81st Annual Oscar Nominees Lunch/Governor’s Ball

Nearly one hundred and twenty Oscar ® nominees gathered at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, Monday, February 2, 2009 for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Oscar ® Nominees Luncheon. Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2008 will be presented on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center ®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network beginning at 5 p.m. PT. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide

Click here for the super-mondo sized shot from Awards Daily.

Plus it was also announced that Wolfgang Puck will  once again be in charge  for this year’s Governor’s Ball.

For the 15th 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, the celebration immediately following the 81st Academy Awards ® presentation on Sunday, February 22, 2009.

“The Governors Ball is the highlight of the season,” said Puck. “Our menu will have star-quality ingredients each dish showcasing the essence of seasonal flavor. With locally grown, sustainable and organic ingredients, guests will enjoy an award-worthy culinary experience.”

Wolfgang Puck Catering will be serving the Academy’s 1,500 Ball guests, which will include Oscar ® winners, nominees, presenters and telecast participants.

The menu created by Puck and chefs Lee Hefter and Matt Bencivenga will feature several Ball favorites, including Tuna Tartare in Sesame Miso Cones; Chopped Chino Farms Vegetable Salad with Ginger Soy Vinaigrette, Maine Lobster and Caviar; 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 culinary artists who will be responsible for the cooking, presentation and execution of the menu.

Source: Oscars.org