The glitz and glamour of the Academy Awards season reached a delightful crescendo yesterday, February 10, 2026, as Hollywood's finest gathered for the annual Oscars Nominees Luncheon in Los Angeles. Held at the prestigious Beverly Hilton Hotel, the event served as a crucial pit stop on the road to the 98th Academy Awards ceremony, offering a rare opportunity for nominated luminaries to connect, celebrate, and momentarily set aside the fierce competition. Amidst the buzz, two names shone particularly brightly: Emma Stone and Kate Hudson, whose presence underscored both groundbreaking achievements and triumphant comebacks. [1, 2]
More than just a meal, the Oscars Nominees Luncheon is a cherished Academy tradition that dates back to 1982. Conceived to foster collegiality and pay tribute to the individual achievements of each nominee, it's designed to be a relaxed, campaign-free environment, a stark contrast to the high-pressure atmosphere of the main awards night. [6, 2]
This year's gathering, returning after a cancellation in 2025 due to Los Angeles County wildfires, saw nearly all 230 nominees across 24 categories mingle and pose for the iconic "class photo." The event is intentionally structured to mix nominees from different categories, meaning a Best Actress contender might find herself seated next to a film editor or a sound designer, encouraging new connections and a shared appreciation for the collective artistry of filmmaking. [7]
Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor addressed the nominees, offering practical—and often humorous—advice for Oscar night. Her key message? "Be prepared," she advised, reminding them they have a "one in five chance of winning" and encouraging them to keep acceptance speeches concise and heartfelt, ideally under 45 seconds.
The Beverly Hilton's ballroom was a tableau of understated elegance, with many attendees opting for chic, refined ensembles. Photographs from inside the event captured nominees swapping stories, sharing laughter, and greeting one another "like old comrades-in-arms." Major stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Jessie Buckley, Steven Spielberg, Michael B. Jordan, and Ryan Coogler were among those rubbing elbows with both seasoned veterans and first-time hopefuls. [1, 2]
The roll call, read out by Academy Board of Governors member Lou Diamond Phillips, formally acknowledged each nominee, eliciting cheers and applause from their peers – a genuine display of goodwill and support. The air was thick with anticipation for the upcoming March 15th ceremony, but for a few precious hours, the focus was purely on celebrating the monumental achievement of being an Oscar nominee. [2]
While the luncheon is less about high-octane red carpet fashion and more about networking, the attendees certainly brought their sartorial A-game in a more subdued, yet equally stylish, manner.
- Emma Stone: The acclaimed actress opted for a sharp black tuxedo-style gown by Julie de Libran, featuring a plunging neckline and super-padded shoulders. Her fresh-from-the-runway Spring 2026 Couture look, paired with semi-sheer tights and Aquazzura sandals, was a masterclass in modern elegance. [1, 3]
- Kate Hudson: Hudson brought a vibrant pop of color to the event, floating in a bright red silk dress, dramatically complemented by long black leather opera gloves. Her Lanvin ensemble made a distinct statement, turning the lounge into a blend of red carpet glamour and a warm reunion. [1, 3]
- Other Notables: Teyana Taylor stood out in a sheer-paneled black skirt under a sequined black coat, while Timothée Chalamet sported an electric blue suit. Many male nominees, including Michael B. Jordan and Leonardo DiCaprio, chose subdued double-breasted suits. [3, 4]
Emma Stone's presence at the luncheon was particularly noteworthy, marking another historic milestone in her already illustrious career. Nominated for Best Lead Actress for her compelling performance in "Bugonia," Stone has now achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest woman ever to garner seven Oscar nominations at the age of 37.
Her dual recognition for "Bugonia" also includes a Best Picture nod as a producer, reinforcing her unique versatility in the industry. "Bugonia" itself has earned nominations in four categories, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Stone is no stranger to Oscar glory, having already secured two Best Actress awards for her roles in "La La Land" (2016) and "Poor Things" (2023). Her ongoing collaboration with director Yorgos Lanthimos, with "Bugonia" marking their fourth feature film together, continues to yield critical acclaim and awards recognition. Her consistent excellence and groundbreaking achievements solidify her status as one of the most significant talents of her generation.
For Kate Hudson, the 2026 Nominees Luncheon was a moment of triumphant return, as she celebrated her Best Actress nomination for her role in the film "Song Sung Blue."
This nomination is particularly significant as it marks her first lead-acting Oscar nod and her second overall, coming 25 years after her initial Best Supporting Actress nomination for her breakout role as Penny Lane in Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous" (2001). Her emotional reaction to the nomination, captured in a heartfelt Instagram post with her famous mother Goldie Hawn and other family members, resonated deeply with fans and industry insiders alike. [14, 16]
In "Song Sung Blue," Hudson portrays Claire Stengl, a role that reportedly involved a pivotal amputation scene and a Milwaukee accent, based on a true story. Her performance has garnered widespread acclaim, placing her alongside formidable contenders like Emma Stone, Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, and Renate Reinsve in the competitive Best Actress category. [14, 10]
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is set to air live on Sunday, March 15, 2026, with Conan O'Brien returning as host for the second consecutive year.
The nominations have already painted a picture of a diverse and exciting awards season. Leading the pack with an unprecedented 16 nominations, the most ever received by a single film in Academy Awards history, is Ryan Coogler's "Sinners." Close behind is Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" with 13 nominations, which is also considered a strong frontrunner for Best Picture.
Best Picture Nominees (Top Contenders):
| Film Title |
Director |
Key Nominations (Selected) |
| Sinners |
Ryan Coogler |
16 (Record-breaking) |
| One Battle After Another |
Paul Thomas Anderson |
13 |
| Hamnet |
Chloé Zhao |
Best Director, Best Actress |
| Frankenstein |
Guillermo del Toro |
Technical categories, Best Supporting Actor |
| Bugonia |
Yorgos Lanthimos |
Best Picture, Best Actress |
| Marty Supreme |
Josh Safdie |
Best Director, Best Picture |
| Sentimental Value |
Joachim Trier |
Best Director, Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor |
| F1 |
(Not specified) |
Best Picture |
| The Secret Agent |
(Not specified) |
Best Picture, Best Actor |
| Train Dreams |
(Not specified) |
Best Picture |
The 2026 Oscar race reflects several compelling trends:
- A Renaissance of Original Cinema: The lineup showcases a robust return of original storytelling, with a blend of critically acclaimed features and films that resonated with wider audiences.
- Diversity in Storytelling: From genre-bending horror like "Sinners" to poignant historical dramas like "Hamnet" and action-adventure epics, the nominations reflect a broad spectrum of narratives and directorial visions.
- Shifting Perceptions: The Academy seems to be increasingly aligning with public sentiment, recognizing films that are both artistically brilliant and culturally significant.
Predictions are already rife, with many experts eyeing "One Battle After Another" as a strong contender for Best Picture, given its wins at precursor awards like the Critics' Choice Awards and Golden Globe Awards. However, "Sinners"' record-breaking nomination count makes it a formidable force, and the Producers Guild Awards and Directors Guild Awards in the coming weeks could still sway the tide.
While the luncheon is meant to be a reprieve from campaigning, it undeniably plays a subtle yet significant role in the overall Oscar race. It's a prime networking opportunity, allowing nominees to forge connections and, perhaps inadvertently, influence perceptions. The personal interactions and the "goodwill, support, friendship, and sense of community" observed can humanize the nominees and their work, potentially swaying undecided voters as final ballots are cast starting February 26.
The media coverage of the event also amplifies certain narratives and highlights key contenders, keeping the films and performances fresh in the minds of Academy members and the public. The buzz generated from the luncheon can contribute to a film's momentum in the crucial weeks leading up to the main ceremony.
The Oscars 2026 Nominees Luncheon was more than just a gathering of stars; it was a vibrant celebration of cinematic achievement, a historical moment for talents like Emma Stone, and a triumphant return for Kate Hudson. It offered a rare glimpse into the camaraderie that underlies the competitive nature of awards season, reminding everyone of the shared passion for storytelling that unites these extraordinary artists. As the industry now looks ahead to March 15th, the stage is set for a truly memorable 98th Academy Awards, promising an evening of surprises, heartfelt speeches, and the ultimate recognition of the year's most impactful films. The anticipation is palpable, and film enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await to see who will take home the coveted golden statues.
- indiatimes.com
- latimes.com
- indiatoday.in
- latimes.com
- vulture.com
- thewrap.com
- youtube.com
- arynews.tv
Featured image by Planet Volumes on Unsplash
