The 31st Oscar nominess 'class photo'

Inside the more fun traditions of honours season, the Academy of motion Picture Arts and Sciences held its 31st annual Nominees Lunch on Monday within the Beverly Hilton. The democratic seating arrangement gives first-time nominees the chance to rub elbows with AMPAS governors and Oscar veterans. "This really is really the before you will be rooting for each other," Academy prexy Tom Sherak joked within the opening remarks. "In this particular room, all the nominees are equal (and) all of the films are equal." Show producers John Grazer and Don Mischer, who mentioned this year's ceremony will recall the design of a classic movie house, made the conventional attract potential individuals who win to supply short, memorable acceptance speeches. Academy governor Tom Hanks increased the plea with advice via tape, mentioning the crowd desires to start to see the pleasure in winners' eyes. "If you are searching inside a piece of paper, all the audience are able to see may be the bald place," Hanks mentioned. The 84th Academy awards is going to be provided Feb. 26 within the Kodak Theater and public live and eat ABC. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com