**Oscars Class Photo: 12 Noteworthy Moments Captured in Los Angeles**

Highlights include unexpected pairings, notable absences, and a unique blend of fashion and camaraderie among stars.

On Tuesday evening in Los Angeles, the glitz and glam of Hollywood was on display as nominees for the Oscars gathered for their traditional class photo, a prelude to the festivities of the Academy Awards taking place this Sunday (2 March). The event, usually marked by a joyous atmosphere, was particularly special this year as it followed the cancellation of the annual nominees luncheon due to the LA wildfires.

Among the most eye-catching interactions was the moment between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who have been promoting their film adaptation of *Wicked*. Instead of a standard photo prompt, Erivo playfully encouraged everyone to shout "Oscar nominee!" capturing the joyous spirit of the evening. The pair are slated to perform a medley from their film during the ceremony, potentially echoing the viral energy of last year's performances.

Another standout moment was producer Maya Gnyp’s colorful jumper, which sparked immediate interest among attendees. Gnyp's film, *I Am Ready, Warden*, has garnered a nomination for Best Documentary Short, showcasing the poignant story of Texas death row inmate John Henry Ramirez.

The front row saw heavyweights such as Zoe Saldaña and Mikey Madison, both vying for their respective awards in a competitive atmosphere. Saldaña has emerged as a top contender for Best Supporting Actress, while Madison faces a tight race for Best Leading Actress. Meanwhile, director James Mangold made quite the entrance, arriving just in time and earning affectionate cheers from other nominees, despite not being in the first row.

Additionally, in a heartwarming display, the team behind the documentary *Black Box Diaries* joined hands to celebrate their nomination, granting a touch of solidarity amidst the competition.

While elite actors filled the back rows, including Demi Moore and Guy Pearce, the event highlighted several conspicuous absences. Best Supporting Actor frontrunner Kieran Culkin wasn’t present, nor was *Emilia Pérez* star Karla Sofía Gascón, raising eyebrows due to recent controversies surrounding her social media activity.

Timothée Chalamet, fresh from his SAG Awards win, brought a touch of charm as he posed aloofly, hinting at the intense competition amongst peers. Intriguingly, Clarence Maclin, a crucial element of the film *Sing Sing*, showcased his light-hearted demeanor in the class photo, a notable omission from the Best Supporting Actor category despite his storyline recognition.

As the nominees gear up for a weekend of celebration and potential triumph, this year’s class photo captured the essence of Hollywood's camaraderie and competition—setting the stage for an unforgettable Oscars night.