The Academy Awards presentation, more commonly known as the Oscars, is like the Super Bowl for movie buffs. It's a star-studded event where the biggest names in Hollywood gather to celebrate and honor the best films of the previous year. There are glamorous red carpet appearances, emotional speeches from everyone from Best Song winners to Best Picture, and, of course, the highly coveted golden statuettes.
Let's just say food is the last thing on anyone's mind. But even A-listers have to eat.
While not a ton of info has been released about the 96th Oscars, which will premiere live on March 10, 2024, at 7 p.m. EST, we can gather a few hints from Oscars past. Last year, emcee Jimmy Kimmel left goodie boxes under attendees' seats that were filled with an assortment of yummy treats. There were candies like Milk Duds, Snow Caps, Junior Mints, Good n' Plenty, and Hot Tamales, as well as some Philly-style pretzels courtesy of "Never Have I Ever" actor Adam Shapiro's Shappy Pretzel Co.
"We don't like it when people are hungry, so Jimmy provided snacks for everyone at the #Oscars and included a donation to the @LAFoodBank for each one!" read a Tweet from the official account for "Jimmy Kimmel Live."
The contents of this year's snack box will likely remain a mystery until the big event. But seeing as how Kimmel is returning as host, it's possible we'll see a similar spread or perhaps new additions from other celebrity-endorsed treats.
Who Makes the Oscars After-Party Menu?
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Thankfully, the snack boxes are far from the only source of sustenance at the Oscars. Once the presentation is over and the winners have made their speeches, attendees will mosey on over to the official Oscars after-party, known as the Governors Ball.
This swanky affair hasn't been around as long as the awards themselves, but for the past 65 years, nominees, winners, and other VIPs have come together to mingle, celebrate their achievements, and get those gold statues engraved. Oh, and enjoy some delicious bites and beverages by none other than world-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck. For the 30th time, he'll be creating an extravagant menu for the event that we actually have some intel on.
"We're going to have some traditional dishes and also some brand-new innovations," Puck recently told "Good Morning America." "Can you believe this year I'm doing the Governors Ball for the 30th time?"
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The menu, which was released to ABC News, features a wide array of tray passed and passed small plate dishes for guests to enjoy. Of the former, there will be items like his trademark smoked salmon that's in the shape of an Oscar statue, as well as miniature Wagyu burgers, honey butter toast with fennel marmalade, and some assorted signature pizzas.
Puck also said he's bringing back a favorite from last year to his passed small plates: the black truffle chicken pot pie. Other dishes we're currently drooling over include the bougie tots with crème fraîche and caviar and grilled seabass with marinated artichokes — um, how can we get an invite to this thing?
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But that's not all the Oscars after-party attendees get to enjoy. In addition to the food on the menu, Puck is putting gout a mezze grazing table and a paella bar with saffron-infused rice and an array of dips and sides. Other small plate stations include fish and chips, a crispy rice bar, and a wood-fired pizza oven.
Even those with food restrictions will be able to find something to enjoy at the Governors Ball. There will be a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, including miso sesame cone Ccispy sweet potato pavé with housemade kimchi and a kung pao cauliflower stuffed coconut charcoal bao bun.
What Desserts are Served at the Governor's Ball?
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We highly doubt that anyone is going hungry at this event, but our advice to the actors and actresses is to save room for dessert. There are a whopping 37 sweet items to choose from like a Tahitian vanilla chantilly and raspberry cheesecake and chocolate Oscars that are sprayed with edible gold. Oh, chocolate cigar infused with Grand Marnier because, why not?
Obviously, getting an invite to this exclusive party is nearly impossible, but that doesn't mean you can't eat (and drink) like the stars at home. In 2022, Puck shared the recipes for his Cacio e Pepe Macaroni & Cheese and his Prime Mini Burgers with "Good Morning America" so you could create your own Governor's Ball-inspired bites.
Are There Special Cocktails?
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As for drinks, we don't know what kind of libations they'll be sipping at the ball just yet. But if mixologist Charles Joly is behind the bar again, it's safe to say they're in good hands. Joly has created custom cocktails for the Governors Ball in 2022, and spilled the tea on how to recreate his infamous Limelight Margarita and The Class Act cocktail. Sounds like the perfect way to toast the winners — pretend you're right there with 'em.
