Kate Winslet, David Kross in The Reader (top); Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz in Vicky Cristina Barcelona (middle); Viola Davis in Doubt (bottom)
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that 15 of the 20 nominees in the acting categories will be among the almost 120 Academy Award nominees gathering at noon on Monday, Feb. 2, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills for the annual Nominees Luncheon. (See images from the 2009 Nominees Luncheon and the 2008 Nominees Luncheon.)
The nominated performers who have already confirmed their presence are: Richard Jenkins, Frank Langella, Sean Penn, Mickey Rourke, Anne Hathaway, Melissa Leo, Kate Winslet, Amy Adams, Penélope Cruz, Viola Davis, Taraji P. Henson, Marisa Tomei, Josh Brolin, Robert Downey Jr., and Michael Shannon.
All five nominees in the best directing category – Danny Boyle, Stephen Daldry, David Fincher, Ron Howard and Gus Van Sant – are also expected to attend.
The 2009 Oscar ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. In the US, the Oscarcast will be televised live by ABC.