VIPs Attend Academy Awards Luncheon in Beverly Hills

Academy Award-nominated actors, directors and producers were at the Monday for the customary pre-Oscars lunch and photo session. 

Nearly all the in lead and supporting roles were present at the gathering, including Hollywood A-listers George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Glenn Close and Gary Oldman. 

“I love that I’m in that room with all of those luminaries,” Octavia Spencer said. She is favored to win the best supporting actress Oscar for her role in The Help. 

Jean Dujardin, who is a favorite in the best actor category for his performance in The Artist, dodged a question about a poster for his next movie, which is causing a stir in France. The poster depicts the back of a woman’s head suggestively positioned at Dujardin’s waist. 

A reporter asked Dujardin if he was concerned that the controversial poster might hurt his chances of winning the Oscar, but a publicist overseeing the interview session ignored the question and called on another reporter. 

Michelle Williams, a contender in the best actress category for playing Marilyn Monroe in My Week With Marilyn, made light of a question about her process for picking out a dress for Oscar night. 

“Luckily it’s a process that involves other people,” she said. 

Demian Bichir, nominated for best actor for his leading role in A Better Life, said he hoped the film could do something to focus attention on the challenges immigrants face. In the film, Bachir plays a Mexican immigrant gardener in East Los Angeles trying to keep his son away from gangs and immigration officials. 

“This could make a big difference if the right people see the film, if the guys in Congress take a look at it and get touched by it,” Bachir said. “Hopefully this can send the right message that [immigration] is not a political issue, but a human issue.”

The 84th annual Academy Awards are taking place at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, Feb. 26.

This article was compiled with information from City News Service.

Be sure to follow Beverly Hills Patch on Twitter and "Like" us on Facebook.