What Do Hollywood’s Top Stars Enjoy Eating and Drinking After the Oscars?
2026 Governors Ball Menu Unveiled Featuring Wolfgang Puck Catering and Don Julio Cocktails
As anticipation builds for the 98th Annual Academy Awards this Sunday, attention is turning to Hollywood’s most exclusive post-event gathering: the Governors Ball. Renowned for its lavish offerings, the after-party will showcase a meticulously crafted menu by Wolfgang Puck Catering, alongside signature cocktails prepared by Tequila Don Julio.
Culinary Highlights of the Governors Ball
Chef Wolfgang Puck will return to lead the culinary efforts for this prestigious event. In a recent interview with California Live, Puck emphasized his commitment to sourcing top-tier ingredients for the evening’s feast. "Every year, it’s about gathering the best possible ingredients," he stated.
The kitchen staff will consist of over 120 chefs, preparing an impressive array of dishes. According to an Instagram post from Wolfgang Puck Catering, the menu will include 600 pounds of house-smoked salmon and a variety of premium fishes such as sushi-grade Hamachi and ora king salmon.
Key ingredients will feature:
- 352 pounds of Japanese Miyazaki Farms A5 beef wagyu
- 200 pounds of Nishiki rice
- 200 pounds of dry-aged ribeye
- 200 pounds of wild mushrooms
- 200 pounds of Snake River Farms zabuton
- 30 pounds of Kaluga caviar
- 2 gallons of 24K liquid gold
The menu will serve a mix of beloved classics and innovative dishes, such as:
- Signature Spicy Tuna Tartare
- Mini Wagyu Cheeseburger
- Truffle Chicken Pot Pie
- Crab Chawanmushi
- Confit Duck Potstickers
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Fish and Chips
Chef Byron Lazaroff-Puck expressed excitement over an agnolotti dish featuring artichoke and black truffle, predicting it will be a crowd favorite. "We have amazing black truffles coming in from Perrigo, so I think this will be on every single person’s table," he noted.
Desserts will include a family recipe for apple strudel served with caramel sauce and marzipan ice cream, alongside unique ice cream flavors ranging from hazelnut to parmesan with black truffles. Puck expects the hazelnut ice cream to stand out but believes the parmesan flavor may surprise guests.
Each Oscar nominee will receive an extravagant “Everyone Wins” gift bag valued at approximately $350,000, containing luxury items and experiences. Additionally, Puck’s team is crafting 3,000 chocolate replicas of the Oscar statue, each adorned with edible 24-carat gold, to be gifted to all attendees.
When it comes to timing the meal service, Puck plans to coordinate closely with the award announcements. "When we hear ‘Best Director,’ it’s showtime,” he explained.
Cocktail Program by Tequila Don Julio
For the ninth consecutive year, Tequila Don Julio is set to lead the cocktail offerings at the Governors Ball. The program will be curated by mixologist Charles Joly and Lorenzo Antinori, co-founder of the acclaimed Bar Leone, recognized as the best bar in the world in 2025.
This year’s cocktail lineup includes:
Best in Show: Tequila Don Julio Blanco paired with Italian aperitif, dry vermouth, elderflower liqueur, cucumber syrup, fresh lime juice, and sparkling water, finished with a cucumber slice.
The Sequel: A luxurious mix of Tequila Don Julio 1942 with Oaxacan coffee cold brew, flavored with Piloncillo Cinnamon Cacao Syrup and finished with edible gold paint.
Other offerings will showcase the Golden Cut Margarita and Maestro Martini, both crafted to highlight the versatility of Tequila Don Julio.
A press release from Tequila Don Julio humorously stated that this year’s cocktail menu requires "enough espresso beans to fill a hot tub" and "enough agave to equal the weight of an elephant," underscoring the attention to detail expected at such a high-profile event.
Joly emphasized the importance of precision at the Governors Ball: "Every detail matters."
As the Oscars approach, the anticipation surrounding both the awards and the subsequent celebration continues to build.
