Benedict Cumberbatch, Jessica Chastain Attend Other Annual Oscar Nominees' Luncheon
Will Smith, Kristen Stewart and other Academy Award contenders gathered on Monday to celebrate at the annual Oscar nominees' luncheon, one of the film industry's biggest gatherings as the COVID-19 pandemic confines the Hollywood awards circuit. Have given.
Benedict Cumberbatch, Jessica Chastain, Steven Spielberg and Bradley Cooper also joined the crowd in a packed ballroom at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. Contenders for this year's Oscars include the stars alongside sound mixers, costume designers and other behind-the-scenes workers, who will be honored in a live ceremony on March 27.
"It's a year like no other," said producer Will Packer for this year's Oscars telecast. "If there's a time to be grateful and enjoy an opportunity that allows us to be in the same room, ladies and gentlemen, this is the year."
In 2021, the nominees' luncheon was canceled and the Oscar ceremony was held in front of a small audience at a train station in downtown Los Angeles.
This year, organizers are planning a bigger crowd at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, the longtime home of the show.
Dark western "The Power of the Dog" leads the field of contenders with 12 nominations, followed by sci-fi epic "Dune."
At Monday's luncheon, Packer offered advice on how to give a memorable acceptance speech to the nominees. He urged them to be brief and to drop the tradition of thanking agents, managers or other representatives.
"Clearly the audience doesn't care," Packer said. "You know what they care about? They care about you, your journey, your passion... talk about that." Reuters