New York, NY (January 26, 2009) – Moët & Chandon, the world’s most loved champagne since 1743, announces today that it is the exclusive champagne of the 81st Annual Academy Awards®. This unique and unprecedented relationship with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences establishes a significantly expanded Hollywood presence for Moët & Chandon. This is the first time the Academy has awarded the “exclusive” Champagne designation for the Oscars® and pre-Oscar® events.
“Moët & Chandon is synonymous with the glamour of fabulous celebration and has a long-standing tradition of being present at Hollywood’s most prestigious events,” says Mark Cornell, President and CEO, Moët Hennessy USA. “Through this innovative partnership with the Academy, Moët & Chandon is thrilled to toast achievement in Hollywood and honor the work of the most talented members of the film industry, while sharing the magic and excitement of the Academy Awards with film-goers nationwide.”
Frederic Cumenal, President of Moët & Chandon, comments, “The Oscars is a moment when the entire world’s attention focuses on Hollywood. The history and heritage of this legendary celebration represents the ultimate moment for Moët & Chandon to join the Academy in uniting the international recognition and leadership of two global icons. Oscar events provide an unparalleled occasion to express the refined excellence of the world’s most loved champagne.”
As the exclusive champagne of the 81st Academy Awards, Moët & Chandon will be the only champagne or sparkling wine served at the 2009 Oscars. Moët & Chandon’s flagship champagne, Moët & Chandon White Star, will be showcased along with other qualities from the maison, including Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage, Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial and Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial, at the Academy’s premiere events. These events include the Academy Awards Ceremony; the Red Carpet Cocktail Party, where Moët & Chandon will be available to guests as they enter the Kodak Theatre; the Governor’s Ball, the official Oscar party and the first stop for all winners and VIP guests; the Foreign Language Film Awards Cocktail Party, and the New York Oscar Viewing Party, an exclusive gathering of New York-based Academy members held at the historic Carlyle Hotel.
“As we recognize excellence in filmmaking on Oscar night, we raise our glasses with Moët & Chandon, the symbol of excellence in Champagne,” remarked Academy President Sid Ganis. “We celebrate with Moët & Chandon!”
About Moët & Chandon
Recognized for its quality and prestige, Moët & Chandon is the champagne of choice for celebration in Hollywood. The venerable house has captured the attention of Hollywood’s brightest stars since the birth of the film industry. Generations of legendary actors, actresses, producers and directors have celebrated their achievements with Moët & Chandon at Hollywood’s most significant and exclusive events, including past OscarsÒ celebrations. Moët & Chandon is imported, sold and marketed by Moët Hennessy USA, the world’s leading wine and spirits company, a division of French luxury group LVMH.
About the 81st Academy Awards®
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2008 will be presented on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar® presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.