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79th Annual Academy Awards - Governors Ball Overview

Governors Ballroom Rendering

Layout
Guests will enter the ballroom beneath a massive wrought iron archway that spans the length of the ballroom from the north to south balconies. This archway features a living canopy of woven vines, flowers and draped ivy overhang.

The ballroom is divided into five distinct pavilions that flank either side of this massive archway, each with its own quintessential Mediterranean dining experience. Pergolas of various shapes distinguish each Pavilion (i.e., square, half moon, oval) while unique accent lighting and color palettes complete the mood.

Conventional seating, high top wood tables, ultra suede banquettes and rattan lounge seating throughout the ballroom and balconies make for a more relaxed and eclectic dining experience.

The perimeter walls of the ballroom are a series of columns faux finished and draped in a web of clinging vine and floral beauty. The bar stands like a monument in the center of the ballroom. A twenty-four foot edifice houses a raised platform displaying a double-sided Oscar statue. This statue rotates throughout the evening and reflects majestically the glow of ambient lights below.

At the far end of the ballroom a half moon stage rises above the dance floor and is framed by large tress adorned with candlelit hurricanes.

Ceiling
The ballroom’s ceiling disappears beneath a black canvas allowing each pavilion’s pergola to offer its own unique starry night vista. Towering wood and wrought iron columns, complete with dripping wisteria, are amber lit by chandeliers and sconces to complete the al fresco experience.

Exterior
The interior will transition onto the exterior balconies with equal magic. The north and south balconies offer a different Mediterranean flavor with bougainvillea-draped rattan canopies looming over ultra suede banquettes. Textured lamps and boxed hedges create niches ideal for relaxed conversation and dining.

Lighting
Mood is everything when it comes to al fresco dining. Creative lighting in each ceiling treatment allows the sun’s rays to cascade down through pergolas creating a romantic setting while custom made sconces imbedded directly within the columns add to the mystique of this Mediterranean dining experience. Each pavilion will display its own distinct color theme from the rustic gold ambers of one to the azure blue aqua of another, to the emeralds and magentas of still another. An array of colors and textures seduce the senses as well as the palette.

Table
Open seating throughout the venue encourages guests to mingle. Wooden bar tables and stools allow for a more idyllic view of all the pavilions. For those who want a more traditional setting, there are dining tables for sit down service.

Food & Beverage
Upon arrival, guests will be greeted tableside by the amazing Wolfgang Puck team tray passing an array of tasty hors d’oeuvres and tapas platters. Seafood buffets offering only the finest in delectable ocean fare will open on both the north and south balconies. Buffets and bars are stationed throughout the room for easy service. The key here is service. Everything is at the guest’s fingertips to enjoy. As the evening progresses, buffets will be transformed to decadent dessert extravaganzas. Sherry Yard’s desserts will also be served tableside with the traditional chocolate Oscar. A night to remember.

Entertainment
A stage in the shape of a large half moon rises on one end of the ballroom and will feature musicians while satellite stages located on the north and south sides of the ballroom will host various eclectic performers.