Wolfgang Puck to Create 2010 Governors Ball Menu

Beverly Hills, CA (February 9, 2010)— For the 16th consecutive year, master chef Wolfgang Puck has been selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to create the menu for the Governors Ball, the celebration immediately following the 82nd Academy Awards® presentation on Sunday, March 7, 2010.

“The Governors Ball is a celebration of artistry and achieving your dreams,” said Puck. “Our art is on the plate for everyone to savor and enjoy. We cast star-quality ingredients and keep the focus on flavor.”

Wolfgang Puck Catering will serve the Academy’s 1,500 Ball guests, which will include Oscar® winners, nominees, presenters and telecast participants.

The menu created by Puck and chefs Lee Hefter and Matt Bencivenga includes a new twist on a classic entrée, signature dishes such as smoked salmon Oscars®, and the chef’s garden spring vegetable salad as well as pastry chef Sherry Yard’s gold-dusted chocolate Oscars.

Working in a state-of-the-art kitchen adjacent to the Grand Ballroom at the Hollywood & Highland Center®, Puck will lead a team of chefs, pastry chefs and other culinary artists who are responsible for the cooking, presentation and execution of the menu.

Wolfgang Puck Catering, established in 1998, sets the standard for culinary excellence. The Wolfgang Puck Companies – which comprise 17 fine dining restaurants, more than 80 Gourmet Express fast-casual restaurants, premium catering services in more than 45 exclusive venues nationwide, and quality kitchen and food merchandise – together express Puck’s culinary passion for eating and dining well.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2009 will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and televised live by the ABC Television Network beginning at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.