Oscar Night with Wolfgang Puck
When the world’s biggest film stars walk the red carpet, the cuisine is also top-class – and with an Austrian signature! Mike Köberl has been part of the well-coordinated team around Wolfgang Puck for years and ensures unforgettable moments of indulgence at the legendary Governor’s Ball, the official dinner of the Academy Awards. In previous years, other Austrians have also taken part, including Hannes Tschemernjak (Tschebull) and Bernhard Zimmerl from the Waldviertel region (Foggy Mix).
But what makes the Oscars so important in culinary terms, and what role does Austria’s culinary scene play in this unique spectacle?
Hollywood's biggest festival - and its culinary stage
The Oscars are the most prestigious event in the film industry, captivating millions of viewers worldwide every year. But apart from the glamor, the spectacular gowns and the iconic gold statuettes, there is another highlight that causes a stir: the official dinner after the ceremony, the Governor's Ball.
Wolfgang Puck has been the exclusive caterer for this night for over 25 years. The Carinthian, who lives in California, is an icon of upscale gastronomy with over 70 restaurants worldwide and has managed to merge Austrian roots with international culinary art. His name stands for quality, innovation and excellent hospitality.
Why is the cuisine at the Oscars so special?
- High standards: Guests expect not only exquisite food, but also innovation at the highest level.
- Logistical masterpiece: Over 1,500 guests are served the finest culinary delights - from artfully prepared starters to opulent desserts.
- Signature dishes: classics such as Wagyu beef, truffle pizza or Puck's famous smoked salmon Oscars are fixed components of the menu.
Puck not only relies on his own skills, but also on a strong team - including long-time companions from Austria, who impress with their expertise and precision craftsmanship.
Mike Köberl: The man behind the scenes in the Oscar kitchen
Michael “Mike” Köberl is one of the top chefs who help shape the Oscar dinner every year. His career at a glance:
- His gastronomic career took him abroad early on, where he gained valuable experience.
- 1980s: He met Wolfgang Puck at the legendary “Spago” in Los Angeles - an encounter that would change his life.
- Decades of collaboration with Puck: Since then, Köberl has regularly supported him at prestigious events, especially at the Oscars. Köberl was also involved in the guest appearance at Ikarus, Hangar-7, in May 2024.
- 2019: He opened “Spoon” in Vienna, a bistro on Seilerstätte that caused a stir with its modern concept.
Hollywood meets alpine excellence: the Styrian mountain prawn at the Oscars
This year, an Austrian specialty is causing quite a stir: the Styrian mountain shrimp from White Panther Produktion. Mike Köberl, the initiator of Styrian shrimp farming in Los Angeles, is behind this unique success story. His idea of bringing the sustainably farmed prawns from the Austrian mountains to the glittering world of the Oscars was immediately well received. Eva Keferböck, CEO of White Panther Produktion, recognized the potential and gave the green light for the extraordinary project - and now the Styrian prawns have arrived on the biggest stage in the film world.
Sustainable cuisine from the Alps
White Panther Production is revolutionizing shrimp farming with a sustainable and innovative concept:
- Organic production: the prawns grow in the Austrian Alps under optimal conditions - free from antibiotics and with short transportation routes.
- Self-sufficient energy supply: Independent hydro and biomass power plants supply the required energy and heat.
- Innovative control system: The state-of-the-art control technology is based on zenon from COPA-DATA and is implemented in-house as a no-code platform - a scalable solution for the growth of the business.
The fact that this exquisite delicacy is now being served in Hollywood shows that sustainable enjoyment knows no boundaries. From the pure spring water of the Alps directly to the tables of movie stars - a genuine Austrian recipe for success.
Styrian innovation on the international stage
While the film industry is reaching for the coveted golden statues, the Styrian mountain prawn is conquering hearts and palates in Los Angeles. An example of how vision, sustainability and excellent quality can become a success story. Hollywood celebrates the best films - and with White Panther, perhaps soon the best shrimp in the world.
Our conclusion: Hollywood loves Austrian cuisine
The Oscars are much more than an awards ceremony – they are a showcase for the highest culinary craftsmanship. The close connection between Wolfgang Puck and his Austrian colleagues shows that Austrian chefs can play on the world's biggest stages.
Whether in Los Angeles or Vienna – top cuisine knows no borders. And while the film stars are being honored for their performances, Köberl and Co. deliver a perfect culinary production in the background, making the evening unforgettable.
Mike Köberl, photo provided
