The Oscar Nominees Luncheon, an annual gathering of Academy Award contenders, has transformed significantly over the decades. While today it is a polished and highly formalized event, the luncheon in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s was marked by a much more relaxed and informal tone.
During that earlier era, nominees and industry figures such as Steven Spielberg, Whoopi Goldberg, River Phoenix, and Frances McDormand often appeared in casual attire. It was common to see jeans, knitwear, and minimalist separates rather than the tailored suits and extravagant ballgowns that characterize the modern-day event. For example, Whoopi Goldberg, nominated in 1986 for Best Actress for “The Color Purple,” opted for oversized 1980s-style suits with playful embellishments. Similarly, River Phoenix, nominated for Best Supporting Actor for “Running on Empty” in 1989, attended in jeans and a sweater, accompanied by co-star Martha Plimpton.
Stars including Cate Blanchett and Gwyneth Paltrow favored plush knitwear over formal gowns, and Sofia Coppola wore her signature pared-back, minimalist styles. Attendees often went makeup-free, wore flats instead of high heels, carried their own bags, and sometimes wore sunglasses on the low-key step-and-repeat photo sessions. This atmosphere conveyed a sense that the luncheon was a casual, less scripted affair, focusing more on relaxed social interactions rather than strict fashion protocols.
The 1989 luncheon saw Geena Davis attending in a navel-baring matching outfit paired with a long, beaded necklace, just as Daniel Day-Lewis smiled in a polka-dot shirt at the 1990 event. Anjelica Huston, nominated in 1990 for Best Supporting Actress for “Enemies, A Love Story,” appeared in a belted white dress while accompanied by her half-brother, Danny Huston.
In contrast, the current iteration of the Oscar Nominees Luncheon is characterized by precise fashion choices, polished appearances, and a structured environment focused on media photographs and promotional engagements. What was once a laid-back occasion has evolved into a key, formal component of the awards season circuit.
The 2026 Oscar Nominees Luncheon was held on February 10 to honor the current year’s contenders. This event invites reflection on the luncheon’s history and the unique, relaxed style that defined the celebration in earlier decades.
