It is the be-all and end-all ball of the year. Actually, the gig is so huge that there are three separate Governors Balls for the 69th annual Emmy Awards.
This is the second year in a row that the Creative Arts Emmys have been split over two nights, September 9 and 10, the Saturday and Sunday before the primetime Emmy Awards air live on CBS with host Stephen Colbert September 17.
The twin Creative Arts evenings are because statuettes in more than 90 categories are handed out to mainly below-the-line talent in television – everyone from choreographers to costume designers, sound mixers, casting directors, stunt coordinators, production designers, music composers– all the people whose work goes into the creation of a show.
Also awarded are some high-profile categories for hosts and guest stars. Both awards ceremonies, which will be televised on FXX September 16, were held at the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
Afterwards, nominees, winners, presenters and guests take a short walk to the Governors Ball, where their beautifully-set tables await.
In total, more than 8,000 guests will experience the magic that has been created in the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center for the post-awards celebrations. This year’s theme is “Golden Grandeur.”
Under the leadership of Television Academy Governors Ball Committee Co-Chairs Barbara Cassel and Edward Fassl, Sequoia Productions created the environment which is geared towards celebrating not just Emmy winners, but all invited guests in the entertainment industry.
It’s the 20th year in a row that Sequoia’s Cheryl Cecchetto and her team have produced the Balls, with the overriding goal is that the Academy’s board of governors, who are the hosts, never have to worry about anything – that it’s all handled by an experienced ensemble of professionals with an eye for detail.
On the dinner menu, created by Joachim Splichal and Patina Catering, was an heirloom tomato salad to start, filet mignon or a vegetarian meal if requested for the main course followed by a dark chocolate concoction with raspberry tapioca for dessert.
And if that wasn’t enough, a designer chocolate bar by Philip Ashley provided guests with a nearly unending supply of artisan chocolates to enjoy on-site or to take home and enjoy later.
The beverage selection was top-shelf with a selection of sparkling wines from Ferrari, cocktails featuring Hillhaven Lodge whiskey, natural artesian water from FIJI Water and organic coffee and tea from Groundwork Coffee Company.
This year the vintner’s bill is being filled by Sterling Vineyards 2014 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and its 2015 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.
In the center of the room on a raised platform, entertainment was provided by the Scott Mayo collective, featuring performances by Bella String and DJ Casey Connor. Saturday’s special guest was Tomasina, and Sunday’s Ball featured Brutha.
