A Peek Behind the Glamour: 12 Shining Moments from the Oscars Class Photo

Hollywood's Elite Gather for the 2026 Oscars Luncheon

As the anticipation builds for the Oscars on March 15, the Beverly Hilton Hotel buzzed with excitement as nominees gathered for a class photo, an amusing and somewhat informal event for the year's potential winners. While it may lack the star-studded drama of Oscars night, the class photo captures a more relatable side of these A-listers, often leading to charming candid moments.

"There's no such thing as a free lunch, unless you're a Hollywood A-lister who's nominated for an Oscar."

This quote captures the playful atmosphere at the luncheon as stars like Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, and Michael B. Jordan mingled, chatted, and posed for press. The absence of overarching pressure allowed for the odd humorous moment—like when Guillermo del Toro stole the limelight by striking a fun pose, arms spread wide, reminiscent of a kid unabashedly enjoying his birthday party.

What Caught My Eye

Unlike previous years where outrageous poses and antics often took center stage, this year's gathering seemed a tad more restrained, as if publicists had advised their clients against potential social media faux pas. But don't let that fool you; plenty of standout moments unfolded.

1. Timothée and Jessie were slightly upstaged

   Timothée Chalamet, the frontrunner for Best Actor thanks to his compelling role in Marty Supreme, sported a sharp blue tux that earned him prime positioning in this year's photo. However, it was the always whimsical Guillermo del Toro who caught eyes with his playful outstretched arms, effectively upstaging his co-stars.

2. Tallest at the Back, Please

   In a clever organizing tactic, the taller nominees, including the statuesque Jacob Elordi, stood in the back row alongside fellow giant Stellan Skarsgård, making for a visually striking arrangement. It's a small yet undoubtedly significant detail that speaks of a carefully curated class photo.

3. Teyana Taylor Wins Best Jacket

   The unofficial fashion award goes to Teyana Taylor for her stunning black overcoat, bringing an eye-catching flair to the sea of black and grey ensembles. Her nomination for One Battle After Another places her firmly in the running as a supporting actress contender, solidifying her status as both a style icon and a serious talent this season.

4. In the Presence of Pop Royalty

   Also gracing us with her presence was the legendary Diane Warren, who, despite 17 nominations and no wins, continues to impress with her enduring contributions to music. Her poignant nomination for "Dear Me" adds to her narrative, both tragic and triumphant, in the world of songwriting.

5. Michael B. Smilin'

   Take a look at Michael B. Jordan, capturing the light with his million-dollar smile, particularly notable given the 16 nominations Sinners has achieved, making it the most-nominated film in Oscar history. Standing next to him is Ejae, lending a unique pop culture tie-in to the photograph.

6. Wunmi and Delroy Represented the UK

   British talent was on full display with nominees Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo, the latter humorously mentioning how he doesn't quite feel British anymore having lived abroad for so long. Still, the duo's presence was a proud moment for the UK, drawing attention to their significant work in the film industry.

7. Oscar Regulars Rub Shoulders with First-Time Nominees

   Recurring winners like Emma Stone stood alongside first-time nominees, creating a delightful mélange that showcases evolving talent. Stone, nominated for Bugonia, proved that seasoned stars can harmoniously coexist with those just beginning to make their mark.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into Tomorrow's Oscars

The 2026 Oscars class photo may be a lighthearted moment before the industry's biggest night, but it encapsulates much more than mere faces. It reflects the merging of past and future, veteran talent and rising stars. This year's photo, with its playful undertones, reminds us that beyond the glamour lies a community shaped by shared experiences of dedication and artistry.