The 96th annual Oscar nominees luncheon recently took place at the prestigious Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, attracting a dazzling array of celebrities, filmmakers, and movie enthusiasts. The event, which was kicked off by DeVon Franklin, a Board of Governors member, featured a roll call of attendees that included renowned composer Laura Karpman, nominated for her work on 'American Fiction,' and the talented Robert Downey Jr., recognized for his supporting role in 'Oppenheimer.' Let's delve into some of the noteworthy moments and highlights from this star-studded occasion.
One particularly unforgettable guest stole the spotlight at the luncheon - the dog from 'Anatomy of a Fall.' This lovable pooch, named Messi and playing the role of Snoopy in Justine Triet's film, captured the hearts of nearly every attendee. Notable figures like Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Billie Eilish, and many others were charmed by the furry star. With such overwhelming affection, Triet's original screenplay might just clinch an Oscar, thanks in part to the popularity of this season's favorite canine.
As journalists and social media enthusiasts eagerly observed, there was anticipation around which nominee would receive the loudest applause during the group photo session. Names generating buzz included Greta Gerwig, Christopher Nolan, Celine Song, Paul Giamatti, Carey Mulligan, and Lily Gladstone. Everyone was curious to see who would win the unofficial 'applause-o-meter' title.
Janet Yang, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), made an appearance and humorously urged future winners to keep their acceptance speeches brief during the event. With the Oscars scheduled to start an hour earlier due to daylight saving time, keeping speeches under 45 seconds would help ensure a smooth and timely ceremony. Yang playfully referenced Javier Bardem's concise 37-second speech when he won Best Supporting Actor for 'No Country for Old Men' in 2007, eliciting laughter from the audience.
One film that seemed to dominate conversations among nominees was Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer.' It had captivated the hearts of many attendees, with the prevailing sentiment being that this was 'Oppenheimer's' year. While the final number of Oscars remains unknown, the sense of inevitability surrounding the film's success was palpable.
Unfortunately, some nominees were unable to attend the luncheon due to other commitments. Supporting actress nominee Danielle Brooks couldn't make it as she was filming in New Zealand. Other notable absences included double nominee Jonathan Glazer, Jodie Foster, Robert De Niro, and Hayao Miyazaki. Their presence was surely missed during this esteemed gathering.
Some intriguing connections were made at the luncheon, such as Emma Stone exchanging phone numbers with Colman Domingo, a Best Actor nominee for 'Rustin.' Speculation arose about a potential future collaboration between the two. Additionally, Stone was briefed on the 'Jeopardy' craze surrounding her and expressed her eagerness to participate on the show.
Bob Iger, the owner of ABC, was also present at the luncheon, although his presence wasn't explicitly mentioned in the transcript. It's always interesting to see influential figures from the entertainment industry at these events, adding an extra layer of excitement.
The luncheon also welcomed the team behind 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,' including producers Phil Lord, Chris Miller, and Amy Pascal, as well as directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson. The voices behind the characters, like Hailee Steinfeld (Gwen Stacey/Spider-Gwen), were also in attendance. Their interactions with guests like Finneas and Billie Eilish sparked curiosity about potential collaborations, perhaps even extending beyond the film itself. Notably, Oscar winner Daniel Kaluuya lent his voice to the character of Black British punk rocker Hobie Brown/Spider-Punk, adding another layer of excitement to the gathering.
The Oscar nominees luncheon was undoubtedly an event filled with anticipation, camaraderie, and excitement. Hollywood's finest gathered to celebrate their achievements, exchange pleasantries, and indulge in exciting possibilities for future collaborations. As we eagerly await the awards ceremony on March 10th, it's clear that this year's Oscars are shaping up to be a memorable and highly competitive affair.
