The Oscar Luncheon 2018 Class Photo had the likes of Meryl Streep and Kobe Bryant

The annual Oscar nominees' luncheon was held late Monday morning. It was held at beverly Hilton. It was a classy affair where the heavy weights of Hollywood were present. The one who turned most heads was none other than Kobe Bryant. He has been nominated for the first time for the animated short movie Dear Basketball. He received the biggest round of applause when Laura Derm called his name to join the class photo. The traditional “Class photo” takes place after the meal ends. During this photo session, each nominee is called and they have to stand on the risers along with the other nominees shoulder-to-shoulder. There was Meryl Streep who stood beside Greta Gerwig. There was Timothee Chalamet who at 22 years, is the youngest nominee. He looked dapper in his dark green Gucci suit and also succeeded in taking a selfie with the great Kobe. Others present were Sam Rockwell, Laurie Metcalf, Guillermo del Toro but most notable was cinematographer Rachel Morrison (Mudbound), who became the first female nominee ever in this category. She also happened to shoot the upcoming blockbuster Black Panther.

The luncheon was a successful affair with approximately 175 members. It was a stress free gathering where everyone was a winner.

John Bailey, the Academy President made the opening speech. He spoke about the history behind the Oscars, what this group of nominees were now part of. However, he did mention about the horrible scandals that rocked Hollywood saying, “The fossilized bedrock of many of Hollywood’s worst abuses are being jack-hammered into oblivion.” . He observed that it was a time for change. He may probably speak more on this subject in the upcoming Awards ceremony on March 4.

The Oscar luncheon is by the Academy producers to remind the the members of the gathering to keep their speeches short and sweet. However, the reminder is never taken seriously. So this time to re-inforce the reminder , producers Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd who returning after last year's envelope debacle, have roped in comedian Patton Oswalt, to give out some helpful tips and suggestions.

Here is Oswalt's guide for the nominees to ponder upon while creating their speeches for their most cherished moment.

1. You only get 45 seconds! Get up to the stage quickly.

"If you need something to speed you up, think of the hot murderous glares of your colleagues on your back as you're moving up there to fuel you."

2. No tripping.

"We're on to you, trip and fallers. We know it's adorable. There's no reason to go viral doing that. Jennifer (Lawrence) owns it. That's her thing now."

Be meaningful, be concise — and don't pretend to be surprised.

"Don't say you didn't expect to win. Yes, you did! You were nominated. You worked hard. That's why you went and got a nice tux or dress. If you go up on stage in, like, a McDonald's giveaway shirt and cargo shorts and go, 'I didn't expect to win!' I'll go, yeah, I believe that."

4.  And maybe don't mention your agents and managers ...

"I don't know if you've paid attention to what's been going on this past year in Hollywood. Just cover for yourself. You don't want to explain to your grandkids why you thanked someone that Dateline just did a four-part series on."

The Oscars will be held on March 4 at the Dolby Theater at Hollywood & Highland.