Hollywood’s elite gathered at the Beverly Hilton for this year’s Oscar nominations lunch, where 197 nominees showed up for the traditional class photo.
The event doubled as a celebration of cinematic achievement and a sobering reminder of the real-world stakes some filmmakers face.
Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor set the tone with a powerful message about storytelling’s impact.
Notable absences included Sean Penn and an Iranian screenwriter currently imprisoned—a stark contrast to the celebratory atmosphere.
The Applause Meter Speaks Volumes
Lou Diamond Phillips played MC as he called each nominee to the riser, and the crowd’s reactions revealed Hollywood’s current favorites. Michael B. Jordan, director Ryan Coogler, and Delroy Lindo drew enthusiastic cheers for “Sinners.”
Leonardo DiCaprio and Paul Thomas Anderson generated equal excitement for “One Battle After Another.” DiCaprio revealed he’s about to begin shooting a new Martin Scorsese project with Jennifer Lawrence called “What Happens at Night.”
Your storytelling is the greatest truth we have. Giving your time and energy to this art form is crucial because movies can change perspectives.
Emma Stone received a warm reception for “Bugonia,” while the “KPop Demon Hunters” team clustered around Timothée Chalamet for photos. Guillermo del Toro, Jacob Elordi, and 12-time nominee Alexandre Desplat also drew significant applause.
A Shadow Over the Celebration
The lunch took on deeper significance when director Jafar Panahi shared sobering news. His “It Was Just an Accident” co-writer Mehdi Mahmoudian was sent to prison in Iran earlier this month.
Panahi told reporters he plans to return to Iran after the Oscars, knowing he may face imprisonment himself. This stark reality check contrasted sharply with the glamorous surroundings and industry networking happening throughout the room.
High-Profile Conversations
The lunch facilitated numerous fascinating encounters. Ethan Hawke chatted with Chloé Zhao, while Chalamet and DiCaprio connected over their shared experiences.
Benicio Del Toro spoke with Oliver Laxe about “Sirat.” Warner Bros. executive Michael De Luca discussed upcoming projects with “F1” producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who’s developing sequels for “Top Gun,” “Heat 2,” and a “Pirates of the Caribbean” film starring Margot Robbie.
Steven Spielberg made Delroy Lindo’s day with a conversation before heading to the riser as producer of “Hamnet.” Lindo, currently writing his memoirs, was seated at a table observing the festivities.
Disney Leadership Makes Appearance
Instead of former CEO Bob Iger, newly appointed Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro attended alongside content chief Dana Walden. Her network ABC holds the Oscar broadcast contract through 2028.
After that milestone year, the show will transition to YouTube—a significant shift in how audiences consume the ceremony.
What to Expect on Oscar Night
The 98th Academy Awards will air March 15 on ABC with returning executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan. Host Conan O’Brien marks his second consecutive year helming the ceremony.
Producers promise surprise appearances from Oscar veterans and a special musical interlude. They’ve limited song performances to just two: “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” and “I Lied to You” from “Sinners.”
Historic Casting Award Debuts
For the first time ever, the Academy will present an Oscar for Best Casting. This long-awaited recognition acknowledges a crucial behind-the-scenes role that shapes every film’s success.
Ratings Could Surge This Year
Industry insiders predict improved viewership numbers thanks to the commercial success of leading contenders. “One Battle After Another,” “Sinners,” “Hamnet,” and “Marty Supreme” all performed well at the box office.
While major categories seem predictable—Jessie Buckley from “Hamnet” appears locked for her category—smart Oscar pool players should focus on craft categories, documentaries, and shorts.
The visual effects team from “Avatar: Fire and Ash” stands out as a strong contender in their category.
Documentary Nominee Creates Real-World Impact
“The Alabama Solution” director Andrew Jarecki shared an update about his documentary’s consequences. After waiting a year following the film’s Sundance debut, Alabama’s prison system placed his two lead activists—Melvin Ray and Robert Earl Council—in solitary confinement.
Public protests eventually secured their return to regular cells, demonstrating how documentary filmmaking can drive tangible change beyond awards recognition.
The Grand Finale
Oscar planners saved their biggest names for last. Chalamet, Coogler, Anderson, Del Toro, and Jessie Buckley were called to the riser together in a strategic move that brought down the house.
The standing ovation capped an afternoon that balanced Hollywood glamour with meaningful reminders about cinema’s power to illuminate truth and inspire action—even when artists risk everything to share their stories.