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Academy governor Lois Burwell, event producer Cheryl Cecchetto and master chef Wolfgang Puck will team to create this year’s Governors Ball, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ official post-Oscars® celebration, which will immediately follow the 91st Oscars ceremony on Sunday, February 24. The Ball’s 1,500 invited guests include Oscar® winners and nominees, show presenters and other telecast participants.
This year, the 91st Oscars Governors Ball presents “Filmscapes” a compilation of images from world cinema, orchestrated with live soundtracks and instrumental movie songs to accompany live projected films. The ballroom décor palette of rich merlot with Oscar gold emulates movie theater design, to accentuate an immersive, movie-going experience.
For the second time as the Academy’s Awards and Events Committee chair, Makeup Artist Lois Burwell will oversee the décor, menu and entertainment planning of the Ball. Lois won an Oscar for her work on “Braveheart” and earned a nomination for “Saving Private Ryan.” Her other feature credits include “The Princess Bride,” “War Horse,” “Lincoln” and “Ready Player One.” Lois, a member of the Academy since 1997, is currently serving her second term as Makeup and Hairstylists Branch Governor and holds the office of First Vice President on the Academy’s Board of Governors.
Sequoia Productions for the 30th consecutive year, helmed by Cheryl Cecchetto, will work closely with Burwell on the conception, execution and management of the event from start to finish. From micro to macro, the overall theme, design, colors, fixtures and textures all fall under Lois and Sequoia’s creative scrutiny.
For the 25th consecutive year, legendary chef Wolfgang Puck and the Wolfgang Puck Catering team will set the stage for Hollywood’s biggest night with a menu pairing glamour with innovation. Vice President of Culinary Eric Klein worked closely with Chef Puck to create more than 60 imaginative dishes, from one-bite hors d’oeuvres to small-plate entrees, that will be tray-passed throughout the evening. Alongside signature guest favorites of Smoked Salmon Oscars, Potato and Caviar 2.0, and Winter Truffle Baked Cavatappi and Cheese sit newly created menu items such as Heirloom Carrot “Tartare”; Vegan Torchio Pasta with Arugula, Tomato and Caper Berries; Nashville Hot Fried Quail with Red Velvet Waffle; and Loup de Mer with Romesco salsa. There will also be made-to-order sushi and raw bar served atop hand carved ice. The pastry team of Kamel Guechida, Garry Larduinat and Jason Lemmonier will create a seemingly endless array of three dozen show-stopping desserts including the popular 24K Gold Dusted Chocolate Oscars, Golden Piper Heidsieck Champagne and Strawberry Push-Up Pops, Square Pillow Cake with Coconut Mango and Passion Fruit, Black Forest “Cherry”, plus multiple action stations such as Affogato with Housemade Ice Cream and Stumptown Nitro Cold Brew. Wolfgang Puck Catering CEO Carl Schuster will direct more than 900 event staff through the evening’s intricately detailed logistics to deliver guests a true restaurant-style hospitality experience.
For more information on the food, beverages and décor of the Governors Ball, visit https://www.oscars.org/press/governors-ball.
The Governors Ball will take place in the Ray Dolby Ballroom on the top level of the Hollywood & Highland Center® immediately following the Oscar telecast.
The 91st Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2019, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 5:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.