On Monday, Hollywood's brightest stars came together at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the 2024 Oscar nominees luncheon. It was a star-studded event, with the likes of Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Colman Domingo, Robert Downey Jr., Lily Gladstone, Emily Blunt, and Martin Scorsese in attendance. As PEOPLE had the inside scoop, we got an exclusive look into the festivities.
The afternoon kicked off with Barbie star America Ferrera making her way to her seat, champagne in hand. She was warmly greeted by former Best Actress winner Sissy Spacek, who congratulated Ferrera on her Best Supporting Actress nomination. The two embraced and posed for photographs, exuding nothing but positivity and camaraderie.
Meanwhile, Best Supporting Actor nominee Robert Downey Jr., Best Supporting Actress nominee Emily Blunt, and Best Actor nominee Cillian Murphy from the film Oppenheimer were immediately greeted by Maestro Best Actress nominee Carey Mulligan as they entered the venue. It was a moment of genuine excitement and mutual admiration among these talented actors.
Bradley Cooper, nominated for both Best Actor and Best Director for Maestro, had a joyful reunion with his former Aloha co-star Emma Stone. The duo shared a laugh, captured by cameras throughout the room, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the event.
Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences president Janet Yang addressed the gathering, announcing that this year's Oscars would start an hour earlier, at 7 p.m. ET. This unexpected news generated gasps and laughter from the assembled stars, adding an element of surprise to the already eventful luncheon.
As lunch was served, previous Best Supporting Actor winner Daniel Kaluuya sought out The Holdovers Best Supporting Actress nominee Da'Vine Joy Randolph, giving her a warm hug at her table. Witnessing these connections between past winners and current nominees exemplified the bond shared within the film industry.
Marlee Matlin, a previous Best Actress winner, couldn't resist approaching Poor Things Best Supporting Actor nominee Mark Ruffalo for a quick fan moment. She snapped a selfie with him and even FaceTimed someone, who Ruffalo greeted with equal warmth. Such interactions showcased the genuine support and admiration that exists among these accomplished actors.
Throughout the luncheon, conversations sparked and laughter filled the room. Annette Bening, Nyad Best Actress nominee, engaged in a chat with Ruffalo, capturing the attention of Emma Stone and Poor Things Best Director nominee Yorgos Lanthomos. Playfully, they toyed with various accents, infusing the event with a lighthearted and joyous atmosphere.
Finally, the much-anticipated moment arrived—the group photo. As the nominees were called to the stage, they began to assemble, with each star taking their place. The camaraderie was evident as the nominees interacted and exchanged contact information. Mark Ronson, a Best Original Song nominee for Barbie's 'I'm Just Ken,' even took a fun selfie with the women.
Ryan Gosling, jokingly, tried to persuade his former La La Land co-star Emma Stone to move closer to him, but she mischievously refused, remaining in her spot. Their playful exchange elicited laughter from those around them.
When Stone was eventually asked to move forward, she jokingly pushed Gosling aside, playfully asserting herself in another lighthearted moment. The room erupted in applause as the final star, Robert Downey Jr., took his place for the photo. Always the entertainer, Downey jokingly reminded the group to get it right when they were informed that another photo was needed.
As the luncheon wound down and the nominees bid farewell, Emily Blunt and Rustin Best Actor nominee Colman Domingo shared a heartfelt hug and conversation in the lobby. Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction Best Actor nominee, greeted Blunt swiftly before she and Domingo left the venue together. The sense of camaraderie and support among the actors was palpable throughout the event.
Margot Robbie, nominated for Best Picture for Barbie, walked hand-in-hand with her husband Tom Ackerley as they left the hotel. It was a beautiful ending to an eventful afternoon filled with connections, laughter, and celebration.
Don't forget to tune in to the 96th Academy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, on Sunday, March 10, at 7 p.m. ET on ABC. It promises to be a star-studded affair filled with anticipation, as these incredible actors come together to celebrate and honor the best in cinema.
