LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - More than 100 Academy Award Nominees gathered on Monday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills for the annual Oscar Luncheon.

It was a chance for all the nominees to meet and marks the official kick off to the coveted awards which will be handed out on February 22nd at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.

Best supporting actor nominee Robert Downey Jr told the LA Times that he never expected his comedic role in "Tropic Thunder" would land him a nomination.

"No way I could look at the script and say, 'It’s Oscar time!' " Downey Jr. joked.

Best supporting actress nominee Anne Hathaway said that as a child, she confused the Oscars telecast with the Miss America pageant.

"I would wear a crown and put it on to watch the Oscars,” Hathaway told the LA Times.

Nominees Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie skipped the luncheon. No reason was given for the couple's absence.