Oscar nominees including Ariana Grande, Timothée Chalamet, and Demi Moore gathered in Los Angeles for the annual “class photo” event. As they prepare for the Academy Awards on Sunday, all the nominees from different categories came together for a dinner and cocktails night, marking the culmination of an eventful awards season.
Traditionally, the class photo is taken during the nominees luncheon earlier in the season, but this year, due to the LA wildfires, the event was postponed. Here are some highlights from this year’s group photo:
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who have been promoting the screen adaptation of Wicked, have shared a special bond, often seen consoling each other during the press tour. They will be performing a medley of songs from the film at the Oscars, which is anticipated to be a memorable moment.
Maya Gnyp stood out in the photo with her vibrant and cozy sweater, a producer of the documentary short film “I Am Ready, Warden.” The film follows the story of a Texas death row inmate.
Among the front row attendees were acting nominees Zoe Saldaña, Mikey Madison, and Monica Barbaro. Saldaña is a strong contender for best supporting actress, while Madison and Moore are in a close race for leading actress.
James Mangold, nominated for “A Complete Unknown,” sat in the second row, though he almost missed the photo due to a late arrival. Despite his distinguished career, Mangold is a first-time nominee in the best director category.
The team from Black Box Diaries stood out for their unity in the photo, as they joined hands in a rare moment of solidarity among the stars.
The director of the film, Shiori Ito (second left), editor Ema Ryan Yamazaki (far right), and producers Hanna Aqvilin and Eric Nyari are seen celebrating. The movie, which is nominated in the documentary feature category, delves into a sexual assault investigation in Japan. In the back row, three prominent stars of this year’s awards race are captured, albeit their faces appear somewhat blurry and out of focus. The Substance star Demi Moore, who plays an aging aerobics instructor in The Substance, is at the center, nominated for her role where she takes a black-market drug to rejuvenate herself. Supporting actor nominees Guy Pearce (left) and Edward Norton are on either side, recognized for their performances in The Brutalist and A Complete Unknown, respectively. Also present in the front row are songwriter Bernie Taupin and singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, nominated in the best original song category for penning “Never Too Late” for Sir Elton John’s recent documentary. Sir Elton himself was absent, but is expected to attend the Oscars. The original song nominees will not perform during the ceremony this year, with other performers including Doja Cat, Lisa from Blackpink, Queen Latifah, Raye, and a Wicked medley. Timothée Chalamet, a surprise winner at the SAG Awards, joins fellow nominees with a desire to become a Hollywood great. Best actor contenders Adrien Brody, Colman Domingo, and Sebastian Stan add star power to the back row. Brody is the frontrunner for portraying a Hungarian architect in The Brutalist, while Domingo and Stan are nominated for roles in Sing Sing and as a young Donald Trump, respectively. British actors Felicity Jones, Cynthia Erivo, and Ralph Fiennes are also nominated in acting categories. Not all nominees attended the dinner, with some notable absences including Kieran Culkin and Karla Sofía Gascón. Gascón has faced backlash due to resurfaced tweets, impacting the film’s awards prospects. Nevertheless, she is set to attend the Oscars ceremony.
Lawrence Maclin, the enigmatic figure who loomed conspicuously absent from this year’s esteemed Best Supporting Actor category, has managed to secure a coveted spot at the forthcoming Oscars ceremony. Despite his notable absence from the acting nominations, Maclin’s presence will not go unnoticed, as his name is etched into the annals of the Best Adapted Screenplay category for his substantial contribution as a story credit on the acclaimed film.
A former denizen of the notorious Sing Sing penitentiary, Maclin’s journey is one of redemption and resilience. Sentenced to a staggering 17 years behind bars at the tender age of 29 for his involvement in a robbery, he found solace and purpose through the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program within the prison walls. It was within this program that Maclin honed his craft, ultimately portraying a version of himself in the cinematic portrayal of life at Sing Sing.
In a candid moment frozen in time, captured within a class photo, Maclin’s persona is a blend of anticipation and whimsy. Whether he is caught in the midst of checking his watch or on the verge of a sneeze, his presence reverberates with a sense of authenticity and raw emotion that encapsulates the essence of his character both on and off the screen.
Reflecting on past class photos, each snapshot serves as a time capsule of moments encapsulating the essence of Hollywood’s luminaries:
– 2024: A glimpse into the world of Margot Robbie and Billie Eilish, where star power and charisma collide.
– 2023: Brendan Fraser’s infectious joy radiates in a moment captured in time, showcasing a man reveling in the sheer delight of life.
– 2020: From the visionary mind of Quentin Tarantino to the enchanting allure of a Frozen couple, a diverse tapestry of talent graces the frame.
– 2019: The iconic duo of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper stand tall among a constellation of stars, their chemistry igniting the screen.
– 2018: Vibrant hues and whimsical cardboard cutouts punctuate the scene, a kaleidoscope of creativity and imagination.
– 2017: Pharrell Williams’ effortless cool exudes from the photo, a maestro of style and substance.
A notable absence in this visual tapestry is the year marred by the specter of Covid, where the shutter of the camera remained silent, capturing no moments of camaraderie or celebration. Yet, even in the absence of physical photographs, the spirit of resilience and creativity continued to burn brightly within the hearts of those who remained steadfast in their pursuit of artistry.
As the Oscars ceremony draws near, the spotlight will undoubtedly illuminate Lawrence Maclin’s indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft. His presence, though not in the form originally anticipated, serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of those who dare to defy the odds.
