The 31st Oscar nominess 'class photo'

Within the more enjoyable traditions of honours season, the Academy of movement Picture Arts and Sciences held its 31st annual Nominees Lunch on Monday in the Beverly Hilton. The democratic seating arrangement gives first-time nominees the opportunity to rub elbows with AMPAS governors and Oscar veterans. "This is actually the before you'll be rooting for one another," Academy prexy Tom Sherak joked in the opening remarks. "Within this room, all of the nominees are equal (and) all the films are equal." Show producers John Grazer and Don Mischer, who stated the 2011 ceremony will recall the feel of a vintage movie house, made the standard attract potential those who win to provide short, memorable acceptance speeches. Academy governor Tom Hanks strengthened the plea with advice via tape, mentioning the audience really wants to begin to see the pleasure in winners' eyes. "If you're looking in a sheet of paper, all of the audience can easily see is the bald place," Hanks stated. The 84th Oscars will be provided February. 26 in the Kodak Theater and public live and eat ABC. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com