The 2026 Oscar nominees just gathered for one last glamorous hurrah before the big night, and the energy was electric. But here’s where it gets controversial: with Ryan Coogler’s Sinners shattering records with 16 nominations, is it already a lock for Best Picture, or will another underdog steal the spotlight? The annual Oscars Nominees Luncheon, held at the iconic Beverly Hilton, brought together Hollywood’s brightest stars for a final meet-and-greet before the 98th Academy Awards on March 15th at the Dolby Theatre. This star-studded event is more than just a lunch—it’s the perfect moment to capture the traditional class photo, a snapshot of the year’s most celebrated talent. Above and below, you’ll find the full photo, but let’s dive into who made the cut.
This year’s guest list reads like a who’s who of cinema, spanning a wide range of categories. From veterans like Leonardo DiCaprio and Emma Stone to rising stars like Timothée Chalamet and Elle Fanning, the room was buzzing with talent. Other notables included Teyana Taylor, Michael B. Jordan, Chloé Zhao, Jacob Elordi, and Kate Hudson. And this is the part most people miss: the luncheon isn’t just about the A-listers—it’s also a platform for lesser-known filmmakers and creatives to shine. For instance, Jafar Panahi, director of It Was Just an Accident, and Ejae from Kpop Demon Hunters were in attendance, alongside industry heavyweights like Ruth E. Carter, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Diane Warren.
Speaking of nominations, Sinners isn’t the only film making waves. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another trails closely behind with 13 nominations, and both are vying for Best Picture alongside Bugonia, F1, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, and Train Dreams. But here’s a thought-provoking question: with such diverse contenders, does the Academy favor bold, record-breaking films like Sinners, or will they lean toward a more understated gem?
Hosted by the always-entertaining Conan O’Brien, the 98th Oscars will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu. As we count down to the ceremony, take a closer look at the class photo above and the detailed shots below. And don’t forget to check out Deadline’s red carpet gallery for more highlights from the luncheon. What’s your take on this year’s nominations? Do you think Sinners deserves all the hype, or is there another film you’re rooting for? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
