Academy Prepares for Special Gathering of Nominees

In a move to keep cinema traditions alive, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is preparing for a special gathering of nominees ahead of the 97th Academy Awards. This year, due to the severe Los Angeles wildfires, the Oscar Nominees Luncheon has been canceled, which normally serves as a platform for nominees to be publicly acknowledged and celebrated.

Exclusive Class Photo Session

Typically, the luncheon features nominees receiving their certificates and sharing a collective photograph on stage. However, to ensure that the nominees still experience this iconic moment, the Academy has organized an exclusive class photo session at the prestigious Academy Museum of Motion Pictures during the week leading up to the significant ceremony set for March 2, 2025.

Intimate, Category-Focused Dinners

This exclusive photo opportunity will be complemented by intimate, category-focused dinners, a beloved pre-Oscar tradition that allows nominees to celebrate their individual artistic achievements with their peers in a relaxed environment.

Acknowledgment Adjustments

While the gathering will capture the essence of the celebratory photo, it has been confirmed that the event will not feature the customary reading of nominees' names—an adjustment necessitated by the recent calamities yet still focused on preserving core Oscar traditions.

Charitable Contributions for Wildfire Relief

In a charitable twist, when the cancellation was announced on January 13, the Academy converted $250,000 of the luncheon’s budget to support wildfire relief efforts, boosting their total contributions to the Motion Picture & Television Fund to an impressive $1 million.

Celebrating Diverse Talent and Films

The nominees themselves shine brighter this year, with an eclectic selection of films, from blockbuster successes to critically-acclaimed independent pieces. Leading the nominations is Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical "Emilia Pérez," which has achieved a groundbreaking 13 nominations. It's closely followed by Brady Corbet's historical film "The Brutalist" and Jon M. Chu's much-anticipated adaptation of "Wicked," both receiving 10 nominations each.

Notable First-Time Nominees

This year marks a notable shift in the acting categories, featuring 13 first-time nominees, including notables like Monica Barbaro, Arianna Grande, and Kieran Culkin. Directors are also celebrated this year, with five first-time nominees including innovative talents such as James Mangold and Coralie Fargeat.

Commitment to Honoring Cinema's Artistry

The Academy’s efforts to adapt to unforeseen circumstances while upholding its cherished traditions underscore its dedication to honoring the diverse artistry and monumental achievements within the film industry. Fans eagerly anticipate the Oscars, now more than ever, as they navigate through these historical transitions in the cinematic landscape!