Oscar nominees gathered at the Beverly Hilton on Tuesday, February 10th, for the annual pre-Oscars luncheon and iconic class photo.
The star-studded event brought together Hollywood’s biggest names ahead of the 98th Academy Awards.
From seasoned veterans to first-time nominees, the gathering showcased the diversity and talent competing for cinema’s most prestigious honors.
And this year’s crop of contenders includes some genuinely historic achievements.
A Star-Studded Gathering of Cinema’s Elite
Nominees mingled with Academy Award recipients before posing for the traditional class photo. Past winners including Paul Thomas Anderson, Steven Spielberg, Diane Warren, Joseph Kosinski, Ejae, and Geeta Gandbhir joined the celebration at the vibrant event.
The luncheon featured an impressive roster of 2026 nominees. Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, Michael B. Jordan, and Teyana Taylor represented just a fraction of the talent in attendance.
Other attendees included Jessie Buckley, Amy Madigan, Elle Fanning, Jacob Elordi, Rose Byrne, Wagner Moura, Kate Hudson, and director Chloé Zhao. Each brought their unique energy to an event celebrating exceptional filmmaking achievements.
Sinners Dominates with Record-Breaking Nominations
Sinners leads the pack with an unprecedented 16 nominations, setting a new Academy Awards record. The film’s sweep across multiple categories demonstrates its technical excellence and compelling storytelling.
Following closely behind, One Battle After Another earned 13 nominations, while Sentimental Value secured 9 nods. Hamnet rounds out the top contenders with 8 nominations, establishing this year’s race as particularly competitive.
The distribution of nominations across these four films signals voters recognized excellence in diverse storytelling approaches and genres.
Fresh Faces Make Acting Category History
Nine individuals received their first-ever nominations in acting categories, injecting fresh energy into Hollywood’s most celebrated night. This impressive class of newcomers represents diverse backgrounds and performances.
First-time acting nominees include:
- Michael B. Jordan
- Wagner Moura
- Rose Byrne
- Renate Reinsve
- Jacob Elordi
- Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas
- Wunmi Mosaku
- Teyana Taylor
Their recognition demonstrates Academy voters’ willingness to embrace new talent alongside established stars. Each brought transformative performances that captured attention throughout awards season.
Emma Stone Shatters Glass Ceiling with Historic Double
Emma Stone achieved something no other performer has accomplished in Academy Awards history. She became the youngest person and only woman ever nominated for acting and Best Picture for the same film twice.
Her dual nominations for Bugonia (2025) follow similar recognition for Poor Things (2023). Stone’s producing and acting prowess demonstrates rare versatility in an industry where few successfully navigate both creative and business aspects of filmmaking.
This milestone highlights changing dynamics in Hollywood, where actors increasingly take control of projects from development through production. Stone’s achievement may inspire more performers to expand their roles beyond camera.
Timothée Chalamet Makes His Own History
Not content to let Stone claim all historic achievements, Timothée Chalamet wrote his own record book entry. At just 30 years old, he became the youngest person ever to receive nominations for both Best Actor and Best Picture in the same year.
His dual recognition for Marty Supreme showcases his evolution from promising young talent to full-fledged creative force. Chalamet’s involvement in producing alongside starring demonstrates commitment to projects beyond performance.
The achievement positions him among Hollywood’s most influential figures at an age when many actors are still establishing themselves. His trajectory suggests decades of potential impact on cinema ahead.
What These Historic Nominations Mean for Hollywood
The records broken this year signal meaningful shifts in film industry dynamics. Younger performers taking producer roles demonstrates changing power structures and creative control distribution.
Nine first-time acting nominees suggests Academy voters actively seek fresh perspectives rather than defaulting to familiar faces. This openness benefits cinema by encouraging risk-taking and authentic storytelling.
Sinners‘ record-breaking nomination count proves technical excellence combined with compelling narrative still captures voter attention. Craft matters as much as star power in Oscar consideration.
Mark Your Calendar for Oscar Night
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony takes place Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. ABC will broadcast the event live, allowing audiences worldwide to witness who takes home golden statuettes.
With historic achievements already secured before envelopes open, this year’s ceremony promises memorable moments. Whether established stars or first-time nominees prevail, the class of 2026 has already left an indelible mark on Oscar history.
The pre-Oscars luncheon offered just a glimpse of excitement building toward Hollywood’s biggest night. As March approaches, anticipation will only intensify for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of cinematic achievement.