At this year’s annual Oscars nominees luncheon, there was a delightful twist that brought an unexpected dose of charm to the event. While last year’s gathering was abuzz with excitement over Tom Cruise and Austin Butler’s rendezvous, the spotlight in 2024 fell squarely on Messi, a lovable 7-year-old border collie who captured the hearts of attendees.
Messi, renowned for his role as Snoop in the acclaimed French courtroom drama “Anatomy of a Fall,” didn’t qualify for an Oscar nomination due to his four-legged status. However, that didn’t diminish his star power one bit. Throughout the event at the illustrious Beverly Hilton, Messi was showered with affection and attention from all corners.
Despite his lack of official nomination, Messi became the center of attention, with celebrities such as Bradley Cooper and Ryan Gosling eagerly seeking out opportunities to interact with him. Cooper, nominated for Best Actor for his role in “Maestro,” couldn’t resist being a fanboy in Messi’s presence, while Gosling, donning a distinctive purple ensemble, made a point to pay his respects at Messi’s table.
In a gathering typically dominated by Hollywood luminaries, Messi’s presence injected a delightful and heartwarming element, reminding everyone that sometimes, it’s the unexpected guests who steal the show.
Despite being a prominent figure, Messi proved to be a well-behaved companion, although USA TODAY did catch a moment of boredom with an undisguised yawn during the lengthy three-hour affair. The canine celebrity had made the journey from his residence in Paris for a four-day promotional stint for the film, which has garnered five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
Producer David Thion remarked, “Dogs are adored by Americans, and Messi is universally beloved. He truly is an exceptional canine.
Unexpected Oscars Start Time Leaves Stars Astonished
The yearly luncheon serves as a chance to revel in the nomination before the live presentation of the 96th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 10th at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. Out of the 205 nominees, 179, which includes four delegates from countries nominated for Best International Film, gathered in the ballroom to enjoy a vegan meal featuring king oyster mushrooms served over risotto.
Before the official commencement of the event, Carey Mulligan from “Maestro” enthusiastically shared iPhone snapshots with Emily Blunt and Robert Downey Jr., who arrived with his wife Susan Downey. Meanwhile, across the room, Margot Robbie, donning a dazzling pink suit with a hint of midriff, engaged in discussions about post-Oscar plans with her husband Tom Ackerley, before joining other nominees, including “Barbie” writer and director Greta Gerwig. Ryan Gosling made a fashionably late entrance, just in time before the meal service began.
The real star of the luncheon, however, was Messi, the beloved 7-year-old border collie from “Anatomy of a Fall,” who attracted a crowd of admirers.
Janet Yang, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, took the opportunity to remind nominees about the Oscars’ earlier start time—an hour ahead of the usual schedule. Adding to the anticipation, she noted that Oscar Sunday coincides with the beginning of daylight saving time, resulting in clocks springing forward by an hour.
As Yang assured attendees that sacrificing that hour of sleep would be worthwhile, the audience responded with audible groans, indicating the collective adjustment to the change.
Yang concluded her remarks with the timeless plea for Oscar speeches to be both meaningful and concise. She reminded winners that they would have a strict 45 seconds upon reaching the podium to deliver their speeches before the notorious cue music begins.
“For those inevitable forgotten thank-yous, we’ve set up a ‘thank you camera’ backstage where you can express gratitude to anyone you wish,” Yang added. “And there’s no time limit there.”
The luncheon concluded with a traditional class photo of the 2024 Oscar nominees. Each nominated star was called forward, one by one, to assemble on risers for the group picture. Robert Downey Jr., nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Oppenheimer,” was the final name called, joining the ensemble with a triumphant smile.
Diane Warren, recognized for her song “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot,” has been a consistent presence at the luncheon, attending nine out of the past ten years. Despite her impressive track record of 15 nominations without a competitive Oscar win, Warren remains undeterred. She expressed delight in conversing with “American Fiction” star Sterling K. Brown and was pleasantly surprised to see Steven Spielberg, producer of “The Color Purple” and “Maestro,” capturing her moment from afar.
Reflecting on her experience, Warren shared with USA TODAY, “This never loses its charm. Simply being present at this event feels like a victory. From now until March 10th, you’re riding high, and then the dynamic changes. But even then, being nominated signifies being among an elite group of five in your field. That’s worth celebrating wholeheartedly.”
