Hollywood’s star-studded Oscar season officially kicked into high gear as the 98th Academy Award nominees gathered for their annual nominees’ luncheon and class photo on February 11, 2026, at the prestigious Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. The event, a time-honored tradition, provides a glimpse of the vibrant film industry’s power players and sets the tone for the buildup to the Academy Awards on March 15. With this year’s nominations, the city’s entertainment scene is again firmly in the spotlight, showcasing Hollywood’s ongoing influence as the epicenter of global cinema.
A Star-Studded Gathering
The nominees’ luncheon, held in the heart of Los Angeles, brought together the film industry’s most distinguished names across acting, directing, and production categories. Nominees for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress mingled with fellow filmmakers, Academy voters, and members of the media. This year’s event saw a diverse group of nominees in attendance, including Natalie Portman for her role in The Painter’s Muse, Daniel Kaluuya for his performance in The Silent Storm, and Greta Gerwig, whose film The Swan’s Return received multiple nominations, including Best Director and Best Picture.
A key highlight of the event was the annual class photo, where all the nominees posed together on the iconic Academy Museum’s rooftop. The event not only celebrates the nominees but also reinforces the sense of camaraderie and shared achievement in Hollywood. For some, it marks a long-awaited career milestone, while for others, it’s the culmination of years of dedication and artistry.
The Nominee List
This year’s Oscar nominations continue to reflect the growing diversity in Hollywood. The Best Picture category is a showcase of films with international influence, including “The Hidden Valley,” a gritty look at life in the Appalachian Mountains, and “Beyond the Horizon,” a groundbreaking sci-fi epic from acclaimed director Jessica Liu. The presence of these films signals the Academy’s ongoing shift toward embracing a broader range of voices and genres.
Among the Best Director nominees, Ava DuVernay, who made history with her nomination for Freedom’s Light, joins Martin Scorsese and Greta Gerwig, continuing their prominent place in the Academy’s ranks. Notably, this year’s nominees in the acting categories also reflect significant strides in inclusivity, with standout performances by Florence Pugh in The Swan’s Return and Khalid Al-Banna in Whispers of the Desert, which has drawn critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of Middle Eastern culture.
The Oscars: A Citywide Celebration
The Oscar nominees’ luncheon is not just an isolated event but a part of a larger cultural wave that engulfs Los Angeles in the weeks leading up to the Academy Awards. Throughout the city, multiple screenings, events, and parties take place, offering fans, filmmakers, and industry insiders alike the chance to experience the glamour and excitement of awards season. From Golden Globe winners to Oscar hopefuls, LA transforms into an epicenter of cinematic celebration.
Notably, the Academy Museum has emerged as one of the key cultural landmarks during this time, hosting exhibitions that celebrate the history of cinema, as well as the current crop of nominees. This year’s exhibition, titled “Stories Unfolded: Celebrating 100 Years of Film,” pays tribute to past Oscar winners and nominees, offering a visual timeline of how film has evolved into the cultural powerhouse it is today.
In addition to industry events, fans and visitors to Los Angeles often partake in celebrations surrounding the Oscars, from watch parties at local venues to film-themed installations throughout the city. The entertainment district around Hollywood Boulevard sees an influx of tourists, eager to catch a glimpse of the stars and explore the city that has long been the home of the Academy Awards.
Economic Impact of the Oscars
Beyond the glitz and glam of the red carpet, the Oscar season also provides significant economic benefits to Los Angeles. The influx of media, tourism, and business tied to the Oscars generates substantial revenue for local hotels, restaurants, and retailers. Last year, Oscar-related tourism was estimated to have brought in over $200 million in direct economic impact for the city, a number that is expected to grow this year as well.
With businesses gearing up for the Academy Awards weekend, Los Angeles is expected to experience a boom in hospitality and service sectors. Local businesses cater to the elite attending the events, with red carpet fashion showcases, exclusive parties, and high-profile dinners becoming an integral part of the celebrations. The Oscar’s economic footprint reaches far beyond Hollywood, impacting local neighborhoods and providing a boost to small businesses that see increased traffic during this period.
Looking Ahead to the Oscars
As the excitement builds, the upcoming 98th Academy Awards promises to be a night to remember. With top contenders across major categories, the ceremony is expected to be full of surprises. Los Angeles will again take center stage, showcasing the talents of emerging filmmakers, world-renowned actors, and visionary directors who are shaping the future of cinema.
The Oscar nominees’ luncheon on February 11 is just one of many milestones on the road to the Oscars, and it serves as a reminder of the incredible talent that calls Los Angeles home. Whether you are a film enthusiast, a local business owner, or simply a resident of the city, the Oscars represent not just a celebration of cinema but also an opportunity for Los Angeles to reaffirm its status as the entertainment capital of the world.
With the 98th Academy Awards just around the corner, all eyes are on the City of Angels, where the magic of the movies is made, and celebrated, like nowhere else on Earth.
