The 97th Oscars nominees finally had their class photo taken at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, a significant moment for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after several rescheduling hiccups. The traditional nominees luncheon, originally set for February 10, was axed due to the devastating wildfires in the Pacific Palisades and Alhambra neighborhoods, leading to a cascade of scheduling changes within the Oscars timeline.
This year's photo, snapped inside the prestigious David Geffen Theater, features notable nominees and film personalities gathered in a rare moment of camaraderie amidst the frenzy of awards season. Industry figures such as Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, representing Team Wicked, were prominently positioned in the front row. The photograph also captured acting talents like Adrien Brody, Colman Domingo, and Sebastian Stan, sitting strategically in the middle rows, while celebrated actors like Timothée Chalamet opted for a more discreet place towards the edge, behind other noted artists like Ralph Fiennes.
Though the date and nature of the event shifted considerably, the dinner preceded by a reception gifted attendees a night to celebrate acclaimed achievements within the year’s film industry. These celebrations are all precursors to the much-anticipated Oscars ceremony set to broadcast live from the Dolby Theater, Hollywood, on March 2.
The evening was a rare pause amid the competitive atmosphere of awards season, inviting nominees to relax and enjoy the hospitality at the Academy Museum. It's a time for both acknowledgement and swift business as the industry gears up for the Oscars night, which will be hosted by the ever-charismatic Conan O’Brien, adding an exciting dynamic to the proceedings.
This tight-knit community, born of artistic pursuit, reflects the changing tides of cinema. While the nomination luncheon was canceled, the class photo replaces the otherwise assumed roles both ceremonially and symbolically, bringing nominees into a cohesive frame, engaging the conversation on creative milestones achieved against the odds this year.
As the preparations segue into the final stages before Oscars night, the essence of these gatherings reinforces the inextricable connection in motion pictures, underscoring the art that continues to forge stories across the globe and shepherds toward acclaim at Hollywood's premier celebration of cinema excellence.
