This year's Primetime Emmy Awards Governors Ball, slated for Sept. 21, will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a traditional diamond motif. The media saw a preview of the "diamond anniversary"-themed affair on Thursday.
Once again under the direction of longtime producer Sequoia Productions, based in Los Angeles, the event will take over the 147,500-square-foot West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center. The 3,600 expected guests will walk to the hall after the ceremonies at the new NOKIA Theatre at the L.A. LIVE entertainment center across the street.
The event team will transform the plain Jane exhibit floor into a sleek, 1950s-style supper club. Keying on the song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," memorably sung by Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," the dinner tables will feature a mix of black and gunmetal gray stretch linen from BBJ Linen shot with accents of shocking "Schiaparelli" pink, a color featured in the film. Seating will be a mix of chairs clad in skintight black covers as well as Chameleon Chair Collection's gleaming "Fanfare" model with woven backs and black suede cushions. Round tables will appear on two seating levels with rectangular tables on the other two. Los Angeles-based Classic Party Rentals will oversee rentals.
Floral, created by Kevin Lee of La Premier of Beverly Hills, Calif., will feature a mix of fuchsia and red rose spheres perched on black velvet cylinders, each accented with a diamond "bracelet" at its base.
Dinnerware, provided by Classic's Unique Tabletop Rentals arm, will include "Eve" plates (featuring a white body and three thin platinum bands), "Venice" stemware (flared bowls featuring a platinum rim), tailored "Ariel" silver flatware and silver pebble chargers.
The walls will be lined with glowing starcloth. Suspended from the ceiling will be strings of "diamond" pendants.
The design team also includes Greco Decor, Nelson Sosa and Images by Lighting, all in L.A. Santa Fe Springs, Calif.-based Goodman Audio Services will provide audio.
Los Angeles-based Patina Catering will serve the guests with an army of 445 waiters and 85 managers.
PATINA'S EMMY MENU
First Course
King Crab and Avocado Sphere with Heirloom Tomato Vinaigrette
Entree
Roasted New York Strip Steak and Balsamic-glazed Barbecue Prawns
Gold Potato Cube, Maitake Mushroom, Caramelized Cipollini Onions and Asparagus in a Napa Valley Red Wine Sauce
Dessert
Dark Chocolate Diamond Dove-brand Milk Chocolate Caramel Mousse with Fresh Raspberries, Raspberry Marshmallow, Cocoa and "Diamonds"
Wines
Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Carnenos Chardonnay 2006
Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Champagne Piper-Heidsieck
Signature Cocktail
The "Emmy Jubilee," made with Grey Goose vodka, fresh lemon, orange and lime juices, St. Germain, Cointreau, grenadine, bitters and fresh grated nutmeg
Photos at top and center by Special Events Magazine; bottom photo courtesy Primetime Emmy Awards
