Yahoo Lifestyle Oscars to Take 2025 Nominees Class Photo During Week of Ceremony After Luncheon Cancellation (EXCLUSIVE)
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is making arrangements for all nominees of this year’s 97th Academy Awards to gather for the traditional Oscar class photo.
The annual photo, which celebrates the achievements of the year’s nominees across 23 categories, typically takes place during the Oscar Nominees Luncheon. However, this year’s luncheon was canceled due to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. The luncheon traditionally includes nominees being individually announced, receiving nomination certificates and posing for the iconic group photo on stage.
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To ensure this year’s nominees receive proper recognition for their achievements, the Academy is planning a special gathering at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles during the week leading up to the Oscars ceremony on March 2, Variety has exclusively learned. Alongside the planned group photo session, nominees will also attend a series of smaller, intimate dinners. These category-specific gatherings, which have been a pre-Oscars tradition for the last few years, provide a more personal setting to celebrate their individual accomplishments.
While the gathering will allow the nominees to pose for the class photo, it is not expected to include the traditional reading of names. The decision provides a chance to preserve a cherished Oscars tradition despite the disruption caused by the wildfires.
The Oscars announced the luncheon cancellation when they extended the phase one voting period on Jan. 13. The organization redirected $250,000 of the event’s budget toward wildfire relief efforts, bringing their total donation to the Motion Picture & Television Fund to $1 million.
This year’s Oscar nominations highlight an eclectic mix of blockbuster hits, independent films and critically lauded performances. Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez” leads the pack, earning a record-setting 13 nominations. Close behind are Brady Corbet’s historical epic “The Brutalist” and Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the Broadway hit “Wicked,” each securing 10.
In the acting categories, 13 of the 20 are first-time nominees — Monica Barbaro, Yura Borisov, Kieran Culkin, Karla Sofía Gascón, Ariana Grande, Mikey Madison, Demi Moore, Guy Pearce, Isabella Rossellini, Zoe Saldaña, Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, Fernanda Torres — in addition to the five nominated directors — James Mangold, Coralie Fargeat, Jacques Audiard, Sean Baker and Brady Corbet.
The Academy’s efforts to maintain its traditions, even in the face of unexpected challenges, reflect its commitment to honoring the artistry and achievements of cinema.
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