Nominees meet for lunch amidst #OscarSoWhite quagmire

They are the honoured few who have been nominated for a famous golden statuette.

And on Monday the nominees for the 88th Academy Awards gathered together at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in LA for the annual Oscar lunch.

With the ceremony just under three weeks away, campaigning is now more serious than ever.

However the awards continue to be shrouded in controversy because of the uproar over the lack of black talent in the contest.

But it didn't stop the great and the good of the film world from taking some time out at the event to enjoy for a moment the fact they could be walking away with a gong on the big day.

Actress Alicia Vikander, who has been acknowledged in the Best Supporting Actress category for her work in The Danish Girl, stunned in a short-sleeved orange mini dress that showed off her toned legs and arms.

The 27-year-old Swedish star added beige ankle strap heels for a summer feel even though it's the dead of winter.

Rachel McAdams looked like a winner already in her sparkly mini dress. The Notebook vet has been given a nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category for her turn in Spotlight.

The 37-year-old blonde's pink little sleeveless number had a cute red bow on her chest that was planted just below a lavender jewel-encrusted neckline.

The True Detective star accessorized nicely with a pink clutch purse and pink velvet pumps.

Jennifer Lawrence went with a black power suit that lent an air of sophistication.

Underneath the jacket portion was a bustier that didn't show too much and didn't show too little. A wide belt added a bit of Vogue-ishness.

The beauty, singled out for her work in the drama Joy, looked at ease as she posed on the carpet alone.

This is far from her first Oscar lunch. She has already won the top prize for her performance in Silver Linings Playbook in 2012.

Also present was Best Actress nominee Brie Larson who got a nod for her work in the drama Room.

The beauty kept it feminine with a light pink blouse that was slightly see-through and had a Golden Era Hollywood style appeal.A striped skirt with eyelash designs on it looked unique as did her beige and black heels.

At one point her co-star Jacob Tremblay posed with her. The child actor looked dashing in a blue suit and tie with brown shoes.

Eddie Redmayne, nominated for The Danish Girl, had his arm out for wife Hannah Bagshawe. She looked party perfect in her interesting black dress with a pastel finish on the hem.