Highlights from the Annual Oscars Nominee Gathering Ahead of Sunday’s Ceremony
The Oscars nominees gathered in Los Angeles on Tuesday for the annual class photo ahead of the Academy Awards on Sunday, 2 March. The event allowed nominees from all categories to mingle before the big night, celebrating the culmination of the awards season. Typically held earlier, this year’s class photo took place after the nominees’ luncheon was cancelled due to the LA wildfires.
Here are 12 notable moments from this year’s Oscars class photo:
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo stole the spotlight at the front. The duo, known for their collaboration on Wicked, were as inseparable as ever, exchanging playful words before the photo was taken. They are set to perform a medley of Wicked songs during the ceremony, hoping to capture the magic of last year’s viral Barbie performance.
Maya Gnyp’s jumper caught everyone’s attention. The producer of I Am Ready, Warden, nominated for Best Documentary Short, sported a colourful, cosy sweater that had everyone curious about its origin.
The front row was packed with A-listers such as Zoe Saldaña, Mikey Madison, and Monica Barbaro. Saldaña is a favourite for Best Supporting Actress after several major awards, while Madison is in a tight race for Best Actress.
James Mangold, director of A Complete Unknown, made a late entrance and was seated in an aisle seat, earning a warm reception from his peers. Despite his late arrival, this is his first nomination in the Best Director category.
The team behind Black Box Diaries had a standout moment. Director Shiori Ito, editor Ema Ryan Yamazaki, and producers Hanna Aqvilin and Eric Nyari held hands and shared a joyful moment, representing their documentary film on sexual assault investigations in Japan.
Demi Moore, Guy Pearce, and Edward Norton took their places in the back row. Moore’s role in The Substance has earned her a nomination, and while Pearce and Norton were also recognised for their performances, the back row’s blurred faces highlighted their distance from the photographer.
Bernie Taupin and Brandi Carlile were spotted together in the front row. Nominated for Best Original Song for Never Too Late, they were present despite Sir Elton John’s absence. He is expected to attend the Oscars, but the original song nominees will not be performing this year.
Timothée Chalamet appeared a bit isolated in the class photo. Despite his surprise win at the SAG Awards, Chalamet was seated away from the main group, focused on his moment and sitting in an aisle seat.
Leading actors such as Adrien Brody, Colman Domingo, and Sebastian Stan added star power to the back row. Brody is the frontrunner in the Best Actor race, while Domingo and Stan also have strong performances under consideration.
Ralph Fiennes represented the Brits. Sitting in the back row, Fiennes is unlikely to win Best Actor for Conclave, but if the film wins Best Picture, he will make history as the first actor with roles in four Best Picture-winning films.
Several nominees were notably absent, including Kieran Culkin, a frontrunner for Best Supporting Actor, and Karla Sofía Gascón, star of Emilia Pérez. Gascón’s recent controversies have overshadowed her nomination, and while she will attend the Oscars, her presence at the photo was missed.
Finally, Clarence Maclin of Sing Sing made an understated moment. Although he’s not in the Best Supporting Actor category, Maclin’s story credit on the film earned him a nomination in Best Adapted Screenplay. In the class photo, Maclin’s seemingly casual glance at his watch or sneeze had everyone guessing.
