This year’s Oscar nominees came together for a special luncheon at the Beverly Hilton. It was a brief moment for competitors to relax and connect. In many ways, this was the last cheerful day before the tension of the awards ceremony.
The lunch took place in the Wilshire Ballroom. Nominees arrived without their publicists, allowing for a more genuine atmosphere. They were seated randomly, which encouraged mingling. For many, this was the first time they truly felt the weight of their nominations.
Lynette Howell Taylor, the new president of the Academy, welcomed everyone and emphasized the importance of casting directors this year, earning cheers from the crowd.
Warner Bros. led the nominations. Ryan Coogler’s vampire saga “Sinners” topped the list with 16 nominations, while Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” followed closely with 13. Both films earned spots in the Best Picture category, along with others like “Bugonia” and “Frankenstein.”
Applause filled the room when Coogler’s name was announced. His wife, Zinzi, who also produced the film, clapped enthusiastically. Benicio Del Toro, nominated for supporting actor in “One Battle After Another,” also received a warm welcome.
While most nominees were present, some were missing. Ludwig Göransson, likely to win for original score for “Sinners”, was in London working on a new film. Similarly, Sean Penn and Natalie Portman were absent due to production commitments.
A fun moment came when the group noticed how many tall nominees there were this year. Jacob Elordi, Ryan Coogler, and others made for a notably tall group, prompting some creative photo arrangements.
Josh D’Amaro, Disney’s CEO, was among the notable figures present, signaling changes as ABC prepares to end its partnership with the Oscars.
Before the lunch wrapped up, Howell Taylor gave some valuable tips for Oscar night. Here are a few highlights:
- Anticipate the win. You have a one in five chance for Best Picture.
- Be quick. You only have 45 seconds for your speech.
- Speak from the heart rather than listing every contributor.
- Decide who will speak if you’re a group.
- Prefer paper over cell phones for speeches.
- Don’t lean too close to the mic.
The event was filled with heartfelt moments. Kate Hudson, returning after 25 years since her first nomination, stood out. Jessie Buckley embraced fellow nominee Rose Byrne, celebrating their shared success.
Overall, the luncheon served as a reminder of the connections within the industry, sharing both joy and anticipation for the big night ahead.
For more insights on the Academy Awards, check out the Academy’s official site here.
Source link
Academy Awards,Oscars
