Brad, Angelina No-Shows
Feb. 3 2009, Published 12:43 p.m. ET
Yesterday was the annual Oscar Nominees Luncheon, a big bash everyone is pretty much expected to attend.
Except, apparently, for Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Meryl Streep, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Big holes in the actors' group photo.
But Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Sid Ganis didn't seem to be bothered.
He used the occasion to promise that this year's show is "going to be a show that takes some risks." He told the actors, "Your categories are being presented in a completely different way. Heads up."
We sure hope Pitt and company get the memo!
The Hollywood Reporter notes that best actor rivals Sean Penn and Mickey Rourke were "virtually arm-in-arm," while best actress nominee Kate Winslet and supporting actress nominee Marisa Tomei were pretty chummy.
ABC will broadcast the Oscars live on February 22 from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.