Oscars Class Photo Highlights: This Year's Memorable Moments

A look into the essential details and star-studded interactions from the Oscars' annual class photo event.

A gathering of Oscar nominees took place in Los Angeles on Tuesday as the film community prepared for the Academy Awards, scheduled for Sunday, March 2. Among the attendees were familiar faces like Ariana Grande, Timothée Chalamet, and Demi Moore. This much-anticipated event, known for bringing nominees together, showcases unique and often amusing interactions as the awards race intensifies.

This year's class photo was particularly memorable due to its rescheduling; typically taken during the nominees luncheon, the photo was delayed this year following the cancellation of that event because of wildfires in Los Angeles. Here are the highlights:

1. **Ariana and Cynthia Steal the Show**
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo proved their closeness during the photo, playfully encouraging everyone to shout "Oscar nominee!" instead of the traditional "cheese." The duo holds a special bond as they promote the film adaptation of *Wicked*, with plans for a medley performance during the Oscars, similar to last year's viral moments.

2. **Fashion Spotting**
Maya Gnyp, producer of the nominated documentary *I Am Ready, Warden*, donned an eye-catching cozy jumper that caught the attention of onlookers. Her film tells the poignant story of Texas death row inmate John Henry Ramirez, reflecting the serious themes prevalent in many nominated films.

3. **A-list Assembly**
Joining Grande and Erivo in the front row were prominent nominees like Zoe Saldaña and Mikey Madison. Saldaña is a strong contender for best supporting actress, while Madison is locked in a tight contest for best leading actress against Demi Moore.

4. **James Mangold’s Last-Minute Arrival**
Director James Mangold, nominated for *A Complete Unknown*, arrived just in time for the photo, highlighting his role in this year’s competitive landscape for first-time nominees in the best director category.

5. **Celebratory Spirits**
Director Shiori Ito and the team from *Black Box Diaries* took a joyful approach, interlocking arms in celebration before the photo was captured, showcasing solidarity among the nominees.

6. **Famous Faces in the Back Row**
Prominent figures like Demi Moore, Guy Pearce, and Edward Norton found themselves in the back row, showcasing the broad range of talent vying for Oscars this year.

7. **Musical Trios**
Songwriters Bernie Taupin and Brandi Carlile made a notable appearance without Sir Elton John, who co-wrote their nominated song *Never Too Late*. Despite his absence, they remain strong contenders for the Academy Award.

8. **Chalamet's Reserved Presence**
Timothée Chalamet appeared pensive in the photo, reflecting on his recent SAG Award win, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to the competitive atmosphere.

9. **Leading Actors in the Mix**
Frontrunners like Adrien Brody, Colman Domingo, and Sebastian Stan added to the star-studded ambiance, showcasing the diverse talent nominated this year.

10. **British Talent Shines**
Representing the UK, Ralph Fiennes and Felicity Jones shared the spotlight with fellow nominees, emphasizing the legacy of British actors in the Academy Awards history.

11. **Notable Absences**
While many nominees were present, some like Kieran Culkin missed the event, leading to conversations about their standing in the competition.

12. **Clarence Maclin's Moment**
Clarence Maclin, recognized in the adapted screenplay category, was captured checking the time during the photo, representing his journey from incarceration to its cinematic portrayal.

The upcoming Oscars promise to be an exciting evening, with these memorable moments serving as a teaser of the camaraderie and spirit within the industry. As anticipation builds, this class photo offers a glimpse into the personalities behind this year’s most celebrated films.