The cream of Hollywood descended on this year's Oscar nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton hotel. Among them was Quentin Tarantino, who has received a best director nomination for his war drama Inglourious Basterds.
Sandra Bullock (right) is widely tipped to take home the best actress Oscar for The Blind Side. The star is going up against Carey Mulligan (left) for An Education and Gabourey Sidibe for Precious.
Meryl Streep has had more Oscar nominations than any actor or actress in history. She has won twice, in 1980 and 1983, and picked up her 16th nomination this year for Julie and Julia.
James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow, who were once married, are competing against one another in the best director category. Cameron spent 13 years creating 3D epic Avatar, while Bigelow shot war movie The Hurt Locker for just $11m (�7m) in Jordan.
Maggie Gyllenhaal, who is up for best supporting actress, said her brother - Jake Gyllenhaal, who was nominated for Brokeback Mountain - had told her not to let the Oscars go to her head.
(Left - right) Jeff Bridges, Jeremy Renner and Colin Firth will compete against George Clooney (not pictured) in the best actor category.
Morgan Freeman has also been nominated for the best actor trophy for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in Invictus. The Oscars ceremony takes place on 7 March in Hollywood.
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