THE PRESTIGE PALETTE: DECIPHERING THE "CLASS OF 2026" AT THE 98TH OSCARS® NOMINEES LUNCHEON
The annual Oscars® Nominees Luncheon at the Beverly Hilton is the industry’s most sophisticated gathering, a momentary pause in the frantic awards season where the year’s most celebrated artists come together for a single group portrait. On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the 98th Academy Awards class turned this tradition into a definitive fashion statement. The collective aesthetic shifted away from the predictable "daytime" florals of previous years toward a vision of architectural minimalism and tonal depth. Looking through the lens of the official class photo and individual arrivals, it is clear that the nominees have embraced a "Modern Noir" palette that prioritizes sharp structure and sculptural elegance over flashy trends.
98th Oscars, Academy Awards, Nominees Luncheon, Arrivals
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A major headline of the afternoon was the evolution of feminine tailoring, led by Elle Fanning. Nominated for Sentimental Value, Fanning departed from her signature ethereal style in favor of a striking Givenchy Spring 2026 tuxedo-gown. The garment, designed by Sarah Burton, featured aggressive, structured shoulders and a plunging neckline that transitioned into a voluminous midi skirt with a dramatic high slit. This look signaled a transition for Fanning, moving from the fairytale ingénue to a powerhouse veteran. Similarly, Emma Stone brought a high-fashion edge to the "office siren" aesthetic. Celebrating her nomination for Bugonia, Stone arrived in a Julie de Libran Couture blazer dress that emphasized precision. With a deep V-neck and a singular, oversized floral appliqué on the lapel, she proved that minimalism can be incredibly impactful when the construction is flawless.
98th Oscars, Academy Awards, Nominees Luncheon, Arrivals
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The menswear at the Beverly Hilton was equally adventurous, leaning into the "Air Tie" movement and a return to dandyism. Jacob Elordi maintained his status as a modern style icon in a custom Valentino suit. By pairing a narrow tie with immaculately cropped trousers, he balanced collegiate charm with high-fashion discipline. Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet opted for a deep, inky navy Givenchy satin suit, choosing to go tieless for a more effortless, youthful energy. This relaxed approach was echoed by Leonardo DiCaprio, who made a rare appearance in Dior Men without a tie, softening his traditional double-breasted silhouette for the daytime setting. Michael B. Jordan, representing the massive success of Sinners, provided a powerful visual anchor in a boxy, double-breasted Balenciaga suit that favored a broader, more masculine structure compared to the slim-fitting trends elsewhere in the room.
98th Oscars, Academy Awards, Nominees Luncheon, Arrivals
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98th Oscars, Academy Awards, Nominees Luncheon, Arrivals
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8th Oscars, Academy Awards, Nominees Luncheon, Arrivals
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98th Oscars, Academy Awards, Nominees Luncheon, Arrivals
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Color, while sparingly used, served as a strategic tool for those looking to stand out against the sea of charcoal and black. Kate Hudson made a searing statement in a crimson Lanvin calf-length dress that captured the natural light of the Hilton ballroom perfectly. In contrast, Rose Byrne explored earthy, grounded tones, wearing a sculptural chocolate brown Bottega Veneta ensemble that demonstrated how muted hues can possess immense sculptural power. Teyana Taylor, another standout for One Battle After Another, brought a unique textural element with a satin button-down paired with a floor-length sheer pleated skirt and a sequinned overcoat. Even the most classic suits featured textural variety, such as the shimmering charcoal tones and the intricate lapel detailing captured in the close-up shots of the nominees, which added significant depth to the monochromatic landscape of the event.
98th Oscars, Academy Awards, Nominees Luncheon, Arrivals
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98th Oscars, Academy Awards, Nominees Luncheon, Arrivals
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98th Oscars, Academy Awards, Nominees Luncheon, Arrivals
Mark Von Holden / The Academy
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The unified energy of the "Class of 2026" is best observed in the group shots, where the collective choice of midnight navy, onyx, and silver creates a sense of professional prestige. These wide-angle captures reveal a masterclass in modern formalwear, showcasing everything from the sheer pleated work of Chloé Zhao’s gown to the sharp, minimalist lines favored by directors and actors alike. This blend of tradition and subversion defines the current state of Hollywood style: it is a world where quiet luxury meets theatrical minimalism, ensuring that the focus remains on the artist's stature and their contribution to cinema.
98th Oscars, Academy Awards, Nominees Luncheon, Arrivals
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Mark Von Holden / The Academy
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As we look toward the 98th Academy Awards ceremony on March 15, the Nominees Luncheon serves as a compelling preview. The heavy reliance on black-tie adjacent daytime looks suggests a return to high-glamour tradition for the main event. By stripping away the viral stunts and focusing on the "perfectly tailored icon," the nominees have set a high bar for the upcoming red carpet. From the delicate sheer work to the architectural lapel details, the message from the 98th class is unmistakable: sophistication is back, and it is sharper than ever.
Looking for more minimalist inspiration? Browse all of our curated features on Style.
For a complete list of this year's honorees and their work, visit the official 98th Oscars Nominees list.
Milan Weekly is an accredited media outlet of the Academy Press Office. All photographs in this feature are provided courtesy of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
