BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Just days before the 97th Academy Awards, 172 nominees gathered at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for an evening of camaraderie, celebration, and tradition. This year’s gathering, replacing the usual Oscar Nominees Luncheon, was held as an intimate dinner after the luncheon was canceled due to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

The event brought together some of Hollywood’s biggest names, from first-time nominees to seasoned Academy veterans. Among those in attendance were Timothée Chalamet (Best Actor nominee for A Complete Unknown), Demi Moore (Best Actress nominee for The Substance), and Denis Villeneuve (Best Adapted Screenplay nominee for Dune: Part Two). 

Also present was Brandi Carlile, nominated for Best Original Song for Never Too Late. Meanwhile, notable absentees included Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) and Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez).

The evening kicked off with nominees posing for individual photos with Academy President Janet Yang before mingling over cocktails. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Museum Director Amy Homma were also present, chatting with attendees and ensuring a warm atmosphere. As the evening progressed, the group gathered in the museum’s David Geffen Theatre for the highly anticipated class photo.

Seated front and center were some of the season’s most talked-about contenders, including “A listers” Mikey Madison (Anora), and Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez), Ariana Grande (Wicked), and Isabella Rossellini (Conclave). 

Directors, producers, and actors filled the theater’s plush red seats, with occasional shouts of encouragement—most notably from Cynthia Erivo, who energized the crowd with a playful “Everyone say ‘Oscar nominee!’” 

Latecomers like James Mangold (A Complete Unknown) prompted a retake, much to the amusement of those present. The night’s atmosphere was lively, filled with both excitement and nerves as nominees faced the reality that, win or lose, their Oscars fate had already been decided.

Following the photo session, nominees returned downstairs for an exclusive dinner prepared by Wolfgang Puck. Served family-style, the menu featured an array of gourmet dishes, including New York steak, roasted salmon, jidori chicken, and black pepper gnocchi cacio e pepe. The intimate setting allowed nominees to connect beyond the glitz of the awards season, fostering genuine moments of conversation and shared anticipation.

The night served as both a celebration and an orientation for first-time nominees, with Yang offering words of encouragement and a firm reminder—acceptance speeches should not exceed 45 seconds. As tradition dictates, nominees in categories with multiple recipients also had to decide in advance who would take the stage should they win.

Despite the challenges posed by the Los Angeles wildfire, the Academy’s commitment to preserving its long-standing traditions was evident. As nominees laughed, toasted, and reflected on their journeys, the evening underscored the resilience and unity of the film industry. With just days to go until the Oscars, one thing was certain—Hollywood’s finest were ready for the grand stage.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Women’s Wear Daily