The glittering spectacle of the Academy Awards is upon us once more, with the 98th iteration of Hollywood’s most prestigious ceremony just around the corner. As the world eagerly awaits the pronouncements on whether films like Bugonia, Marty Supreme, or One Battle after Another will take home coveted golden statuettes, the glamour we see on screen is merely a prelude to the real action that unfolds behind the scenes.
Beyond the almost three-hour marathon of acceptance speeches and undoubtedly a few unexpected moments, the true essence of the Oscars experience for its attendees lies in the exclusive after-parties, most notably the legendary Governor’s Ball. For the hundreds of chefs who work tirelessly under the guidance of culinary maestro Wolfgang Puck, the end of the ceremony marks the beginning of their most intense period.
The task at hand is monumental: to feed over 1,600 of the world’s most discerning palates with a diverse and globally inspired menu, all executed to the highest restaurant standards. This year, the United Kingdom’s culinary contribution is spearheaded by Elliott Grover, a seasoned professional with four years of experience catering the Oscars alongside Puck. By day, Grover serves as the Culinary Director at the esteemed CUT restaurant in London’s 45 Park Lane.
Grover’s entry into the Oscars kitchen was, by his own account, a happy accident. Until 2022, the Governor’s Ball had not featured a chef from the UK. Eager to promote CUT, Grover impulsively booked flights and accommodation to Los Angeles, even before his participation in the event was officially confirmed. A last-minute call to Wolfgang Puck secured his place, and the now 34-year-old has been an integral part of the Oscars culinary team ever since.
This year’s British-themed offerings from Grover promise to be a delightful exploration of elevated comfort food, featuring dishes that have previously won over the Hollywood elite. A perennial favourite, the two-bite Yorkshire pudding, is set to make a return. This delicate pastry is generously filled with melt-in-your-mouth English roast beef and accompanied by a creamy horseradish sauce. “I just wanted to give what was quintessentially British,” Grover explains. “Fourth year in, there’s a lot of stuff that we know works and people receive it really well.”
Another star on the British menu is a refined take on the classic fish and chips. Served in an elegant bamboo cone, the dish features either perfectly battered haddock or sea bass, accompanied by crispy skin-on triple-cooked chips, traditional mushy peas, and a wedge of lemon. This particular dish has graced the Governor’s Ball menu for all four of Grover’s years, and he claims to have won over fans such as Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas (though Eilish reportedly opts out of the fish itself), as well as social media personality Amelia Dimoldenberg.
The UK stand has been a popular destination for a host of stars over the years, with notable visitors including Brendan Fraser, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Adrien Brody, all drawn to Grover’s authentic interpretations of British cuisine. “Americans love the British food,” Grover observes. “Fish and chips is huge there. You’ve got a few fish and chips spots, but they’re nowhere near the level of what we do in the UK.”
No detail is too small for Grover, who even imports authentic English mustard to ensure his signature beef Wellington is prepared with the utmost fidelity to its traditional roots.
Beyond the British offerings, guests at the Governor’s Ball will have the opportunity to indulge in a vast array of culinary delights curated by Puck’s other hand-picked chefs. The menu spans various international cuisines, including dedicated vegan options, Japanese specialities, and even Austrian dishes, a nod to Puck’s own heritage.
And for those who might not secure an Oscar on the night, there’s still a chance to take home a trophy – in edible form, of course. Life-sized, gold-sprayed chocolate replicas of the iconic Academy Award statuette will be available for guests to enjoy.
The sheer scale of indulgence at the event is staggering. Reports indicate that over the course of the celebration, a remarkable 22 kilograms of black truffle will be used, alongside 70 pounds of caviar, 1,000 plates of macaroni and cheese, and over 200 pounds of tomahawk steak. In an era where health trends like Ozempic dominate conversations, it appears that even Hollywood succumbs to an evening of unapologetic feasting and luxurious excess.
The 98th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on 15 March 2026.
