12 things we spotted in the Oscars class photo

A high-profile assembly of 2024 Academy Award nominees, including major stars like Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, and Michael B. Jordan, gathered at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on Monday for the traditional Oscars nominees luncheon. This annual event, hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, serves as a celebratory precursor to the 96th Academy Awards, allowing nominees across all categories to mingle, participate in a massive group photograph, and receive formal recognition for their achievements during the current awards season. The luncheon is widely regarded as the most relaxed and jovial event of the awards calendar, often described as the 'Oscars class photo' day. This year’s gathering featured a diverse mix of Hollywood veterans and newcomers, creating a unique environment where independent filmmakers could rub shoulders with global blockbusters icons. Notable presence from the casts of 'Oppenheimer,' 'Barbie,' and 'Poor Things' highlighted the competitive nature of this year's race, yet the atmosphere remained one of mutual respect and collective celebration of the cinematic arts. Beyond the glitz of the red carpet and the social mixing, the event serves a practical purpose for the Academy. During the luncheon, leadership typically provides the nominees with logistical instructions and advice for the upcoming telecast, emphasizing the importance of concise and heartfelt acceptance speeches. For the 180-plus nominees in attendance, the day culminated in the complex coordination of the official class photo, where legends like Steven Spielberg stood alongside first-time nominees, symbolizing the breadth of talent recognized by the industry over the past year.