At a recent Oscar nominees’ luncheon held in the heart of Beverly Hills, documentary filmmaker Ryan White, nominated for “Come See Me in the Good Light,” found himself awestruck by the sheer talent surrounding him. “I’m a huge Oscar enthusiast,” White shared, having received his first nomination just last month. “Growing up, I devoured every Oscar book and could recall any winner from any year. To be here now is truly a childhood dream come true.” His heartfelt reflection was touching, but I couldn’t resist a playful challenge: ‘Which film took home Best Picture in 1973?’ I asked. He chuckled, responding instantly, ‘The Sting!’
This highly anticipated annual luncheon, hosted at the prestigious Beverly Hilton, is a cherished awards-season event. It’s a unique opportunity for behind-the-scenes professionals, like sound designers and makeup artists, to connect directly with major celebrities such as Timothée Chalamet and Emma Stone. While this year’s gathering didn’t feature an animal sensation like Messi the Border collie from “Anatomy of a Fall”—who stole the show two years prior—the room was still buzzing with Hollywood’s brightest.
Before the main course of miso chicken and rice pilaf arrived, legendary director Steven Spielberg playfully encouraged Paul Thomas Anderson, nominated for “One Battle After Another,” to pose beside a towering Oscar statuette. Meanwhile, newly appointed Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro observed the star-studded ballroom, wine in hand. A notable moment occurred when the season’s two tallest contenders, “Frankenstein” star Jacob Elordi and “Sirat” director Oliver Laxe, exchanged a relieved embrace, perhaps appreciating not having to bend down for once.
Both Elordi and Laxe are first-time nominees, but director Jared Bush, already an animated-feature winner for “Encanto,” is back for “Zootopia 2.” After congratulating him, I playfully pressed about the intense ‘will-they-or-won’t-they’ dynamic between the franchise’s fox and bunny characters. “They absolutely need to kiss!” I urged. “You’ll have to wait until number three for that,” he quipped in response.
Tom Quinn, head of Neon studio and the mastermind behind Messi’s previous appearance, had hoped to bring 79-year-old Brazilian actress Tania Maria to this year’s luncheon. A standout in “The Secret Agent” and a beloved figure in Brazil, Maria might still grace next month’s Oscar ceremony if her health permits, according to studio representatives.
Other prominent figures unable to attend included nominated actors Sean Penn and Renate Reinsve, as well as Mehdi Mahmoudian, co-writer of “It Was Just An Accident.” Mahmoudian was recently detained in Iran after signing a letter criticizing the regime.
My own table seated an intriguing mix of nominees, including supporting-actor contender Stellan Skarsgard from “Sentimental Value,” casting nominee Gabriel Domingues of “The Secret Agent,” and writer-director Greg Kwedar. Kwedar, who earned an adapted-screenplay nomination for “Train Dreams” (his second consecutive nomination after “Sing Sing”), admitted he was “a bundle of nerves” last season. He found peace when he started seeing his fellow contenders not as rivals, but as comrades. “It’s like a veil lifts from your eyes, and you truly appreciate the privilege of being here,” he remarked, gesturing around the room. “It’s an incredible gift to be among people you’ve admired your entire life, now as your peers.”
Following the luncheon, nominees were called one by one to the center of the ballroom for a grand class photograph. Delroy Lindo, a supporting-actor nominee, received some of the day’s loudest applause. His “Sinners” director, Ryan Coogler, and co-stars Michael B. Jordan and Wunmi Mosaku, also garnered enthusiastic cheers.
Did this strong reception signal momentum, or simply reflect that “Sinners,” the most-nominated film in Oscar history, had the largest contingent present? Only time will tell. Other nominees who generated significant excitement included Timothée Chalamet (“Marty Supreme”) and supporting-actor nominee Benicio Del Toro (“One Battle After Another”).
Although no actual awards are distributed at the luncheon, attendees do collect an official certificate of nomination. When asked where three-time nominee Domee Shi keeps her previous certificates, the director of “Elio” candidly replied, “In a drawer. I’m so embarrassed!” Curious, I asked if it was at least a special drawer. “No,” she laughed. “But you know what? I’ll frame this one. I promise to take better care of them.”