A Night of Camaraderie and Celebration: The Oscars Nominee Gathering

Five days before the 97th Academy Awards, the Oscars community came together for a special orientation event at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. This year’s gathering was particularly unique, as it replaced the traditional Oscars luncheon, which was canceled due to the Southern California wildfires. Despite the challenges, the mood was upbeat and joyful, with nominees mingling, laughing, and celebrating their achievements. The event featured a cocktail reception, dinner, and a class picture shoot, marking the official countdown to Hollywood’s biggest night.

Nominees Unite: A Night of Friendship and Cheer

The evening was filled with heartfelt moments as nominees from various categories connected and shared stories. Best actress favorites Mikey Madison and Demi Moore were seen hugging and chatting, while best actor front-runners Timothée Chalamet and Adrien Brody also bonded. The group photo session in the David Geffen Theater was a highlight, with nominees like Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Zoe Saldaña standing together, radiating joy and camaraderie. Erivo’s enthusiastic shout of “Everyone say Oscar nominee!” captured the spirit of the night, as the room echoed with excitement.

In the back of the theater, best actor nominees Sebastian Stan, Colman Domingo, and Adrien Brody sat together, adding to the sense of unity. After the photo shoot, the nominees descended the stairs to dinner, continuing their lively conversations. The evening was a reminder that, despite the competitive nature of the Oscars, this moment was about shared achievement and mutual respect.

Academy President Janet Yang’s Inspiring Words

Academy President Janet Yang took the stage to deliver an orientation speech, greeting first-time nominees and acknowledging the veterans who had multiple nominations under their belts. She emphasized the importance of community and support, especially in light of the challenges posed by the wildfires. “The show must go on,” she declared, reminding everyone that the Oscars are a celebration of talent and artistry.

Yang also offered her annual advice on acceptance speeches, urging nominees to keep their remarks heartfelt, humorous, or inspirational—but brief. “Forty-five seconds!” the group repeated in unison, acknowledging the tight time frame. Her words were met with smiles and nods, as the nominees seemed ready to embrace the moment, no matter the outcome.

A Night for All Nominees, Big and Small

While the event was undeniably star-studded, it was also a night for lesser-known nominees to shine. Animators, sound mixers, and other behind-the-scenes artists were treated as equals, wearing the same black name tags as their A-list peers. This inclusivity was a testament to the Oscars’ commitment to recognizing all forms of talent, regardless of fame.

The cocktail reception brought together a diverse group of nominees, including Isabella Rossellini, Jeremy Strong, and Samantha Quan, who engaged in lighthearted conversations about everything from dog photos to goats. The attire for the evening ranged from evening gowns worn by Madison, Grande, and Moore to more casual looks like Strong’s bomber jacket and running shoes. Chalamet, ever the fashion icon, opted for a sleek denim jacket and gold chain.

The Oscars’ Enduring Spirit of Unity

As the nominees sat down for an exclusive dinner, the atmosphere remained warm and convivial. While some notable absences, such as Elton John and Ralph Fiennes, were observed, the evening was still a powerful reminder of the Oscars’ enduring spirit of unity. For many nominees, this event was just as important as the awards ceremony itself, offering a rare moment to connect with peers and celebrate their shared passion for filmmaking.

The evening’s blend of glamour, humor, and heartfelt connections set the tone for the big night ahead. As the nominees left the museum, they carried with them a renewed sense of excitement and gratitude, ready to honor their work and the art of storytelling on the world’s most iconic stage. The Oscars may be about competition, but nights like these remind us that it’s also about community, creativity, and the enduring magic of cinema.