Although the main event won't take place until Sunday, Feb. 26, the 2012 Academy Award nominees gathered on Monday (Feb. 6) to rub shoulders, shake hands, pose for pictures and generally enjoy  (or pretend to) the shared spotlight at the annual Nominees Luncheon.

"Thought I'd get here early, free booze," commented nominee George Clooney ("The Descendents") to the New York Times before sitting down to lunch.

According to organizers, 150 of 188 nominees showed up for the event including Glenn Close ("Albert Nobbs"), Brad Pitt ("Moneyball"), Jean Dujardin ("The Artist"), Viola Davis ("The Help"), Meryl Streep ("The Iron Lady"), Jonah Hill ("Moneyball") and Rooney Mara ("The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo").

This year's event was held at the swank (natch) Beverly Hills Hotel.

Above, Dujardin rests his head on Clooney's shoulder. Below, Clooney poses with "Moneyball's" Pitt and Hill: