The 96th Annual Oscar Nominees Luncheon took place at the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, bringing together a vibrant crowd of celebrities, filmmakers, and cinephiles. The event, which was filled with excitement and anticipation, showcased some key highlights that left attendees buzzing with enthusiasm.
One of the standout moments of the luncheon was the adorable canine actor from the film “Anatomy of a Fall.” Messi, the lovable pooch who portrayed Snoop in Justine Triet’s film, stole the hearts of nearly every nominee present. From Ryan Gosling to America Ferrera and even musical sensation Billie Eilish, everyone seemed to be enchanted by the furry star. Triet’s original screenplay, combined with the overwhelming affection showered upon Messi, might just secure an Oscar for the film.
Another intriguing aspect of the event was the speculation surrounding the nominee who received the loudest applause during the group photo session. Names like Greta Gerwig, Christopher Nolan, Celine Song, Paul Giamatti, Carey Mulligan, and Lily Gladstone were buzzing with anticipation as journalists and social media enthusiasts tried to decipher who won the coveted title of the “applause-o-meter.”
Before the roll call of attendees, AMPAS president Janet Yang took the stage to deliver an important message. She urged future winners to keep their acceptance speeches brief, emphasizing that speeches should not exceed 45 seconds. Yang humorously referenced Javier Bardem’s concise speech during his supporting actor win in 2007, which lasted a mere 37 seconds. The audience chuckled at the realization that this year’s Oscars would commence an hour earlier due to daylight saving time, prompting some last-minute adjustments to attendees’ schedules for March 10.
One film that seemed to dominate conversations among nominees was Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” Many believed that it had captured the hearts of both industry insiders and audiences alike, leading to the sentiment that “It’s ‘Oppenheimer’s’ year.” While the final tally of Oscars remains to be seen, the prevailing belief among attendees was that the film would undoubtedly secure multiple awards.
However, not all nominees were able to attend the luncheon. Supporting actress nominee Danielle Brooks from “The Color Purple” had filming commitments in New Zealand, preventing her from being present. Other notable absentees included double nominee Jonathan Glazer, Jodie Foster, Robert DeNiro, and Hayao Miyazaki. Their absence did not dampen the overall excitement of the event, but it did leave some curious about their potential impact on the awards ceremony.
An unexpected moment occurred when Emma Stone, a double nominee for “Poor Things,” was seen exchanging phone numbers with best actor nominee Colman Domingo from “Rustin” and his husband Raúl Domingo. This friendly exchange sparked speculation about a possible future collaboration between the two talented actors. Additionally, Stone expressed her desire to appear on the syndicated program “Jeopardy,” a topic that has been buzzing around her for weeks. With ABC owner Bob Iger present at the luncheon, Stone missed an opportunity to mention it directly.
The luncheon also saw the presence of the entire team behind “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” Producers Phil Lord, Chris Miller, and Amy Pascal, alongside directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, graced the event. The voice actors behind the characters, including Hailee Steinfeld (Gwen Stacey/Spider-Gwen), engaged in lively conversations with Finneas and Billie Eilish. This interaction sparked rumors of potential music collaborations between the talented artists. Additionally, the presence of Oscar winner Daniel Kaluuya, who lent his voice to the character Hobie Brown/Spider-Punk, added further excitement to the gathering.
The 96th Annual Oscar Nominees Luncheon was a star-studded event that showcased the anticipation and camaraderie among this year’s nominees. With memorable moments, adorable animals stealing the show, and intriguing interactions between talented individuals, the luncheon set the stage for an exciting Oscars ceremony. As the countdown to the awards night continues, the film industry eagerly awaits to see who will take home the coveted golden statuettes.
