On Tuesday at the historic Beverly Hilton, top Hollywood actors and industry professionals convened for the 98th annual Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon. The event drew major attention, showcasing glamorous fashion as nominees prepared for the upcoming Oscars. Emma Stone Oscar Luncheon appearances, along with those of fellow nominees Kate Hudson, Elle Fanning, and Teyana Taylor, highlighted the red carpet with striking style choices.
Emma Stone Captivates in Bold Tuxedo Dress
Emma Stone, nominated for Best Actress for her role in “Bugonia,” stood out with a daring low-cut black tuxedo dress featuring satin pockets, opting to go bra-free. She complemented the look with black stockings and strappy heels, wearing her signature red hair in a short, wavy bob that framed her face elegantly. This ensemble generated buzz as one of the event’s most memorable fashion moments.
Distinctive Styles from Leading Ladies at the Luncheon
Kate Hudson, also vying for Best Actress for “Song Sung Blue,” made a striking impression in a scarlet strapless silk gown enhanced with bold accessories — a man’s belt cinching her waist and long leather opera gloves, creating a unique mix of elegance and edge. Her look was completed by black-and-white slingback heels, embodying a blend of classic and adventurous style. Hudson’s status as Goldie Hawn’s daughter added to her spotlight at the event.
Elle Fanning, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for “Sentimental Value,” chose an elegant floor-length black dress designed to resemble a blazer, featuring contrasting white cuffs and a softly ruffled skirt. She accented her outfit with pointy black patent leather heels, reflecting a sleek yet sophisticated aesthetic.
Teyana Taylor, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “One Battle After Another,” wore a captivating ensemble consisting of a low-cut black leather dress with a sheer skirt, layered under a large sequined coat casually draped over her shoulders. She accessorized with a long necklace and chunky rings, merging glamor with boldness.
Male Nominees Showcase Varied Fashion at the Event
Leonardo DiCaprio, delivering a powerful performance in “One Battle After Another” and nominated for Best Actor, attended the luncheon alongside his father George, who sported a blue velvet jacket. DiCaprio himself opted for a black double-breasted suit paired with a crisp white shirt buttoned to the top, notably forgoing a tie — a rare choice for a red carpet fixture of his stature. The actor completed his look with matte black lace-up dress shoes and a neatly groomed beard.
Timothée Chalamet, also nominated for Best Actor for “Marty Supreme,” arrived in a standout royal blue suit paired with black boots and a matching blue watch strap. His bold fashion statement sparked debate among observers about whether it was a hit or miss on the best-dressed scale. His longtime girlfriend Kylie Jenner was not present at the event.
Jacob Elordi, nominated for Best Actor for his role in “Frankenstein,” paired an unconventional combination of a black blazer with gray slacks and brown shoes, finishing the look with a striped tie and white shirt. Known for his rise to fame through the “Kissing Booth” series alongside Joey King, Elordi’s appearance was noted for its atypical styling.
Benicio Del Toro, another nominee for Best Supporting Actor in “One Battle After Another,” kept his look classic and understated with a basic black suit, while Michael B. Jordan, vying for Best Actor in “Sinners,” embraced a fashion-forward gray double-breasted suit combined with a black tank top for a modern, edgy effect. Stellan Skarsgård, also nominated for Best Supporting Actor for “Sentimental Value,” chose a sleek black suit paired with a matching black shirt, completing a minimalist yet elegant look.
Additional Standout Nominees and Their Red Carpet Presence
Irish actress Jessie Buckley, nominated for Best Actress for “Hamnet,” looked graceful in a strapless black dress that fell to her ankles, paired with matching black heels. Amy Madigan, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for “Weapons,” brought an unexpected flair wearing a silver suit and tie complimented by wingtip boots, capturing attention despite landing on some critics’ worst-dressed lists.
Rose Byrne showed off a polished ensemble with a one-shoulder brown top, black pants, and ivory heels, emphasizing refined sophistication. Meanwhile, Christalyn Hampton captured fashion applause wearing an ivory dress adorned with black floral details, adding a fresh and stylish touch to the occasion.
Notable attendees also included longtime producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, who are returning as executive producers for the third consecutive year of the Academy Awards, and Amelia Dimoldenberg, confirmed again as the red carpet correspondent, maintaining her role connecting viewers to the pre-show glamour.
New Oscar Category and Ceremonial Details Announced
In addition to the luncheon’s fashion and social highlights, significant updates about the Oscars itself were unveiled. Conan O’Brien will return as host for the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, 2026, marking his second consecutive year helming the ceremony. Additionally, a new competitive category, Achievement in Casting, will be introduced — the first permanent addition to the Oscars in over 20 years. This new award aims to recognize the vital contributions of casting directors to the film industry, with eligibility criteria to be finalized by April 2025.
Comprehensive List of Oscar 2026 Nominations
The awards race includes multiple films with heavy nominations that are shaping up to dominate discussions as the ceremony approaches:
- Best Picture Nominees: Bugonia, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sinners, Train Dreams
- Best Actor: Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent)
- Best Actress: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet), Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You), Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue), Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value), Emma Stone (Bugonia)
- Best Supporting Actor: Benicio Del Toro (One Battle After Another), Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein), Delroy Lindo (Sinners), Sean Penn (One Battle After Another), Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value)
- Best Supporting Actress: Elle Fanning (Sentimental Value), Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value), Amy Madigan (Weapons), Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners), Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another)
- Best Director: Chloe Zhao (Hamnet), Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme), Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another), Joachim Trier (Sentimental Value), Ryan Coogler (Sinners)
- Best Original Screenplay: Robert Kaplow (Blue Moon), Jafar Panahi (It Was Just an Accident), Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme), Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier (Sentimental Value), Ryan Coogler (Sinners)
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Will Tracy (Bugonia), Guillermo del Toro (Frankenstein), Chloe Zhao and Maggie O’Farrell (Hamnet), Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another), Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar (Train Dreams)
- Best Animated Feature Film: Arco, Elio, KPop Demon Hunters, Little Amelie or the Character of Rain, Zootopia 2
- Best International Feature Film: The Secret Agent (Brazil), It Was Just an Accident (France), Sentimental Value (Norway), Sirat (Spain), The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia)
- Best Casting: Nina Gold (Hamnet), Jennifer Venditti (Marty Supreme), Cassandra Kulukundis (One Battle After Another), Gabriel Domingues (The Secret Agent), Francine Maisler (Sinners)
- Best Cinematography: Dan Laustsen (Frankenstein), Darius Khondji (Marty Supreme), Michael Bauman (One Battle After Another), Autumn Durald Arkapaw (Sinners), Adolpho Veloso (Train Dreams)
- Best Production Design: Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sinners
- Best Editing: Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sentimental Value, Sinners
- Best Original Score: Bugonia, Frankenstein, Hamnet, One Battle After Another, Sinners
- Best Original Song: “Dear Me” by Diane Warren (Relentless), “Golden” (KPop Demon Hunters), “I Lied to You” (Sinners), “Sweet Dreams of Joy” (Viva Verdi!), “Train Dreams” (Train Dreams)
- Best Sound: Frankenstein, One Battle After Another, Sinners, Sirat
- Best Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash, Jurassic World: Rebirth, The Lost Bus, Sinners
- Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Frankenstein, Kokuho, Sinners, The Smashing Machine, The Ugly Stepsister
- Best Costume Design: Avatar: Fire and Ash, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, Sinners
- Best Animated Short Film: Butterfly, Forevergreen, The Girl Who Cried Pearls, Retirement Plan, The Three Sisters
- Best Live-Action Short Film: Butcher’s Stain, A Friend of Dorothy, Jane Austen’s Period Drama, The Singers, Two People Exchanging Saliva
- Best Documentary Feature Film: The Alabama Solution, Come See Me in the Good Light, Cutting Through Rocks, Mr Nobody Against Putin, The Perfect Neighbor
- Best Documentary Short: All the Empty Rooms, Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud, Children No More: Were and Are Gone, The Devil Is Busy
Intimate Moments and Industry Connections at the Luncheon
Throughout the event, celebrity interactions offered glimpses into the close ties among nominees. Emma Stone shared an affectionate hug with fellow nominee Teyana Taylor, highlighting mutual support among actors. Steven Spielberg, dressed in a brown three-piece suit and sensible shoes, mingled with the crowd and was seen conversing with DiCaprio and his father, strengthening connections among Hollywood veterans and younger stars.
Other notable attendees included Hannah Beachler, who wore a strapless brown gown paired with gold jewelry and shared a moment holding hands with Teyana Taylor, reflecting camaraderie beyond the screen. Industry figures such as Lynette Howell Taylor, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and Julia Aks were present, emphasizing the event’s importance in the awards season calendar.
Significance and Expectations Ahead of the Oscars
The Oscars luncheon serves not only as a fashion showcase but also as a crucial gathering to celebrate the extensive talent competing for film’s highest honors. With the introduction of a new category recognizing casting directors, the Academy signals a growing acknowledgement of the collaborative nature of filmmaking. The diverse nominations across multiple categories, especially the prominence of films like “Sinners,” which secured a record-breaking 16 nods, suggest a competitive and dynamic awards race.
Emma Stone Oscar Luncheon appearances symbolize her continued prominence in the industry, reinforcing her status as a frontrunner for Best Actress while adding to the event’s glamorous appeal. As the Oscars ceremony on March 15, 2026, approaches, anticipation builds around fashion, winners, and potential surprises that the ceremony might unveil.
