The annual Academy Awards luncheon was held in Los Angeles on Monday, bringing together 179 of this year’s nominees for a meal, mingling, and most importantly, the iconic “class photo.” While not every nominee was able to attend, there were plenty of stars, outfits, poses, and unusual facial expressions that caught the attention of fans and media alike. Here are 10 highlights from this year’s Oscars class photo.
1. La La Land Reunion: In 2017, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling both attended the luncheon as nominees for “La La Land,” the film that famously won Best Picture, only to have the award mistakenly given to “Moonlight.” This year, Stone and Gosling returned to the Academy Awards as nominees for different films, with Gosling dressing in a lilac suit as a nod to his nominated film, “Barbie.”
2. Sterling K Brown and Diane Warren: Actor Sterling K Brown and songwriter Diane Warren, both aware that they are unlikely to win their categories, stood together in the back row. Brown humorously predicted that fellow nominee Robert Downey Jr. would win, expressing his contentment with simply being in the room. Warren, a 15-time nominee who has yet to win, joked about her chances, mentioning that her song “What Was I Made For?” could potentially cancel out another Barbie song in the running.
3. Godzilla Makes an Appearance: Takashi Yamazaki, part of the visual effects team for “Godzilla Minus One,” brought along a Godzilla figurine, which he has been showcasing at various red carpet events. It was only fitting that Godzilla joined the class photo, adding a touch of uniqueness to the event.
4. Messi, The Dog from “Anatomy of a Fall”: Messi, a border collie who played a crucial role in the film “Anatomy of a Fall,” attended the luncheon with his trainer Laura Martin Contini. Messi gained significant attention from fellow actors, including Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper, who had the chance to meet the talented canine. Fans are scratching their heads as to why Messi was not included in the class photo, with some filing a complaint with the Academy.
5. British and Irish Representation: The Oscars acting nominations this year lack significant British representation, with only Emily Blunt and Carey Mulligan as the two British nominees. However, Irish stars, such as Barry Keoghan, Paul Mescal, and Andrew Scott, have enjoyed a successful year with nominations at precursors like the Golden Globes and Baftas. Blunt and Mulligan, along with their Irish co-star Cillian Murphy, made it to the class photo.
6. Directors and Acting Contenders: Directors Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese, along with acting nominees Lily Gladstone and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, were strategically placed in the front row, surrounded by buzzworthy contenders. Their close proximity hints at the immense talent and potential awards dominance of their films.
7. Billie Eilish’s Unique Style: Billie Eilish, known for her distinctive and innovative fashion choices, turned heads at the luncheon with a casual bandana, yellow jacket, and tartan trousers that matched her brother Finneas’ outfit. The sibling duo is nominated in the Best Original Song category for “What Was I Made For?,” which has already won a Grammy and a Golden Globe.
8. The Mystery Man: A man in the class photo stood out by crossing his arms, exuding a unique energy that captivated viewers. Cinematographer Matthew Libatique, nominated for his work on “Maestro,” proudly displayed his signature pose, even on the red carpet. His charismatic presence garnered much attention from film enthusiasts.
9. Margot Robbie’s Impact: Margot Robbie continued to make waves this awards season with her alluring outfits, embodying the spirit of her Barbie character. Although she missed out on nominations for Best Actress and Best Director, Robbie was present at the luncheon as a producer, representing her film as a Best Picture nominee.
10. Candid Moments: The process of capturing the class photo requires meticulous coordination, ensuring that everyone is ready at the exact moment the picture is taken. However, there are always some unexpected moments, such as nominees blinking or appearing as though they are sleeping. One standout mishap involved Arthur Harari, nominated for Best Original Screenplay, who was caught laughing during the photo. Fans speculated that Paul Giamatti’s humorous presence may have spurred the laughter.
The Oscars 2024, set to be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will take place in Los Angeles on March 10th. With diverse talents and intriguing storylines, this year’s class photo highlights the excitement and anticipation surrounding the upcoming awards ceremony. Stay tuned to see which nominees will walk away with the ultimate prize.
