A Golden Gathering: Inside the 98th Oscars Nominees Luncheon

If Oscar night is Hollywood’s dazzling crescendo, the Nominees Luncheon is its warm, glittering overture — and the 98th edition shimmered with exactly that blend of prestige, playfulness, and possibility.

On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the historic Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills opened its grand ballroom to the year’s most celebrated filmmakers, performers, and craftspeople. Bathed in soft daylight, the room glowed with Academy gold — elegant table settings, polished name cards, and miniature Oscar statuettes that felt both symbolic and tantalizingly real.

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Highlights of the Luncheon

• The Iconic Class Photo:
  The most photographed moment of the day brought every nominee together on one stage — a powerful visual reminder that cinema is a collective art, built by many hands and many visions.
• A Celebration of Craft:
  Beyond the stars, artisans from sound design, editing, cinematography, costume, and production design were front and center — underscoring the Academy’s commitment to honoring the full ecosystem of filmmaking.
• Warm Toasts, Not Tension:
  Unlike the awards night, the mood here was relaxed and celebratory. Speeches emphasized collaboration, resilience, and a shared love of storytelling over competition.
• Mentor Moments:
  Several industry veterans were seen spending time with first-time nominees — an informal passing of the torch that added emotional depth to the afternoon.
• Camera-Friendly Candids:
  Laughter over dessert, heartfelt hugs, and playful poses with mini-Oscars made for some of the season’s most memorable images so far.

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Prominent Attendees

The luncheon drew the brightest names tied to this year’s nominations:

• Leading Best Picture teams — directors, producers, and key cast members from the year’s most talked-about films.
• Acting frontrunners from both lead and supporting categories, many making their first official Oscars appearance together.
• Acclaimed auteurs and rising directors, mixing easily with actors and technicians in a rare, non-hierarchical setting.
• Top creative nominees from below-the-line categories — cinematography, editing, music, costume, and visual effects — who often steal the spotlight in candid photographs.

One of the most striking images from the day shows stars and craftspeople standing shoulder to shoulder — proof that at the heart of Hollywood’s biggest night lies a truly collaborative art form.

As you move through the photos, you’re not just seeing red-carpet polish; you’re witnessing a creative community celebrating itself before the suspense of awards night sets in.

This luncheon isn’t merely a photo op — it’s a golden snapshot of cinema at its most collegial, hopeful, and united.

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Scroll through the images to relive the elegance, energy, and emotion of the 98th Oscars Nominees Luncheon.

ENLARGE

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