Oscar Nominees Mingle at Annual Luncheon

A-listers like Timothée Chalamet and newcomers like Jacob Elordi come together at the star-studded event.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

The annual Oscar nominees' luncheon in Beverly Hills brought together a diverse group of filmmakers, actors, and behind-the-scenes talent, allowing them to mingle on equal footing. Veteran directors like Steven Spielberg mingled with first-time nominees, and a sense of camaraderie pervaded the event as attendees celebrated their shared accomplishment of being recognized by the Academy.

Why it matters

The Oscar nominees' luncheon is a unique event that provides a rare opportunity for the wide range of talent recognized by the Academy Awards to come together in a relaxed, informal setting. It allows A-list stars to connect with lesser-known documentarians and technicians, fostering a sense of community within the industry.

The details

At the luncheon, documentary filmmaker Ryan White, who received his first Oscar nomination, mingled with the likes of Timothée Chalamet and Emma Stone. Newly installed Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro was also in attendance, sipping white wine and taking in the star-studded scene. First-time nominees like actor Jacob Elordi and director Oliver Laxe embraced, relieved to find someone of similar stature. Veteran director Jared Bush, an Oscar winner for 'Encanto,' discussed the will-they-or-won't-they tension between the 'Zootopia' franchise's fox and bunny leads, hinting that a kiss may be in store for the third film.

  • The Oscar nominees' luncheon was held on Tuesday afternoon in Beverly Hills.

The players

Ryan White

A documentary filmmaker who received his first Oscar nomination.

Timothée Chalamet

An A-list actor and Oscar nominee.

Emma Stone

An A-list actress and Oscar nominee.

Josh D'Amaro

The newly installed Disney chief executive.

Jacob Elordi

A first-time Oscar nominee and one of the tallest contenders of the season.

Oliver Laxe

A first-time Oscar nominee and one of the tallest contenders of the season.

Jared Bush

An animated-feature winner (for 'Encanto') who is nominated once more, this time for 'Zootopia 2.'

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What they’re saying

“I'm a massive Oscar nerd. I had every Oscar book growing up and I could tell you any winner from any year, so to get to come to this is a childhood dream.”

— Ryan White, Documentary filmmaker (New York Times)

“They need to kiss.”

— Interviewer (New York Times)

“You've got to wait until No. 3 for that.”

— Jared Bush, Director (New York Times)

“Then it's like the gauze comes off your eyes and you see the privilege of this. It's the gift of people you looked up to your whole life who are now your peers.”

— Greg Kwedar, Writer-director (New York Times)

“I am so embarrassed. In a drawer.”

— Domee Shi, Director of 'Elio' (New York Times)

What’s next

The Oscar ceremony will take place next month, where the winners will be announced.

The takeaway

The Oscar nominees' luncheon serves as a reminder of the diverse talent and shared camaraderie within the film industry, as established stars mingle with rising newcomers in a spirit of celebration and mutual respect.