Academy governor Jeffrey Kurland worked with longtime event producer Cheryl Cecchetto and Sequoia Productions to produce and design this year's Governors Ball, which took place at the Ray Dolby Ballroom of the Dolby Theatre immediately following the ceremony. The night drew 1,500 Oscar winners and nominees, show presenters, and other A-list talent, and was decorated with a “magical transformation” theme, with red, gold, and white colors. Starburst light fixtures and irregular-shaped decor pieces, illuminated with white lights, comprised a cloud-like ceiling installation that served as the evening’s focal point.
Mark’s Garden’s floral designs included roses, amaryllis, carnations, and orchids from South America and Holland. Varying angular vessels held flowers and greenery.
One of the most coveted tickets in town, Vanity Fair hosted its annual Oscars after-party in Beverly Hills on February 26. The event took place in a custom-built space between the Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts and City Hall, and was designed by Basil Walter, the longtime architect of the annual party.
The bash began early in the evening, as guests who weren’t attending the ceremony took over a wood-paneled dining room and watched the show on flat-screen TVs while eating a dinner courtesy of French Laundry and Per Se’s Thomas Keller. After the ceremony ended, the dining room was transformed into the Apple Music Lounge, with a wooden dance floor and a rose-gold mirror that created a kaleidoscope effect.
The 25th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party, hosted by the singer and David Furnish, took over West Hollywood Park on February 26 with sponsorship from Bulgari, Neuro Drinks, and Diana Jenkins. The evening raised a record-breaking $7 million and was designed by longtime collaborator Virginia Fout of V Productions.
Alexander Gilkes of Paddle8 conducted a live auction, which featured items such as Bulgari's Diva’s Dream Necklace in white gold with pavé diamonds, a five-day vacation at Steven Tyler’s Hawaiian retreat, and two tickets to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Over the past 25 years, the annual event has raised more than $56 million to help people at risk for or living with H.I.V./AIDS; the Elton John AIDS Foundation has raised a total of $350 million since 1992.
Longtime vendor Crumble Catering worked with chef Gordon Ramsey to prepare some 1,000 five-course meals for the event. Menu-planning started a full year in advance, and 150 servers and bartenders and 70 kitchen staffers worked the evening. Moët Hennessy provided champagne, Domaine Bertaud Belieu provided wines, and Chopin Vodka and Clase Azul Tequila provided spirits.
