Ariana Grande, Timothée Chalamet, and Demi Moore were among the Oscar nominees who gathered in Los Angeles on Tuesday for the annual class photo. Ahead of the Academy Awards on Sunday, the nominees from all categories were invited to mingle over dinner and cocktails as an eventful awards race reaches its conclusion. Here are the 12 notable things we observed in this year's Oscars class photo.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have spent recent months promoting the screen adaptation of Wicked. Their camaraderie was evident as they held space at the front of the photo. Before the snapshot, Erivo exclaimed, "Everyone say 'Oscar nominee!'" Both actresses will perform a medley of songs from Wicked during the Oscars ceremony, which is expected to capture the same energy as Ryan Gosling's viral performance from last year.
Despite warmer weather approaching, the colorful sweater worn by Maya Gnyp, a producer of I Am Ready, Warden, caught our attention. This documentary short, nominated for an Oscar, follows Texas death row inmate John Henry Ramire in his final days.
Joining Ariana and Cynthia in the front row were acting nominees like Zoe Saldaña, Mikey Madison, and Monica Barbaro. Saldaña is a strong contender for best supporting actress for Emilia Pérez, having already won several precursor awards. Madison and Moore are also in tight races for leading roles.
James Mangold, nominated for A Complete Unknown, arrived just in time for the class photo. Despite his late appearance, he received warm cheers from fellow nominees. Mangold, alongside other first-time nominees like Coralie Fargeat and Sean Baker, is recognized in the best director category.
The team from Black Box Diaries stood out by holding hands and celebrating. The documentary, nominated in the feature category, explores a sexual assault investigation in Japan. Director Shiori Ito, editor Ema Ryan Yamazaki, and producers Hanna Aqvilin and Eric Nyari were all present.
Among the blurry figures in the back row were Demi Moore, Guy Pearce, and Edward Norton. Moore is nominated for her role in The Substance, while Pearce and Norton are recognized for their supporting roles in The Brutalist and A Complete Unknown, respectively.
Songwriter Bernie Taupin and singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile were present in the front row, nominated for best original song for Never Too Late. Notably absent was Sir Elton John, co-writer of the song. Other performers, including Doja Cat and Queen Latifah, will grace the Oscars stage this year.
Timothée Chalamet appeared slightly isolated despite his recent surprise win at the SAG Awards for A Complete Unknown. He took an aisle seat and seemed contemplative during the class photo.
Best actor nominees like Adrien Brody, Colman Domingo, and Sebastian Stan found themselves in the back row. Brody is favored to win for his role in The Brutalist, while Domingo and Stan are also strong contenders.
Among the British nominees were Felicity Jones, Cynthia Erivo, and Ralph Fiennes. Fiennes, nominated for Conclave, holds the potential to make history with four appearances in best picture winners.
While the class photo was bustling, a few nominees were notably absent, adding an air of mystery to the gathering.
Clarence Maclin, a notable absence in the best supporting actor category, is still recognized for his story credit in Sing Sing. The film, based on his own experiences, is nominated for best adapted screenplay. Maclin's presence was felt even as he checked his watch or sneezed during the photo session.
