This year, the Governors Ball for the Primetime Emmy Awards will take on an all-red motif, with a look designed to feel like the inside of an enormous red rose. It isn't the first time the TV academy's big bash will turn heads—the annual seated dinner is known for its striking decor and ever-changing theme, with previous iterations drawing inspiration from Dorothy Draper, set and costume designer Tony Duquette, and Marilyn Monroe film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Here's a look at past ideas and themes used at the Emmys Governors Ball.
Emmy Awards Governors Ball 2010
La Premier crafted spherical floral centerpieces to match the motif.
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball 2011
The 2011 Governors Ball had a "mod illusions" theme that translated into '60s-style black-and-white color scheme. A 60-foot-wide elevated circular dance floor and revolving orchestra platform served as the centerpiece of the event.
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball 2011
The dizzying black-and-white pattern transformed the room, with striped linens and chair covers for the 3,900 guests.
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball 2011
La Premier used around 12,000 white calla lilies to complete the floral look of the centerpieces. Custom vessels with metallic detailing held the arrangements.
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball 2010
The 2010 Governors Ball had a celestial-inspired theme and used around 3,000 mirrored balls to emulate a starry night sky.
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball 2010
The 3,600 guests dined off mirrored tabletops that reflected the night sky created above.
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball 2010
Metallic and reflective furnishings added shine and sparkle to the party space.
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball 2009
The 2009 Governors Ball was inspired by Xanadu and the work of late set and costume designer Tony Duquette. The multicolored look included fabric draped overhead and tablecloths and napkins in contrasting hues.
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball 2009
LED lights from Images by Lighting changed colors against tall beaded columns that framed the custom 60-foot-wide ballroom stage.
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball 2009
Brightly colored lanterns helped light the room and draw attention to the floral centerpieces created by La Premier. For arrangements, La Premier used 9,000 orchids, 20,000 roses, 3,000 pheasant and peacock feathers, and 600 colorfully painted manzanita branches.
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball 2008
To recognize the diamond (60th) anniversary of the Primetime Emmy Awards, the 2008 Governors Ball took inspiration from the silver screen—specifically, Marilyn Monroe's rendition of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" from the 1958 movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball 2008
A massive Emmy statuette sat atop a central bar adorned with rose floral arrangements from La Premier.
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball 2007
The 2007 Governors Ball turned heads when its decor changed an hour into the party; the white voile ceiling treatment opened up to reveal to descending domes.
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball 2007
Another part of the decor transformation occurred when fabric dramatically fell from pillars and the silhouette of the Emmy statuette was revealed.
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Emmy Awards Governors Ball 2006
The 2006 Governors Ball had a "moonlight and romance" theme. Sequoia Productions turned the Shrine Auditorium into a lush garden for the 2,800 guests.
Photo: Courtesy of Sequoia Productions
