2025 Oscars: A Star-Studded Gathering at the Academy Museum
In a dazzling display of cinematic talent, 172 of this year’s Oscar nominees came together at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles for an unforgettable evening. The event, dubbed the “Oscar Nominees Dinner,” marked a significant departure from tradition, replacing the usual Oscar Nominees Luncheon that was canceled due to the Los Angeles wildfires.
A Night to Remember
The gathering took place just five nights before the 97th Academy Awards, offering nominees a chance to mingle and celebrate their achievements. Upon arrival, stars like Timothée Chalamet, nominated for best actor in A Complete Unknown, and Demi Moore, up for best actress in The Substance, were greeted with excitement. They posed for a memorable class photo alongside Academy president Janet Yang and later enjoyed a media session in front of a step-and-repeat.
The evening continued with cocktails and dinner in the museum’s Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby. Nominees, including Denis Villeneuve for best picture with Dune: Part Two and Brandi Carlile for best original song with “Never Too Late” from Elton John: Never Too Late, mingled with Academy CEO Bill Kramer, Academy Museum director Amy Homma, and members of the Academy’s board of governors.
A Mix of Veterans and Newcomers
The event saw a mix of seasoned nominees and first-timers. Diane Warren, nominated for the 16th time for best original song with “The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight, was among the veterans. Meanwhile, newcomers like Isabella Rossellini for Conclave and Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez experienced the thrill of their first nomination.
The gathering also facilitated reunions among old friends and colleagues. Producers Marc Platt and Fred Berger, who eight years ago were on stage accepting best picture Oscars for La La Land, shared a nostalgic moment. The event’s international flavor was evident with nominees like Ralph Fiennes from the U.K., Fernanda Torres from Brazil, and Slava Leontyev from Ukraine, showcasing the global reach of the 2025 Oscars.
Preparing for the Big Night
As the nominees prepared for the upcoming 2025 Oscars, discussions about acceptance speeches and group representation were in the air. The trio of best makeup/hairstyling nominees from The Substance—Pierre-Oliver Persin, Stéphanie Guillon, and Marilyne Scarselli—had already designated Persin to speak if they won. Meanwhile, Conclave producer Michael A. Jackman humorously admitted to preparing a speech, saying, “I feel like an idiot, but I don’t want to look like an idiot!”
The Class Photo and Beyond
The highlight of the evening was the class photo, taken in the David Geffen Theatre. Best original screenplay nominee RaMell Ross playfully stood up just before the snaps, adding a touch of humor. Cynthia Erivo, nominated for best actress in Wicked, encouraged everyone to shout “Oscar nominee!” before one shot. The late arrival of James Mangold, nominated for best picture, director, and adapted screenplay for A Complete Unknown, led to a second round of photos.
After securing the photos, the nominees enjoyed a dinner prepared by Wolfgang Puck, featuring New York steak, roasted salmon, pan-roasted jidori chicken, and black pepper gnocchi cacio e pepe, served family-style.
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For more on the Oscars and related events, check out our coverage of the 2025 Met Gala and the BAFTA Film Awards 2023.
Conclusion
The Oscar Nominees Dinner at the Academy Museum was a night filled with anticipation, camaraderie, and celebration. As the 2025 Oscars approach, the excitement continues to build. Stay tuned for more updates and join the conversation about this year’s nominees and their journey to the Academy Awards.
Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com
