A pre-Oscars event took place at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on February 25, five days before the 97th Academy Awards. This gathering served as an alternative to the traditional luncheon, which was canceled due to the impact of Southern California wildfires. The event included a cocktail reception, dinner, and an official group photograph. With the voting process completed and winners already determined, nominees engaged in discussions, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie. Best actress contenders Mikey Madison and Demi Moore exchanged greetings, while best actor nominees Timothée Chalamet and Adrien Brody held an animated conversation. Academy President Janet Yang welcomed attendees and highlighted the significance of unity within the industry. The speech also emphasized the necessity of limiting acceptance speeches to 45 seconds to maintain the event’s structured format. This directive was met with an enthusiastic response from those present.

Following the official photograph, nominees attended an exclusive dinner, where established industry figures and emerging talents were treated as equals. Best supporting actress nominees Ariana Grande, Monica Barbaro, Zoe Saldaña, and Isabella Rossellini engaged in animated discussions, underscoring the collegial nature of the evening. During the reception, Rossellini shared anecdotes about farm life, revealing the presence of goats among the animals on her estate. The attire of attendees ranged from formal gowns to eclectic ensembles, reflecting individual styles. Media representatives, publicists, and other industry members were asked to step aside as nominees proceeded to the dinner, maintaining the exclusivity of the occasion. While a roll call was not conducted, notable absences included Elton John, Ralph Fiennes, and Karla Sofía Gascón, who were all nominated in prominent categories. This event provided an opportunity for nominees to interact before the highly anticipated awards ceremony.