Academy Awards Nominee Luncheon

The best director nominee for “Up in the Air” displays his luncheon badge.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The lead actor nominee for “Up in the Air,” left, talks to film critic and film historian Leonard Maltin before the luncheon.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The lead actor nominee for “A Single Man” arrives.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Back row, from left, Quentin Tarantino, Kathryn Bigelow, James Cameron. Front row, from left, Lee Daniels and Jason Reitman.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The supporting actress nominee for “Up in the Air” stands before the line of press photographers.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The lead actress nominee for “Julie & Julia” smiles for the cameras.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The best director nominee for “The Hurt Locker” arrives.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The best director nominee for “Avatar” works the crowd.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The supporting actress nominee for “Up in the Air” poses with academy President Tom Sherak.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The supporting actress nominee for “Up in the Air” signs autographs outside the Beverly Hilton.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The lead actress nominee for “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” chats before braving the line of photographers.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The lead actor nominee for “The Hurt Locker” signs autographs outside the Beverly Hilton.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The lead actress nominee for “The Blind Side” greets well-wishers.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The “Inglourious Basterds” director, who is nominated for best director and original screenplay, attends the 82nd Annual Academy Awards nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The “Invictus” lead actor nominee’s star is so bright, he’s gotta wear shades.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The actress, nominated for her supporting role in “Crazy Heart,” poses in front of the Oscar statue.  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

The “Precious” directorial nominee -- who is also a contender in the Best Picture category -- seems excited to be at the luncheon.  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

All in the family: Writer-director nominee Jason Reitman (right) poses with his father, director Ivan Reitman.  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

The Austrian actor nominated for a supporting actor for his sadistic Nazi officer in “Inglourious Basterds,” arrives at the Oscars luncheon.  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

The lead actress nominee for “An Education” poses in front of the Oscar statue.  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)