Imagine being a tiny creature walking through the inside of a giant red rose—surrounded by an abundance of wine and chocolates. That's the look and feel organizers intend the 3,800 guests to experience at the Emmys Governors Ball on September 23 in the Los Angeles Convention Center's West Hall.
Ball chair Joe Stewart, along with vice chairs Geriann McIntosh and Leslie Frankenheimer, worked with longtime producer Sequoia Productions, led by Cheryl Cecchetto, on the "romantic rhapsody in red" theme. Cecchetto interpreted the theme in the form of a giant rose after finding inspiration in a swirling Richard Serra sculpture in the Toronto airport. The look was revealed at a press preview in the lobby of the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences on Wednesday morning.
Massive, stylized decor pieces meant to evoke the look of rose petals will be suspended overhead and 200,000 fresh-cut red roses from La Premier will top the guest tables.
Patina Catering will prepare the food for the 17th time, serving a first course of smoked salmon avocado spheres, a main of roasted tenderloin with mushroom risotto fries, and a dessert of white chocolate raspberry cake. Marich Confections is this year's chocolate sponsor for more sweets. Beaulieu Vineyard will pour its bottles as official wine sponsor. Grey Goose will be the official spirits sponsor, crafting the evening’s signature cocktail “The Emmy.” And vehicle sponsor Audi will transport presenters to the show.
The all-red decor will deck the Emmys Creative Arts ball on September 15, in addition to the ball for the Primetime Emmys a week later. The two events combined draw about 7,000 guests.