Dozens of the 2012 Oscar nominees sat down together for the annual Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) luncheon in Beverly Hills on Monday (February 6).<br/> <br />Among the stars taking part were George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Meryl Streep.<br/> <br />The lunch, which has become a favorite event leading up to the Oscars, allows nominees from all different fields and categories a chance to sit down and enjoy the experience under a relaxed setting.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE Actor George Clooney on the luncheon, saying (English):<br/> <br />"It's always nice when people are kind to you, when people like the products that you're making, that's a fun time. Because that doesn't happen all that often, as you know. It's also fun because I get to spend time with people that I think a lot of people at home think we all just hang out together. I think they think we're always at the Hilton drinking champagne. And the truth is I hadn't seen Brad in about a year when I saw him at the Globes or I think maybe in Palm Springs right before that. It's fun the catch up and it's fun to see people I like and haven't seen in a long time."<br/> <br />The nominees gathered for a presentation of certificates and a class photo before lunch was served.<br/> <br />The 84th Annual Academy Awards will be telecast live from the Kodak Theater in Hollywood on Sunday, February 26.<br/> <br />John Russell, Reuters.
