Guillermo del Toro Channels ‘Shining’ Photo with ‘Jazz Hands’ at Oscar Lunch

Guillermo del Toro recently made headlines with a playful nod to the iconic horror film The Shining. At an Oscar nominee luncheon, he and fellow director Paul Thomas Anderson struck a pose reminiscent of a famous scene from the 1980 classic directed by Stanley Kubrick. Their fun imitation sparked interest and conversation among fans and industry colleagues alike.

Inspiration from The Shining

The original photograph, which features Jack Nicholson, captures a moment from a fictional July 4th ball at the Overlook Hotel in 1921. In this shot, Nicholson is depicted with his right arm raised, while a mustachioed character playfully rests a hand on it. This iconic image has long been a subject of fascination for movie enthusiasts.

Del Toro and Anderson’s Recreation

• Guillermo del Toro and Paul Thomas Anderson decided to recreate the famous group shot.
• Del Toro enthusiastically confirmed their inspired pose, commenting on the social media post about the recreation.
• The directors wanted to channel the same energy and ambience as the original scene.

Del Toro expressed his excitement about their attempt, saying, “You got it! PTA and I said: Let’s do the Shining pose and we tried.” This reinterpretation emphasizes the playful connection between filmmakers and the history of cinema.

Historical Context of the Original Photo

The photograph shown in The Shining has a rich background. It is an edited version of a 1921 picture taken during a Valentine’s Day dance at the Royal Palace Hotel in London. Stanley Kubrick acquired this image from the Hulton picture archive, which is now a part of Getty Images. Specifically, Kubrick replaced the face of prominent dance instructor Santos Casani with that of Jack Nicholson for his film.

In 2025, New York Times journalist Aric Toler and academic Alasdair Spark revealed this historical connection while researching the origins of the photograph. Their findings added another layer to the legacy of The Shining, making it a fascinating topic for film scholars and fans alike.

Del Toro’s whimsical homage at the Oscar luncheon not only honors a legendary film but also highlights the enduring influence of The Shining on contemporary filmmakers.