Wolfgang Puck, Moët and Roses, Oh My: What Oscar Stars Can Expect From the 2010 Governors Ball

So what if senior prom was the closest we’ve ever been to the glittering gowns and glamour of the Oscars. We can imagine after sitting through three or four hours of acceptance speeches, one would be only too ready for a drink and some fancy grub. And that is why, since 1958, Academy Award nominees, winners, presenters and their guests have been treated to the Governors Ball, the swankiest of the Oscar after-parties. Held annually at the Hollywood & Highland Center, adjacent to the Kodak Theatre, A-list guests are treated to the creations of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, free flowing Moët Champagne and—yes!—mini chocolate Oscar statues covered in real 24-karat gold.

Puck knows how to please celebrities; in addition to his successful restaurants, he has catered the past 15 Governors Balls. This year’s 1930s-themed bash will feature a menu including a potato galette with smoked salmon followed by a chicken pot pie and Baked Alaska. Sure beats the chicken wings and popcorn we will probably be eating in our Snuggies and sweatpants.

The ball’s producer Cheryl Cecchetto told the L.A. Times that the most important thing is to get the weary celebs a drink as soon as they walk in, so they feel “more comfortable” and to have the food available immediately. Cecchetto also hired an orchestra of 19 women who will play on an elevated stage. Rothschild roses and orchids will adorn the tables, while the ceiling will be decorated with a fiber optic and crystal bead chandelier with arcs that recall the shape of the female body. Guests will take home party favors of specially created boxes filled with photos from the films nominated for awards.

And this year, for the first time, instead of having to give back their golden statues so they can be personalized, winners will be able to get their name engraved onto the trophy at a station at the ball.

Stars…just like us, right?

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