The Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon was a happy occasion full of hugs between stars, but also a sense of trepidation as the first Academy luncheon since the COVID-19 pandemic started in March 2020. With a live, in-person event held at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, with remarks from Oscars producer Will Packer and Academy president David Rubin, over 200 guests gathered to celebrate the achievements of this year’s nominees for the 94th Oscars, set to take place on March 27.
Rubin’s opening remarks acknowledged the war in Ukraine and the Academy’s global support for a peaceful resolution.
Some key takeaways from the event
1. The Academy wants the show to be fun.
Packer emceed the top of the event, praising the year’s crop of nominees. “This is the year,” he says to the crowd. “If there’s ever been time for celebration, this is the year. You…
