Beverly Hills (United States) (AFP) – The nominees for the 98th edition of the Oscars gathered Tuesday in Beverly Hills for the traditional lunch preceding the prestigious ceremony. And this year, the luxurious feast honored more than just the elite of American cinema.

Published on: 02/11/2026 - 10:49

“It’s always a blessing to be here!” Timothée Chalamet, favorite for the best actor prize thanks to his role as a long-toothed table tennis player in “Marty Supreme,” told AFP.

The Franco-American actor was delighted to return to this meeting, canceled last year because of the deadly fires which killed 31 people in Los Angeles and devastated entire neighborhoods.

A few meters from him, his competitor Michael B. Jordan ("Sinners") greeted his table neighbors with a smile, while Ethan Hawke ("Blue Moon"), another contender for this statuette, approached accompanied by one of his daughters.

But among the bottles of champagne, it was especially the contingent of international stars honored this year who had a smile.

Brazilian actor Wagner Moura, also in the running for the Oscar for best actor with “The Secret Agent”, enthusiastically embraced his Swedish colleague Stellan Skarsgard (“Sentimental Value”), favorite for best supporting role.

Without forgetting to salute the Spaniard Oliver Laxe, director of “Sirat”, which competes with “The Secret Agent” in the best international film category.

“It’s a recognition of Brazilian cinema and the cinema of our region,” rejoiced Wagner Moura, satisfied by the success of this film chronicling the sticky atmosphere under the military dictatorship of the 1970s, and which is also vying for the Oscar for best film.

The director of this feature film, Kleber Mendonca Filho, nominated for the first time, explained that he had energy to spare, “like a power station”.

Diversity

Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor welcomed the more than 200 nominees by highlighting the diversity of this edition.

“Votes were cast from 88 countries and regions. We saw a record number of nominations and voting participations, demonstrating our global strength as a company and who we are as an organization,” said the British producer.

The integration of new international voters into the Academy in recent years has produced a very marked shift this year in favor of international cinema.

Stellan Skarsgard pointed out that a Norwegian film like “Sentimental Value” is no longer confined to the prize for best international film, as might have been the case before.

He plays in the big leagues and is vying for the top prize for best film - like "The Secret Agent".

Like MM. Moura and Laxe, the Swedish actor was also in great demand for photos, hugs or brief conversations with stars like Teyana Taylor or Benicio del Toro, the actors of “One Battle After Another”, big favorite this year.

Del Toro said he was doubly moved after watching fellow Puerto Rican Bad Bunny perform during the Super Bowl halftime on Sunday.

“I got goosebumps,” he told AFP. “It was very beautiful.”

Across the room, another Del Toro, director Guillermo, was at the party. His “Frankenstein” is nominated in multiple categories, including best film.

“I'm happy because nine nominations don't happen every day,” said the Mexican filmmaker, who is however absent from the race for the best director prize.

“If my team wins, we all win,” he added.

Actor Jacob Elordi, who plays the famous monster in his work, notably has a card to play in the best supporting role category, after winning a Golden Globe in January.

“I’m having a good time,” he smiled, after an impromptu photo session. "Everything is fine."

The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15 in Hollywood.

© 2026 AFP

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