Oscar® nominees “do lunch”

By M&C Movie news Feb 6, 2007, 4:42 GMT

79th Academy Awards® Nominees Luncheon: Over one hundred and forty Oscar® nominees gathered at The Beverly Hilton Hotel February 5, 2007 for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences\' Oscar® Nominees Luncheon. The Luncheon honored all of the 2006 Oscar nominees and special award winners.Photo copyright © A.M.P.A.S.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA (M&C) - 140 of Hollywood’s finest took the adage “Let’s do lunch” to heart Monday, February 5 as they gathered at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 26th annual Oscar Nominees Luncheon.

"There are no power tables in this room," AMPAS president Sid Ganis told the crowd, "Here in this room, all the nominees are equal."

The contenders for the 79th Academy Awards celebrated their elite status together - cinematographers and make-up artists, screenwriters and song writers, art directors and actors.

Will Smith (l) and Forrestt Whitaker (r) at the 79th Academy Awards® Nominees Luncheon. Photo copyright ©A.M.P.A.S.

Will Smith was the unofficial class cheerleader. He whooped and hollered for each nominee as their name was announced. When his own name was called, he high-fived everyone within a 10-foot radius, then hopped onto the stage and enveloped Ganis in a huge hug.

Earlier, Smith told reporters that he was proud of "The Pursuit of Happyness" and so thrilled to work with his son Jayden, that he didn't need to actually win the Oscar.

"I swear I don't need an award," he said, a grin lighting up his face. "I might pop if I win something."

79th Academy Awards® Nominees Luncheon: Nominees in the Best Performance by an Actor category for the 79th Academy Awards attended the Oscar Nominees Luncheon in Beverly Hills Monday, February 5, 2007. Pictured clockwise from upper left: Djimon Hounsou for "Blood Diamond"; Mark Wahlberg for "The Departed"; Jackie Earle Haley for "Little Children"; Alan Arkin for "Little Miss Sunshine"; and Eddie Murphy for "Dreamgirls." Photo copyright ©A.M.P.A.S.

Double-nominee Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu, director and producer of best-picture nominee "Babel," snapped photos of his colleagues with a pocket-sized digital camera.

Leonardo DiCaprio chatted with best director nominated Martin Scorsese.

“The Queen” - Helen Mirren chatted with Abigail Breslin, the 10-year-old star of "Little Miss Sunshine," who was so small in her chair that her cowboy boots didn't touch the floor.

Eddie Murphy, who left the luncheon before the main course was served, offered a modest bow when applause erupted after his name was called. Scorsese and O'Toole also enjoyed standing ovations.

Adriana Barraza, nominated for her supporting role in "Babel," basked in the recognition.

"This is beautiful, wonderful, perfect," she said.

Sound mixer Kevin O'Connell celebrated his unique accomplishment: 19 nominations, no wins.

"It's a record," he said, giving two thumbs up.

And alluding to the LONG acceptance speeches that often cause the show to run into overtime, producer Laura Ziskin told the crowd to “leave the list of names at home.”

Ziskin was giving her speech on stage when the page of notes she was holding suddenly burst into flames.

"If you bring paper onstage at the Oscars, you will be playing with fire," she quipped.

Ziskin gave all nominees a tape recorder with 45 seconds of tape. Enough to “Practice their acceptance speeches,” she said.

Attendees also received an official certificate of nomination and a tee shirt.