83rd Academy Awards Governors Ball Preview

WAMG was invited today to a preview of the food and décor of this year’s Governors Ball – the celebration immediately following the 83rd Academy Awards® hosted by the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

On hand in the Grand Ballroom at the Hollywood & Highland Center were Cheryl Cecchetto, Governors Ball producer; Wolfgang Puck, master chef; Sherry Yard, executive pastry chef; Wolfgang Puck Catering, Katie Lee; Moët & Chandon’s home entertaining expert and Mark Held, Mark’s Garden, florist.

Wolfgang Puck and his team of chefs prepared and displayed samples from the Governors Ball menu. Our reporter covering the event said they passed “hot and savory” appetizers and champagne and added that the food was “delish!”

For the 17th consecutive year, master chef Wolfgang Puck has been selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to create the menu for the Governors Ball. Celebrating the past, present and future of the industry and the Academy, the Governors Ball is always an unforgettable experience,” said Puck. “Our goal each year is to honor Hollywood’s brightest stars and most accomplished artists with a culinary masterpiece. Only the finest ingredients and flavors will do.”

Wolfgang Puck Catering will serve the Academy’s 1,500 Ball guests, which will include Oscar® winners, nominees, presenters and telecast participants. The 2011 menu created by Puck and chef Matt Bencivenga is inspired by Latin flavors, from classic paella to coastal seafood, along with signature favorites such as smoked salmon Oscars® and pastry chef Sherry Yard’s gold-dusted chocolate Oscars.

Working in a state-of-the-art kitchen adjacent to the Grand Ballroom at the Hollywood & Highland Center®, Puck will lead a team of chefs, pastry chefs and other culinary artists who are responsible for the cooking, presentation and execution of the menu. Wolfgang Puck Catering, established in 1998, sets the standard for culinary excellence in more than 45 exclusive venues nationwide. The Wolfgang Puck Companies – which comprise 21 fine dining restaurants, premium catering services, and quality kitchen and food merchandise – together express Puck’s culinary passion for eating and living well.

Mark’s Garden unveiled the floral theme of the Governors Ball. Moët & Chandon presented the “Silver Screen Punch,” a champagne-based cocktail which will be served at the Ball.

Cheryl Cecchetto unveiled the décor and other elements of the Governors Ball. By the way, Cecchetto, for the 22nd consecutive year, has been chosen to produce the Governors Ball. Cecchetto, along with her Sequoia Productions team, will work with Governors Ball Chair Jeffrey Kurland to manage every detail pertaining to the event, including decor, entertainment, food and personnel.

“This year’s Governors Ball will highlight the elegance of Hollywood’s musical tradition, with a dazzling atmosphere that echoes the great clubs of past generations” said Cecchetto. “The result will be an exciting and original guest experience, in keeping with the Ball’s reputation as the premier event of the season. Sequoia Productions produced the recent G’Day USA 2011 Black Tie Gala Los Angeles; later this year, Sequoia will again produce the 63rd Annual Emmy® Awards Governors Ball.

It was also announced that Jeffrey Kurland, an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences governor representing the Art Directors Branch, will chair the Governors Ball. “The Governors Ball is the perfect finale to the Oscar® season. Our guests will be able to relax with one another as they toast and celebrate the achievements of the past year in film,” said Kurland.

Kurland is an Oscar-nominated costume designer (“Bullets over Broadway,” 1994), and in addition to overseeing the decor, menu and entertainment planning for the Ball, he will design attire to be worn by the evening’s performers and selected staff. Kurland’s credits include “Hannah and Her Sisters” “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” “Erin Brockovich,” “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Collateral,” “Law Abiding Citizen” and “Inception.”

Fun Facts:

• 4000 Mini Chocolate Oscars
• 1,200 bottles of Moët & Chandon Champagne
• 10,000 pieces of cutlery
• 50,000 Organic Heirloom Baby Vegetables
• 7,200 individual shrimp
• 1,000 spiny lobsters
• 4,800 cage free eggs
• 3 musicals acts performing on 2 stages

AMPAS said the engraving station they started last year for the Oscar statues was used by 95% of the winners. After the press left today, the members of the board of governors would be coming in, sitting at one of the tables and having a sample meal and approving the food.

The Academy’s 2011 Governors Ball will be held in the Grand Ballroom on the top level of the Hollywood & Highland Center. Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2010 will be presented on Sunday, February 27, 2011, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and televised live on the ABC Television Network.