Five days before the 2024 Academy Awards, Hollywood's brightest stars gathered for an exclusive cocktail reception and class photo session at the Academy Museum. This year's event replaced the traditional Oscars luncheon canceled due to Southern California wildfires, creating a unique atmosphere of camaraderie among nominees.
Best actress frontrunner Cynthia Erivo set the tone, shouting 'Everyone say Oscar nominee!' during the group photo in the David Geffen Theater. The evening saw unexpected connections between A-listers and lesser-known contenders, with Timothée Chalamet greeting reporters by name and nominees sharing pet photos during cocktails.
'The show must honor your talents this year as never before,' Academy President Janet Yang told the crowd, emphasizing resilience despite wildfire disruptions.
Notable moments included:
- Ariana Grande rallying photographers for reshoots
- Jeremy Strong discussing farm animals with Isabella Rossellini
- Demi Moore and Mikey Madison's designer gown contrasts with Timothée Chalamet's bedazzled denim
The event's egalitarian spirit shone through identical black name tags and mixed seating arrangements. 'We're all Oscar nominees first,' remarked 'Anora' producer Samantha Quan as sound technicians mingled with acting heavyweights.
While most nominees attended, notable absences included:
- Elton John (Best Original Song)
- Ralph Fiennes (Best Actor)
- Karla Sofía Gascón (Best Actress)
With voting concluded, the relaxed gathering offered final networking opportunities before Sunday's ceremony. As nominees departed, the museum walls echoed with laughter and the clink of cocktail glasses - a testament to Hollywood's enduring community spirit even in challenging times.
