Nearly 230 Oscar nominees, including Emma Stone, gathered on Tuesday in Los Angeles for the annual Academy Awards luncheon, held about a month before the 2026 ceremony. The event served as a formal gathering where nominees were celebrated, briefed on the upcoming awards show, and posed for a group portrait.
An Inclusive Gathering of Oscar Nominees for 2026
The Academy’s annual luncheon brought together nominees from 24 categories, ranging from Best Actor to Best Animated Short, including contenders for the recently introduced Casting Oscar. Held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, the event saw renowned actors such as Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, Jessie Buckley, Ryan Coogler, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Emma Stone sharing the room. The luncheon offered a rare chance for both seasoned veterans and first-time nominees to mingle on equal footing, creating an atmosphere of both celebration and anticipation ahead of the ceremony.
Attendees sat down for lunch before standing together for a group photo, a tradition that symbolizes the collective recognition of achievement across the film industry. This year’s gathering marked a return to the customary format following last year’s cancellation due to the destructive wildfires in Southern California. Instead, a cocktail reception and class photograph had been held shortly before the previous ceremony.
Academy President’s Advice on Winning Speeches
Lynette Howell Taylor, newly elected president of the Academy, addressed the assembly with her first speech at the luncheon. She offered guidance to those who might win, emphasizing preparation and brevity.
“Don’t say you didn’t expect it. You have a one in five chance of winning.”
– Lynette Howell Taylor, President of the Academy
She encouraged winners to keep their acceptance speeches sincere and focused, advising them to acknowledge one person on behalf of a group and to limit speeches to 45 seconds. This approach highlights the importance of meaningful and concise gratitude rather than overwhelming the audience with a long list of thank-yous.
The Signature Roll Call and Group Portrait
A central feature of the luncheon was the roll call, during which every nominee present was individually called to the stage. This moment resembled a high school graduation ceremony, with names echoed throughout the ballroom. Actor and Academy Board of Governors member Lou Diamond Phillips led the roll call, beginning with Delroy Lindo, nominated for Best Supporting Actor for the most-nominated film of the event, Sinners, and concluding with Teyana Taylor, up for Best Supporting Actress for the leading competitor, One Battle After Another.
After the roll call, all nominees gathered for the official class photograph, visually capturing the community of artists recognized by the Academy this year. This tradition underscores the collective achievement of a diverse group spanning many cinematic disciplines.
A Moment of Tradition Amid Challenges
This year’s luncheon signaled a return to normalcy after last year’s disruption. The previous ceremony saw the traditional nominees luncheon replaced by a cocktail reception due to wildfires impacting Southern California, which affected many planned events. The revival of the luncheon is significant for fostering camaraderie among nominees ahead of the highly anticipated Oscars night.
What the Luncheon Means for Oscar 2026
The luncheon serves not only as a celebration but also a reminder of the stakes involved for those nominated. With nearly 230 contenders sharing just a 20 percent chance of winning, the event cultivates both excitement and tension as the ceremony approaches. The Academy’s insistence on preparedness reflects a broader effort to respect the award’s prestige and the hard work behind each nomination.
For audiences and industry insiders alike, the luncheon offers a glimpse of the nominees united beyond competition, setting the stage for the upcoming Oscars ceremony. It also reinforces the importance of tradition and recognition within the film community, even as the Academy adapts to challenges and evolving categories like the Casting Oscar.
