It was a grandiose, one night only special event that was months in the making – the 2015 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Governors Ball, which was produced for a 26th year by Cheryl Cecchetto of Sequoia Productions with Jeffrey Kurland, the chair of the Ball and an Academy governor.
The Governors Ball is the first stop after the Oscars for everyone who’s been in the Dolby Theatre during the 3 ½ hour ceremony. Winners, nominees, presenters, studio executives – they all make their way inside joining Ray Dolby ballroom for the event, which has the eyes of the world upon it.
Every year, the Sequoia team comes up with a unique theme for the 1,500 guests. Several years ago, assigned and numbered tables were dispensed with favor of a less formal, lounging atmosphere each attendees could more easily mix and mingle.
The 2015 edition was meant to evoke a speakeasy with its rich decor and in true speakeasy style, the libations were flowing and there were countless toasts to the winners of the golden 8 ½ pound statue called Oscar.
Sterling Vineyards once again provided the exclusive wines for Hollywood’s biggest night. Vintners at the prestigious Napa winery created two custom wines especially for the event, Sterling Vineyards Limited Edition Gold Standard Reserve White and the Limited Edition Red Carpet Reserve Red. There were also three other vintages available including the label’s premium Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The wines were chosen to pair with the Governors Ball special menu created once again by esteemed Chef Wolfgang Puck. All told, nearly 13,500 glasses of Sterling Vineyards wines were poured during the pre-show and the Ball.
Piper Heidsieck was the official champagne of the 87th annual Oscars. The revered French champagne house, founded in 1785, this year began a three-year deal with the Academy to be the exclusive bubbly provider. The brand poured its rare Prestige Cuvée at the Ball, along with its celebrated Cuvée Brut and its bold Rosé Sauvage.
This year the decor was inspired by Hollywood’s own legacy, the Academy’s archives and library of motion picture history. There were deep muted tones and colors that evoked glamour and royalty. There were deep burgundy velvet draperies on the walls and the same color tones in the carpeting while the tablecloths featured more vibrant purple shades and rococo patterns rich with gold and burgundy.
Each had a beautiful centerpiece designed by noted florist Mark’s Garden, while some featured votive and pillar candles and others had vintage table lamps. The beautiful linens were from Resource One.
The Academy pulled thousands of images of movie stars– everyone from Hattie McDaniel to Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe, Cary Grant and Clark Gable to Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet – images that were used in large illuminated photo collages that stood 13 feet high and were placed around the room. Hundreds of the images were reproduced and framed as souvenirs for guests to take home, just another memorable element of a spectacular evening.
