainment media outlet described the photo session as a lively gathering, with personalities ranging from seasoned veterans to first‑time nominees posing together on risers, celebrating their shared accomplishments before fans and the world.
What Sinners and Others Bring to the Awards Narrative
Central to this year’s pre‑Oscar buzz is the film Sinners, which broke records with a historic 16 nominations, making it the most nominated film in Academy history, a feat that has stirred extensive industry discussion and positioned the movie as a frontrunner in multiple key categories.
Other notable films attracting attention include One Battle After Another, Frankenstein, Hamnet, and Marty Supreme, each receiving multiple nominations in top categories ranging from Best Picture to individual performance awards. This diverse slate reflects a dynamic year in American and global cinema, blending studio epics with auteur works and independent successes alike.
Significance for Entertainment and Cultural Landscape
While the Oscars ceremony itself remains weeks away, the nominees luncheon and class photo act as a bellwether for industry trends and audience anticipation. For audiences, these moments offer a first glimpse at the year’s most celebrated creative endeavors and invite deeper engagement with films that may shape cinematic conversation worldwide.
For industry professionals, from actors to technicians, the event represents recognition from peers and a unique opportunity to connect with collaborators across disciplines. In this sense, the Oscars luncheon transcends simple photo ops; it is a reflection of the vibrancy, complexity, and evolving dynamics of modern entertainment.
As the countdown to the 98th Academy Awards continues, fans and industry observers alike will watch closely to see how these nominees translate their early accolades into Oscars gold when the ceremony unfolds live in March.