Beverly Hills, CA – The atmosphere at Tuesday’s Oscar nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton was, as many attendees noted, uniquely relaxed. A rare pause in the often-relentless awards season, the luncheon offered a moment for competitors to connect as colleagues and for the reality of an Academy Award nomination to truly sink in.
The annual event, a carefully orchestrated logistical exercise, saw nominees arrive without the usual entourage of publicists (unless attending as guests). Table assignments were randomized, encouraging interaction between artists and collaborators from different films. The luncheon served as a celebratory gathering for the 98th Academy Awards, with most of the nominees in attendance.
Newly elected Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor addressed the nominees, emphasizing the significance of the moment and the communal spirit of the gathering. She specifically highlighted the recognition of casting directors this year, a point that drew audible appreciation from the room.
This year’s nominations were largely dominated by Warner Bros., fueled by the critical and commercial success of Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” and Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners.” Coogler’s vampire epic led the field with a record-setting 16 nominations, while Anderson’s action drama followed closely with 13. Both films are vying for the coveted Best Picture award, alongside “Bugonia,” “F1,” “Frankenstein,” “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “The Secret Agent,” “Sentimental Value” and “Train Dreams.”
While decorum generally prevailed, the loudest applause of the afternoon was reserved for Ryan Coogler when his name was announced. His wife and fellow producer, Zinzi Coogler, was visibly enthusiastic in her support. Benicio Del Toro, nominated for his supporting role in “One Battle After Another,” also received a particularly warm reception upon entering the room, as did Guillermo del Toro, a nominated producer on “Frankenstein.”
Lou Diamond Phillips, a member of the Academy’s acting branch Board of Governors, led the reading of nominees’ names, beginning with Delroy Lindo (nominated for supporting actor for “Sinners”) and concluding with Teyana Taylor (nominated for supporting actress for “One Battle After Another”). Taylor joked with Variety on her way out, “They saved the best for last.” The announcement of the casting director nominees also drew a noticeable response, a moment Howell Taylor had specifically acknowledged in her remarks.
Several nominees were unable to attend. Ludwig Göransson, widely considered the frontrunner for original score for “Sinners,” was in London completing work on Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, “The Odyssey.” Renate Reinsve, nominated for best actress for “Sentimental Value,” was also absent due to filming commitments on Alexander Payne’s Danish-language feature, “Somewhere Out There.” Sean Penn, a six-time acting nominee, did not attend, continuing a pattern of distance from the Academy Awards. Natalie Portman, nominated as a producer on the animated feature “Arco,” and Sam Mendes were also absent, likely focused on ongoing projects.
A particularly heartwarming moment unfolded at Table 23, where Variety was seated. Brazilian cinematographer Adolpho Veloso (“Train Dreams”) enthusiastically celebrated each Brazilian nominee announced, including Wagner Moura (“The Secret Agent”) and Kleber Mendonça Filho.
The room itself was notable for its height, prompting quiet observations about the unusually tall gathering of nominees. Jacob Elordi (6’5”), nominated for supporting actor for “Frankenstein,” stood out, as did producer Scott Stuber, Stellan Skarsgård, and director Oliver Laxe. Guillermo del Toro’s presence helped lighten the mood and encourage genuine smiles during the group photo.
Disney’s new CEO, Josh D’Amaro, attended alongside Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, signaling a continued commitment to the Academy Awards as ABC enters its final three years as the broadcast partner.
Before the luncheon concluded, Howell Taylor offered practical advice for nominees preparing their acceptance speeches. She encouraged nominees to write their speeches in advance, keep them concise (45 seconds), focus on heartfelt emotion, designate a single speaker for group wins, avoid using cell phones or reading from paper, and avoid leaning into the microphone.
The luncheon also provided opportunities for warm reunions and connections. Kate Hudson, nominated for best actress for “Song Sung Blue,” returned to the Oscars after a 25-year absence. Jessie Buckley, nominated for best actress for “Hamnet,” shared a tender moment with Rose Byrne (“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”), both considered strong contenders in the category. Chloé Zhao, writer and director of “Hamnet,” was visibly happy and engaged with fellow nominees. Elle Fanning was also present, savoring her first Oscar nomination for “Sentimental Value.”
EJAE, the singer-songwriter behind “Golden” from “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” was a lively presence, chatting with nominees including Emma Stone. Josh Safdie, nominated in four categories for “Marty Supreme,” also drew attention. Ethan Hawke was seen circulating and sharing hugs with Timothée Chalamet and Michael Barker, with both actors expressing gratitude for Barker’s support of their careers. Anderson and Steven Spielberg were observed in conversation in the lobby.
Amy Madigan, nominated for “Weapons,” received a warm welcome, marking her first nomination in decades. Virgil Williams, a past nominee for “Mudbound,” exchanged contact information with Diane Warren, and later chatted with Teyana Taylor. Leonardo DiCaprio attended with his father, and Chalamet and Stone engaged in a lengthy conversation at their assigned table.
The luncheon concluded with a reminder that even amidst the celebration, the industry continues to move forward. Jacob Elordi, starring in the upcoming “Wuthering Heights,” was seen hugging Warner Bros. Pictures co-chief Pam Abdy, a sign that the next season is already underway.
