Oscars Luncheon 2026: From Emma Stone to Timothée Chalamet, stars bring style
The Oscar nominees met at the Beverly Hilton for a traditional luncheon, with Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor advising on awards night speeches. The event included a roll call of nominees and a class photo before the following month’s ceremony.
Before the red carpet was rolled out and the envelopes sealed destinies, the Oscars had a moment to stop, breathe and socialize. Nearly all 230 nominees in 24 categories gathered Tuesday at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills for the Academy Awards’ annual nominees luncheon, a tradition that brings Hollywood’s biggest names and newest faces under one roof without any hierarchy or publicity.
The afternoon saw first-time contenders rub shoulders with seasoned veterans as nominees posed for the highly-anticipated class photo and shared conversations ahead of next month’s ceremony.
Attendees included Jessie Buckley, Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler, as well as nominees from a variety of categories — from Best Animated Short to the newly introduced casting award — underscoring the inclusive, wide-ranging nature of the gathering.
Known for its casual and egalitarian atmosphere, the luncheon is one of the few Oscar-season events where star power is left behind. Big-ticket nominees and lesser-known creators stood together, enjoyed lunch together and stood in line for the traditional group photo.
This year’s event also marked a return to form. The 2025 luncheon was canceled due to the Southern California wildfires and replaced with a reduced cocktail reception and class photo held shortly before the ceremony.
Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor, elected last July, addressed the nominees for the first time at the luncheon. Offering practical – and slightly humorous – advice, he urged Oscar hopefuls to prepare for the possibility of winning. “Be prepared,” she said. “Don’t say you didn’t expect this. You have a one in five chance of winning.”
He also stressed the importance of short and heartfelt acceptance speeches. “Make it meaningful,” Taylor advised, suggesting winners avoid long thank you lists, choose one person to speak on behalf of the group and aim to keep the speech to about 45 seconds.
One of the sweetest moments of the afternoon was the roll call, where every nominee in attendance was invited to the stage — a tradition that often feels more like a graduation ceremony than an industry event. Read by Academy Board of Governors member Lou Diamond Phillips, the roll call began with Delroy Lindo, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his record-breaking performance. sinnersand culminated with Teyana Taylor being nominated for Best Supporting Actress one fight after another.
Fashion also had its moment. Emma Stone nominated for Best Actress Bugoniaopted for a tuxedo-inspired dress, while Kate Hudson was recognized for sang the song blueMade a statement in a red dress with black gloves. Timothée Chalamet arrived in a blue suit, and the presence of Leonardo DiCaprio, Elle Fanning and Jessie Buckley added to the afternoon’s starry appeal.
For nominees and industry insiders, the luncheon is a memorable respite before the craziness of awards night – a chance to celebrate achievements, connect with peers and reflect on the long journey that led them to this defining moment.
