A Sneak Peek Inside the 2016 Oscars Governor’s Ball

The 1,5000 guests attendees of this year’s Oscars Governor’s Ball are in for a plethora of art-inspired treats.

The decor, menu and libations were unveiled during an official Academy Awards preview on Thursday. The celebration has taken its inspiration from the caricature-filled walls of iconic restaurants like Sardi’s and Brown Derby, featuring more than 170 newly commissioned drawings highlighting entertainers and filmmakers of the past and present.

Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck is returning for his 22nd year catering the entertainment industry’s biggest annual fete, creating a menu of past hits and newly inspired confections. The 50+ item list includes sriracha-candied macadamia nuts; braised short rib with cauliflower puree and golden raisin puffed Thai rice; tortellini with artichoke fromage; white grape almond gazpacho; rye berry risotto with peas and asparagus; poke, stone crab, made-to-order sushi and other raw bar treats floating atop illuminated ice blocks; and a selection of Puck’s signature favorites, such as smoked salmon Oscars, chicken pot pie with shaved black truffles, and mini American Wagyu burgers with aged cheddar.

The menu will also include housemade pretzels, shrimp, grilled cheese sandwiches, stone crab claws and house-smoked salmon, not to mention a plethora of chocolate (100,000 pieces of dark chocolate couverture pistoles, in fact).

230-year-old French champagne house Piper-Heidsieck is the official bubbly of the Oscars. The brand unveiled at the preview the “Red Carpet Ready” limited edition magnum bottle with the word “Oscars” and the number “88” forming a golden tiara (you can actually take it off and it wear it) wrapped by hand around each bottle. The champagne will be poured alongside wines from Sterling Vineyards. 

The Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood this Sunday, the 28th of February.