2024 Oscars Nominees Luncheon: Behind the Scenes with Hollywood's Elite

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Alonso Garcia Puentes

2/14/20242 min read

Nominee Group Photo Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Nominee Group Photo Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Join us for an insider's look at the 2024 Oscars Nominees Luncheon, where the stars of 'Barbie,' 'Oppenheimer,' and other acclaimed films celebrated in anticipation of cinema's biggest night.

(Photos by ©A.M.P.A.S.)

As the golden sun draped over the Beverly Hills skyline, the Beverly Hilton Hotel opened its doors to the crème de la crème of the film industry for the much-anticipated Oscars 2024 Nominees Luncheon. It was a day brimming with anticipation, as stars like Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone graced the event, mingling with an array of talent spanning the vast landscape of this year's nominated films.

The atmosphere was charged with a collective sense of achievement as nominees from all 23 Oscar categories convened in a space where fame took a backseat to the shared passion for storytelling. Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, though noticeably absent from the directing and acting categories for 'Barbie,' radiated joy for their respective nods in adapted screenplay and best picture production. Their enthusiasm was infectious, as they navigated the banquet hall, selfie-seekers in tow, embodying the spirit of the luncheon—a celebration of cinematic triumphs.

The class photo, a beloved tradition, encapsulated the essence of this egalitarian gathering, where the roll call of names played out like a commencement, with nominees ascending to their place in no particular order of stardom. There, in a collective breath of excitement, the industry's luminaries stood side by side with emerging filmmakers and unsung heroes, each basking in the limelight of their accomplishments.

Martin Scorsese, the venerated director behind 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' received a thunderous ovation as he took his place among the nominees. His stature in the industry was mirrored by the towering presence of his nominated actresses, Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Lily Gladstone, while Christopher Nolan, director of 'Oppenheimer,' extended a congenial handshake across the aisle.

Amid the casual elegance of the luncheon, where Gosling's lilac suit and Robbie's chic pink ensemble set the tone, the day's festivities were peppered with moments of genuine connection. Colman Domingo's tuxedo jacket and plunging neckline added a touch of nocturnal glamour to the daytime affair, while Robert Downey Jr.'s exuberant cheer at the successful capture of the class photo underscored the camaraderie in the room.

The luncheon's relaxed atmosphere was a stark contrast to the Oscars' usual high-stakes energy. Nominees like Bradley Cooper and Cillian Murphy, both contenders for best actor, enjoyed informal chats with media by the pool, adding to the day's laid-back vibe. Cooper's encounter with Messi, the canine star of 'Anatomy of a Fall,' was a highlight, showcasing the event's welcoming spirit.

Academy President Janet Yang's remarks were a blend of lighthearted guidance and practical information, ensuring nominees were well-prepared for the upcoming ceremony. Her montage of past speeches set an aspirational tone, encouraging winners to capture the heart and humor of their moment in the spotlight.

As the luncheon drew to a close, the nominees dispersed with a sense of unity and a shared anticipation for the Oscars ceremony. It was a day that celebrated not just the nominees' artistic achievements, but also the collaborative essence that is the heartbeat of Hollywood. And as the industry looks forward to the 96th Oscars, the Nominees Luncheon will be remembered as a day where the stars aligned, not on the silver screen, but in the shared light of recognition and respect for their craft.

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