The Oscars Nominees Luncheon took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Beverly Hilton, providing nominees with a relaxed setting to connect and celebrate ahead of the upcoming ceremony on March 15, 2026. This annual event is a unique opportunity for nominees to take a pause from the busy press schedule, share congratulations, and reflect on their accomplishments.
Several notable nominees arrived early, including Emma Stone, who greeted guests before the ballroom filled. Rose Byrne and Kate Hudson soon joined, engaging in friendly conversation. The atmosphere was both festive and calm, highlighting a rare moment when many of the year’s most prominent figures gathered in one place.
Jacob Elordi and Teyana Taylor attracted significant attention upon their arrival, with Taylor receiving warm words from fellow nominees such as Hannah Beachler, recognized for her work in production design. Their appearance added to the spirited and communal tone of the afternoon.
Luncheon proceedings began with remarks from Lynette Howell Taylor, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Howell Taylor reflected on the significance of storytelling in a challenging year, acknowledging the emotional and social impact of the films nominated. She highlighted that nominees represented 29 different countries, that voter participation in the Academy’s 11,000-member body reached a record high, and that a historic 76 women received nominations this year.
Howell Taylor also offered practical advice for the awards night, reminding winners to keep acceptance speeches under 45 seconds, avoid naming every individual during thanks, and to refrain from using phones on stage. Her lighthearted comments were met with laughter from the attendees. Additionally, she expressed gratitude to members of the press present, emphasizing their role in sharing and promoting these stories.
A distinctive feature of the luncheon is its seating arrangement, which intentionally groups nominees with people outside their own projects to encourage fresh connections. This strategy proved effective as conversations, selfies, and networking occurred seamlessly throughout the event. For example, Pamela Dias, mother to Ajike “AJ” Owens—the subject of the nominated documentary “The Perfect Neighbor”—shared her appreciation for being involved closely in the filmmaking process and expressed excitement for the upcoming ceremony.
Academy governor and actor-director Lou Diamond Phillips addressed the group before the traditional class photo. He reminded nominees that the luncheon celebrates their status as winners, regardless of the eventual awards, noting the difficulty of securing a nomination amid numerous contenders. Delroy Lindo initiated the roll call, with Teyana Taylor closing, culminating in a group photo that captured the collective spirit of the moment.
Before concluding, nominees were invited to take home their certificates and answer a reflective prompt: “What movie made you want to be a part of this world?” This moment underscored the luncheon’s purpose—not to predict winners, but to honor the journey and accomplishments of all those nominated.
The Oscars Nominees Luncheon remains a significant event in the awards calendar, offering nominees an opportunity to celebrate their work and build new relationships in a congenial atmosphere ahead of the globally anticipated ceremony.
