Oscars 2026 Nominees Gather for Pre-Ceremony Class Photo and Luncheon
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the nominees for the 98th Academy Awards assembled at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles for their highly anticipated annual class photo and grand luncheon. This cherished tradition brings together the crème de la crème of Hollywood—actors, directors, and filmmakers—in a celebratory gathering ahead of the main ceremony, which is scheduled to air live on March 15 and will be hosted by the renowned comedian Conan O'Brien.
First Major Gathering Since Nominations Announcement
The luncheon at the Academy Museum marked the first significant congregation of nominees since the official nominations were unveiled on January 22. Attendees posed on bleachers for the iconic group photo, a staple event that has made a full return after experiencing variations in prior years due to external factors. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation and camaraderie as the industry's finest mingled and shared in the excitement.
Leading Films and Standout Acting Contenders
Among the films leading the nominations, 'Sinners' stands out with an impressive 16 nods, positioning it as a clear frontrunner for the awards. Following closely are 'One Battle After Another' with 13 nominations, and 'Sentimental Value' and 'Hamnet', each garnering 8 nominations. The acting categories feature a dynamic mix of seasoned veterans and exciting first-timers, showcasing the depth of talent in the industry this year.
Notable female performances include Emma Stone, Kate Hudson, Jessie Buckley, Renate Reinsve, and Rose Byrne, who have all delivered powerful roles. On the male side, contenders such as Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Wagner Moura, Benicio del Toro, Jacob Elordi, Delroy Lindo, Sean Penn, and Stellan Skarsgård are competing across lead and supporting categories. Rounding out the list are Elle Fanning, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Amy Madigan, Wunmi Mosaku, and Teyana Taylor.
Highlighting the fresh talent, nine actors received their first Oscar nominations this year: Michael B. Jordan, Wagner Moura, Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, Renate Reinsve, Jacob Elordi, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Wunmi Mosaku, and Teyana Taylor. This infusion of new faces adds an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings.
Prominent Attendees and Event Atmosphere
Other distinguished figures present at the event included acclaimed directors Chloé Zhao and Yorgos Lanthimos, as well as composer Diane Warren, filmmaker Joseph Kosinski, and director Geeta Gandbhir. The related arrivals were hosted at the Beverly Hilton, with red carpet coverage commencing at 2 p.m. ET via an Associated Press live stream. While the photo session was a visual spectacle, no direct quotes from nominees were captured in the coverage, maintaining a focus on the visual and ceremonial aspects of the gathering.
Context and Significance of the Awards
The 98th Oscars aim to recognize outstanding achievements across various film categories, with the class photo serving as a symbolic prelude to the grandeur of the March 15 ceremony at the Dolby Theatre. As the industry buzzes with predictions and analyses, the event underscores the collaborative spirit and prestige of Hollywood, bringing together some of its most influential talents in a moment of shared celebration and anticipation.
