Emma Stone, Isabelle Huppert talk star-packed Oscar nominees luncheon

(7 Feb 2017) EMMA STONE, ISABELLE HUPPERT TALK STAR-PACKED OSCAR NOMINEES LUNCHEON A "surreal" and "super fun" luncheon drew Oscar nominees ranging from "La La Land's" Emma Stone to "Elle's" Isabelle Huppert in Beverly Hills, California on Monday (6 FEB. 2017). The nominees took a class photo together and had a chance to meet fellow actors, directors, costume designers and special effects supervisors. "It's super fun because you get to see everybody -- and tell them how much you deeply care about them and how impactful they are in your life, and nobody has to worry about anything," said Stone, leading contender in the lead actress category. Stone had just seen "Moonlight" supporting actor nominee Mahershala Ali again at the event. "Whenever I see Mahershala Ali, I am just like – 'What?!' And then I go into an alternate reality, because I think he's just so incredible, and so intelligent and kind," she said. "I've just had such nice exchanges with him throughout the things that I've seen him – we've gone to some parties at the same time and I've gotten to meet him. I just think he's so talented and phenomenal." Her "La La Land" director Damien Chazelle -- also among the favorites at the Oscars -- sat at a table at the luncheon with composer Thomas Newman and actress Laura Dern. "One of the nice things about it is the fact that you have no idea who you were going to sit next to, and you get to not just meet people, but learn about different branches," he said. "Elle" star Isabelle Huppert, expected to be among the top contenders in the lead actress slot, said the class photo "reminds you of the photos you were doing at school as a child. It's nice. There was something childish about it and very generous, and very nice, actually." Huppert said she was happy to see former "Heaven's Gate" co-star Jeff Bridges, nominated for supporting actor for his role in "Hell or High Water." "I had great pleasure saying hello to him, because Jeff was sharing that wonderful time in 'Heaven's Gate' by Michael Cimino. So, whenever I see Jeff, I'm really happy," she said. "Manchester by the Sea" actor Lucas Hedges was glad to see others appreciating the moment on Monday as much as he was. "It wasn't just me who is the only person who is relishing in this sort of amazing moment. All of us were there together drinking it in. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I think, even for the people who have been here multiple times," he said. "I was standing next to Damien Chazelle, which was awesome. Ruth Negga, as well, but they had to keep moving her down the steps because people kept coming who were taller than her. And Denzel was right behind me. It was all so surreal." The Academy Awards take place on 26 February 2017 in Los Angeles. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...