Tom Cruise’s return to the spotlight alongside Steven Spielberg’s historic Oscar tally—an nomination span across six decades—drew attention at the Oscar Nominees Luncheon in Beverly Hills. The gathering gathered many of the year’s contenders and industry veterans for a day that celebrated achievements while quietly reinforcing the ceremony’s evolving spirit.
Photos, warm embraces, and congratulatory handshakes filled the room as Cruise, a perennial finalist for Top Gun: Maverick, moved through a crowd eager to acknowledge long-standing success and recent recognition alike. His appearance underscored the event’s role as a milestone moment for those who have shaped contemporary cinema, with brief exchanges and shared smiles signaling mutual respect among peers.
Among the attendees, Jamie Lee Curtis and Austin Butler extended their praise, with Butler receiving a fervent nod for his portrayal of Elvis and Cruise offering heartfelt applause as the actor reflected on a performance that resonated with audiences. The atmosphere suggested that triumphs in other areas of the industry were being celebrated in tandem with the broader ceremony, underscoring the Luncheon as a connective thread linking past achievements to future nominations.
Spielberg entered with actress Michelle Williams, and the two shared a moment of public focus as a cascade of camera flashes illuminated the scene. A director and star who have collaborated on films such as Minority Report and War of the Worlds created a notable focal point, dispelling rumors of strain and revealing a professional rapport built on years of collaboration and shared creative ambition.
Williams, who has pursued Oscar recognition, maintained a poised presence at the event, mindful of the ongoing public health landscape while remaining closely involved in the proceedings surrounding Spielberg and the broader narrative of the festival.
Familiar faces including Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser, Colin Farrell, Paul Mescal, Ricardo Darín, Cate Blanchett, Angela Bassett, and Ke Huy Quan were among the stars present, along with filmmakers Martin McDonagh, Daniel Kwan, and Daniel Scheinert. The gathering also welcomed cinema figures Guillermo del Toro and Santiago Mitre, underscoring the diverse international representation that characterizes this year’s edition.
As organized by the Hollywood Academy, the Oscar Luncheon serves as a bridge between technical and lesser-known categories and the industry’s most acclaimed figures. Journalists invited to the event gain access to candid conversations that illuminate the broader context of the season while connecting creators across disciplines.
Will Smith incident framed as unacceptable
The Luncheon also marked a return to normalcy for a major media event following a widely publicized incident. The 2022 moment—when a well-publicized altercation became a global talking point—prompted a reevaluation of protocol and sparked discussions about conduct within the industry.
Janet Yang, president of the Hollywood Academy, anchored a keynote address that referenced the prior year’s events as unacceptable and noted a deliberate shift in procedures to reinforce safety and accountability within the organization.
Her words emphasized a commitment to unity and solidarity among industry professionals and audiences, with a concise reminder that the community must uphold shared values even when tensions run high.
The president spoke from a modest platform, framed by a backdrop that honored the Luncheon’s connection to the Tongva land, reflecting cultural awareness and a nod to the region’s indigenous heritage.
Yang further clarified that responses to last year’s incident aimed not at punishment alone, but at guiding a more transparent and responsible future for the association and its members. The remarks suggested a broader movement toward collaboration and clarity across the industry, resonating with attendees who had gathered to recognize excellence while grappling with the incident’s lasting implications.
Some attendees found the statements surprising, yet the overall mood remained focused on the awards season ahead. A short luncheon break gave way to a group portrait of this year’s nominees, capturing a moment of collective aspiration and professional camaraderie.
The 95th Oscar Awards Ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 12, with a slate that highlights Hispanic representation. Notable figures connected to this edition include Guillermo del Toro and Santiago Mitre as directors, along with Ricardo Darín and Ana de Armas as principal Hispanic presences among the contenders.
Citations: The Luncheon and its participants are documented through industry coverage and official statements from the Hollywood Academy. See coverage from the Academy press office and major entertainment media for context and attribution.