The latest Academy News from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is coming fast, heavy, and furious in the days leading up to the 84th Academy Awards on February 26th.
Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Emma Stone Bradley Cooper To Present
The list of Oscar presenters grows from it’s host Billy Crystal, and Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Halle Berry, Milla Jovovich, Angelina Jolie, and Penelope Cruz, all mentioned in my video…
To include Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, and Bradley Cooper.
Meanwhile Emma Stone, who played in The Help, is set to make her first Academy Awards appearance as a presenter.
Wolfgang Puck to Create 2012 Governors Ball Menu
Meanwhile famed International Chef and Restauranteur Wolfgang Puck will create the new menu for the 2012 Governors Ball – for the 18th time. That goes back to 1994 and spans three presidents, four wars, and, well, 18 Governors Ball events. Not bad.
Puck’s relationship with the Academy in this way is longer than many marriages, and there’s no sign of a separation any time soon, thankfully. “We are so excited to help create a new energy for the Governors Ball this year,” said Puck. “With fantastic California ingredients, a few luxuries, and some favorite comfort foods, there will truly be something for everyone, and inspiration for anyone hosting a party at home. We are happy to celebrate Hollywood’s brightest stars and most accomplished artists with our culinary artistry.”
Cheryl Cecchetto to Produce Academy’s 2012 Governors Ball
Along with Puck making the food for the 2012 Governors Ball, Cheryl Cecchetto and Sequoia Productions will produce it. And guess what, Cecchetto has been at it longer than Puck; for 23 years she’s produced this show and to consistently rave reviews annually. For the third time, she’s working with Governors Ball Chair Jeffrey Kurland, and both promise a new, path-breaking event. “This year’s Governors Ball re-envisions the celebration. We will offer a radical departure from the traditional sit-down affair, reinforcing the Academy’s commitment to originality and excellence,” said Kurland. “This year’s design not only complements the theme of the Ball, but also is a chic and simple canvas for intimate conversations and freedom of movement,” said Cecchetto. “Guests will experience Wolfgang Puck’s tasting menu and the evening’s musical entertainment with a backdrop of relaxed glamour.”
21 Club Hosts Oscar Party
And while all that’s going on in Los Angeles, this blogger’s favorite restaurant, The 21 Club in New York City. ’21’, famous for being the place where Frank Sinatra held court at Table 14, and such luminaries as Donald Trump have their “spots” to sit at today, is the host for a special Academy event. The Academy and humanitarian aid organization FilmAid International will host an Oscar® Night event at ’21’ in celebration of the 84th Academy Awards. ’21’ is at 21 W. 52nd Street in New York’s Midtown Manhattan, just a short walk from Rockefeller Center.
“Giving back is always close to the Academy’s heart, and in FilmAid International, we have the perfect partners,” said Academy president Tom Sherak. “We’re thrilled that we can all come together to both celebrate this year’s nominees and advance the important work FilmAid is doing.”
“I really can’t overstate the impact of the Academy’s financial support of FilmAid over the years, which has allowed us to reach much further in bringing critical information and hope to refugees and other communities in need,” said Michael Angst, Chairman of FilmAid’s board of directors. “Additionally, the personal involvement of Academy members, such as those that traveled with us during the delegation trip last summer to the Kakuma refugee camp on the border of South Sudan, is invaluable in demonstrating the commitment of professionals from the motion picture industry to leveraging the power of film to help these communities in crisis.”
So if you’re in New York City, make sure you visit ’21’ for this special event on . The evening’s action starts with cocktails at 6:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 8 p.m. and the live telecast of the 84th Academy Awards begins at 8:30 p.m. ET.
For more information contact FilmAid International at [email protected] or the Academy at [email protected].