68th Governors Ball Theme: Nature's Elegance

The Television Academy today revealed details for its exclusive Emmy after-party celebrations: the Governors Ball on Sunday, September 18 immediately following the 68th Emmy Awards telecast; and, for the first time ever, back-to-back Creative Arts Balls on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11. With the theme Nature's Elegance, the trio of spectacular events has been a full year in the making to create a singular celebratory experience amidst the splendor of a romantic, nighttime garden.

"The Nature's Elegance theme is the perfect description of the Ball's enchanting al-fresco décor and an inspired menu that elevates the farm-to-table concept to new heights," said Governors Ball Committee Co-Chairs, Barbara Cassel and Edward Fassl.

Event producer Cheryl Cecchetto of Sequoia Productions added, "The Television Academy's extraordinary standard of excellence has inspired the Sequoia Productions team to deliver an original theme, dramatic décor, superb cuisine and memorable entertainment. This year's Governors Ball will break new ground and exceed guest expectations."
 
Décor
From the moment they enter the Governors Ball, guests will be surrounded and mesmerized by a nighttime garden designed to transform and delight the senses. Inspired both by the beauty of old world gardens and the natural grandeur of the California landscape, signature elements include suspended canopies of cascading lilac, wisteria and ivy; a winding central pathway bordered by lush plants and grasses; rustic walls draped with foliage; and, flickering "firefly" lighting illuminating the room.

Food + Beverage
Patina Catering returns as the official caterer of the Governors Ball for the 21st consecutive year. Presenting an elegant, ingredient-driven dinner, Patina chefs have worked closely with local foragers and farmers for months to develop a "from-the-earth" menu that celebrates the agricultural bounty of the late summer season. Drawing inspiration from the rustic, organic theme of this year's ball, Master Chef and Founder Joachim Splichal, Executive Chef of Culinary Gregg Wiele, and Executive Pastry Chef Frania Mendivil have crafted a three-course menu that allows the natural flavors of each ingredient to shine, while still demonstrating their extraordinary culinary talent, flawless technique, and stunning, innovative presentation.

For the first time ever, guests at the Governors Ball will toast and dine with wines from Sterling Vineyards, one of the most visited wineries in Napa Valley and known for crafting world-class wines. The Governors Ball wine menu will include Sterling 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, and 2013 Chardonnay. Emmy winners will sip 2012 Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon while having their statuettes personalized in the Governors Ball Winner's Circle presented by Sterling Vineyards.

Ferrari, Italy's most awarded sparkling wine producer, returns for the second year in a row as the Emmys official bubbly. Guests departing the awards ceremony and entering the Governors Ball will kick off the celebration as they are served flutes of prestige label Ferrari Trento.

Celebrating the extraordinary achievements of guests at the 68th Emmy Awards, World Class™ will elevate the experience with an exclusive Ketel One® Vodka cocktail created by award-winning bartender Charles Joly. Whether at home or at one of the world's leading bars, World Class offers fine drinking experiences and represents a collection of the finest luxury spirits which will stock the Governors Ball bars.

Record Celebration
In 2016, the Emmys celebration will set a new record with three separate balls over back-to-back weekends! In addition to throwing the nation's largest annual formal sit-down dinner for 3,800-plus entertainment industry luminaries at the Governors Ball, the Television Academy is expanding the Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony to two consecutive nights – each with its own ball. In total, some 7,400 guests will be wined and dined in magnificent style at the trio of gala events.

The 68th Emmy Awards, including the star-studded Red Carpet preshow, will telecast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, Sunday, September 18 (7:00-11:00 p.m. ET/4:00-8:00 p.m. PT) on ABC. Emmy Award-winning live television and event producer Don Mischer will executive produce the broadcast hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.

For complete press materials and photos of the Governors Ball Design and Décor, Food and Wine, Special Entertainment and the Emmy Winner's Circle, visit emmys.com/GovernorsBall. Media will be invited to cover the Governors Ball Press Preview on Wednesday, September 7 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

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Contact:
Roberta Silverman
breakwhitelight for the Television Academy
818-849-6347
Roberta@breakwhitelight.com