Oscar Nominees Gather for Luncheon and Class Photo

Nearly all 230 Oscar nominees across 24 categories attend annual pre-ceremony event

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Academy Award nominees luncheon, an annual event that brings together nearly all of the 230 people up for Oscars across 24 categories, took place on Tuesday in Beverly Hills, California. The luncheon functions as a celebration, group portrait session, and orientation for the upcoming Oscar ceremony. Nominees including Jessie Buckley, Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, Ryan Coogler, and Emma Stone attended the event, which featured a roll call of nominees and instructions from Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor on how to handle acceptance speeches.

Why it matters

The nominees luncheon is a long-standing tradition that allows Oscar contenders to mingle, take a class photo, and prepare for the big night. It serves as an important precursor to the Academy Awards ceremony, providing nominees with guidance and a sense of camaraderie ahead of Hollywood's biggest night.

The details

The luncheon, held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, brought together nominees across all 24 Oscar categories, from acting to directing to technical awards. Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor addressed the attendees, urging them to be prepared for their acceptance speeches and to keep them concise if they win. The event also featured a roll call where each nominee in attendance was summoned to the stage, similar to a high school graduation.

  • The luncheon took place on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 2, 2026.

The players

Jessie Buckley

An Irish actress nominated for an Oscar for her work.

Timothée Chalamet

An American actor nominated for an Oscar for his performance.

Lynette Howell Taylor

The president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who addressed the nominees at the luncheon.

Lou Diamond Phillips

An actor and member of the Academy's Board of Governors, who read the roll call of nominees.

Elle Fanning

An American actress nominated for an Oscar in the best supporting actress category.

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What they’re saying

“Be prepared. Don't say you didn't expect it. You have a one in five chance of winning.”

— Lynette Howell Taylor, President, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

“Woo-hoo!”

— Elle Fanning, Best Supporting Actress Nominee

What’s next

The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 2, 2026, where the Oscar winners will be announced.

The takeaway

The annual Oscar nominees luncheon is an important tradition that brings together the year's top film talents, allowing them to celebrate their achievements, prepare for the big ceremony, and foster a sense of community ahead of Hollywood's biggest night.