It is one of the most impressive party décors in recent memory. As nominees, winners and guests of the Creative Arts Emmys entered a normally nondescript hall of theLos AngelesConvention Center, they were greeted by a black and white wonderland as crystal curtains were opened by mimes to reveal the jaw-dropping setting.
The creative concept was designed by Joe Stewart, co-chair of theAcademyofTelevision Artsand Sciences Creative Arts Ball and Governors Ball committee and produced by Cheryl Cecchetto and her Sequoia Productions team.
This year’s theme, “Mod Illusions,” embodied a whimsical trip of various movements, multiple sensations and figments of the imagination. Inspired by 60s mod, the black and white gala featured floor to ceiling chandeliers, a variety of striking floral table arrangements and performers suspended overhead in Cirque du Soleil-esque acrobatics.
Among those enjoying the festivities: Chaz Bono showed off his pre-“Dancing With the Stars” moves dancing with girlfriend Jennifer Elia. Cloris Leachman had fun with the living art still performers and offered to shine their shoes. Nominees Julia Stiles, Cat Deeley, Alfre Woodard and Emmy-winner Paul McCrane were among the other attendees.
The entertainment was by Splash under the direction of Norm Roper, with a special appearance by the Dave Sparkman band that had guests following Bono’s lead and filling the dance floor under the stage until the party was shut down.
The Patina Group and chef Joachim Splichal served up a delicious meal, starting with heirloom tomatoes and wood grilled asparagus, followed by an outstanding filet mignon with a gratin ofVermontwhite cheddar and macaroni—yes, a very upscale mac and cheese– with dessert being a scrumptious milk chocolate brownie with chocolate blackberry cream, accompanied by a delicious blackberry macaron.
Wines were provided by Beaulieu Vineyard, with guests enjoying its Carneros Chardonnay and Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. For the bubbly drinkers, it was all about Moet & Chandon Imperial and for those desirous of a harder spirit, Grey Goose served up specialty cocktails from bars around the room, including an ice bar where we saw glasses slide off and break on the floor.
Next time, people, do not put your glass down on an ice bar. Hold it in your hand. Luckily the spill was cleaned up right away, as broken glass on a floor creates particular danger for women wearing open-toed shoes, a number which was probably 90% of those in attendance.
Yet the small mishap did nothing to mar the magnificence of the evening, which will be difficult to top at Sunday’s Primetime Emmy Awards Governors Ball.
