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Oscars Nominees Luncheon Offers Calm Before Awards Storm
Annual gathering brings together Hollywood's elite ahead of 98th Academy Awards
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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The annual Oscars Nominees Luncheon, held Tuesday at The Beverly Hilton, offered a rare moment of calm before the storm of the 98th Academy Awards. The meticulously planned event allowed nominees to connect as colleagues, with table assignments randomized to encourage unexpected interactions. Notable reactions included loud applause for nominees like Ryan Coogler and Benicio Del Toro, while some nominees like Ludwig Göransson and Renate Reinsve were absent due to work commitments. The luncheon also highlighted the changing landscape of awards season, with the dominance of auteur-driven films like 'One Battle After Another' and 'Sinners'.
Why it matters
The Oscars Nominees Luncheon is a key event in the awards season calendar, providing a chance for nominees to celebrate their achievements and build connections before the high-pressure ceremony. This year's gathering underscored the evolving nature of the Oscars, with the rise of auteur-driven films and the impending transition of the broadcast partner.
The details
The luncheon itself is a meticulously planned event, with nominees arriving through a streamlined process and table assignments randomized to foster unexpected interactions. Certain reactions stood out, such as the loud applause for nominees like Ryan Coogler and Benicio Del Toro. However, not all nominees were able to attend, with some like Ludwig Göransson and Renate Reinsve absent due to work commitments.
- The annual Oscars Nominees Luncheon was held on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
The players
Lynette Howell Taylor
Academy President who offered nominees practical advice for the Oscars ceremony.
Ryan Coogler
Filmmaker nominated for multiple categories for his film 'Sinners'.
Benicio Del Toro
Actor nominated for supporting role in 'One Battle After Another'.
Ludwig Göransson
Composer nominated for original score for 'Sinners', who was unable to attend due to work commitments in London.
Renate Reinsve
Actress nominated for best actress for 'Sentimental Value', who was absent due to filming commitments.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This year's Oscars Nominees Luncheon highlighted the changing landscape of awards season, with the rise of auteur-driven films and the impending transition of the Oscars broadcast partner, hinting at a period of evolution for the prestigious ceremony.
