Hollywood’s biggest stars gathered at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles for the annual Oscars nominees luncheon. The event brought together this year’s contenders for a relaxed afternoon ahead of the Academy Awards on 15 March.
The 2026 Oscars class photo captured that moment. Unlike past years, the group looked more formal. Fewer stars pulled funny faces or dramatic poses. Most kept things polished and simple.
Still, the photo revealed plenty of interesting details.
Timothée Chalamet Takes Center Stage
Timothée Chalamet stood confidently in the front row, dressed in a sharp blue tuxedo. As the frontrunner for Best Actor for Marty Supreme, he naturally drew attention.
This marks his second year in a row appearing in the Oscars class photo. In 2025, he earned a nomination for portraying Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. His continued presence signals his strong standing in Hollywood.
Jessie Buckley and Other Major Contenders
Jessie Buckley, nominated for Best Actress for Hamnet, stood near Chalamet. She remains one of the strongest names in this year’s race.
Director Ryan Coogler and producer Zinzi Coogler also secured prominent spots. Paul Thomas Anderson joined the lineup as well, representing One Battle After Another. The front row reflected the depth of talent competing this year.
Guillermo del Toro Adds Personality
While most nominees kept their expressions reserved, Guillermo del Toro chose a more playful approach. The Frankenstein director stretched his arms outward, bringing a rare sense of movement to the image.
His gesture stood out in a photo that otherwise felt carefully composed. It added a touch of personality without disrupting the formal tone.
Jacob Elordi and the Height Advantage
Jacob Elordi earned a nomination for his role as Frankenstein’s monster in Netflix’s adaptation. At 6 feet 5 inches tall, he naturally towers over many co stars.
Organizers placed him in the back row to balance the group visually. Standing beside him was Stellan Skarsgård, who measures 6 feet 2 inches tall. Skarsgård received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Sentimental Value.
Their placement helped maintain symmetry in the large group photo.
Back to the Classic Standing Format
This year, the Academy returned to a standing arrangement. Last year’s seated photo sparked mixed reactions online. Many viewers felt the format lacked energy.
The 2026 standing setup restored a more traditional look. It gave the image structure and made it easier to highlight key nominees.
A More Controlled Hollywood Moment
Compared to earlier years, this class photo felt more measured. Social media plays a huge role in shaping public reactions. Even a small expression can quickly become a viral headline.
As a result, most stars appeared cautious yet composed. The 2026 Oscars class photo may not feature dramatic poses, but it captures a powerful lineup of talent ready for awards night.
The ceremony itself may bring surprises. For now, this image offers a calm preview of what’s ahead.
