The curtain has been pulled back on the menu for the 2026 Governor’s Ball, and if you thought Hollywood was sticking to Ozempic-friendly salads, think again.
The legendary Wolfgang Puck is back for his 32nd year at the helm of the official post-Oscars blowout, and he’s leaning into luxury comfort food.
Oscar-shaped salmon appetizers are displayed during a media preview of the food, beverages and decor for this year’s Governors Ball. REUTERS
Dessert featuring rose-shaped pastries and white chocolate logs on a bed of rose petals and pistachios for the Governors Ball. REUTERS
Mini cheeseburger sliders with a slice of tomato and pickle on top. Getty ImagesWe’re talking smoked salmon pizza, chicken pot pie, mini Wagyu beef sliders, macaroni and cheese, artichoke agnolotti and more.
Headliners include Puck’s signature smoked salmon Oscars–flat breads shaped like the award itself and topped–and tens of pounds of Kaluga caviar.
After sitting through a three-and-a-half-hour broadcast, the stars are usually starving. “It’s all about the quality of the ingredients and the quality of the dishes,” Puck said at a preview event on Tuesday. “We have to cook for 1,500 people. We keep it simple. We don’t need 10 sauces with it.”
But it’s not just about the salt and grease. There will also be new additions to the food this year, with an Izakaya station and chefs serving up hand rolls, nigiri and crispy rice cakes.
Master chef Wolfgang Puck cooks food next to Eric Klein, senior vice president of culinary-partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering, during a media preview of the food, beverages and decor for this year’s Governors Ball. REUTERS
A golden Oscar statuette stands in front of a display of colorful macarons and desserts at the Governors Ball. Getty Images
Lobster appetizers in small glasses are arranged on a dark, textured tray. REUTERS
Miniature savory crepes garnished with chives in a golden bowl. Getty ImagesFor those with a sweet tooth, the dessert bar will feature miniature chocolate Oscars sprayed with real 24-karat gold, Italian gelato, and apple strudel reportedly made using a recipe from Puck’s mom.
“We’re using a new ice cream machine,” Puck’s son and co-chef, Byron Puck, told Variety. “It’s hard when you’re doing ice cream or sorbets or gelatos for 1,500 people.
A dessert is displayed during a media preview of the food, beverages and decor for this year’s Governors Ball. REUTERS
Mixologist Lorenzo Antinori prepares the Best in Show cocktail. REUTERS
A spread of appetizers, including a large meat pie, sushi, and pastries, on display at the Governors Ball. REUTERS“You bring it out and it’s usually like a rock because it’s so cold and has to last throughout the night. This machine keeps it cold and turns the ice cream so you end up getting a nice, consistent silky texture – and it’s from scratch!”
Puck has tasked 75 savory chefs, 45 pastry chefs and 325 front of house staff and managers with feeding the stars.
