Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck has shared his candid thoughts on Hollywood's widespread Ozempic craze and his personal predictions for the upcoming Academy Awards, as he gears up to cater the prestigious Governors Ball for an impressive 32nd consecutive year. The exclusive afterparty, following the 98th Oscars ceremony, will once again feature Puck's culinary mastery, with a decadent menu designed to delight A-list guests.
A Feast Unchanged by Fashion
Despite the growing popularity of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic among celebrities seeking to manage their appetites, the 76-year-old culinary icon remains steadfast in his approach. Puck confirmed to The Daily Mail that he will not be reducing food quantities to accommodate smaller appetites. "No," he stated firmly. "We make the same amount of food. We don't want to run out, but when we finish, we pack everything up and send it downtown to Skid Row so people can eat just like at the Oscars, so nothing gets wasted."
His eldest son Byron, who assists with the menu, noted a subtle shift in dining habits, suggesting more sharing among guests. "Maybe the only thing that I see is more sharing," he observed. "So I think people are actually ordering food, sharing, maybe not eating a whole plate to themselves, but sharing amongst each other, because food is celebration with friends and family at the end of the day."
Oscar Predictions and Culinary Insights
Beyond the kitchen, Puck revealed his Academy Awards forecasts, predicting potential wins for Paul Thomas Anderson in the Best Director category and Sean Penn for Best Actor, though he humorously acknowledged Penn's previous two Oscars might influence voters. For Best Picture, he sees a tight race between One Battle After Another and Sinners, leaning towards the former. He remained noncommittal on Timothee Chalamet's chances, describing the field as "a little up in the air."
When asked about food at other awards ceremonies, Puck was characteristically blunt: "I don't give a s**t! I only care about us!" His focus remains squarely on delivering an exceptional experience at the Governors Ball.
Decadent Menu Details
This year's menu blends classic favourites with innovative new offerings. Staples like chicken pot pie and Oscar-shaped chocolates will return, alongside fresh additions such as a sushi station staffed by five Japanese chefs preparing nigiri, hamachi, and hand rolls to order. The spread also includes:
- Cannolis and dark chocolate eclairs for sweet cravings
- 'In-N-Out Style' dry-aged ribeye sliders and tomahawk steak sliced to order
- An English-inspired fish and chips dish, spiced up with jalapeno and chilies
- Towers of macarons topped with Oscar trophies
- Abundant caviar and gourmet beef from Japan
Beverages will feature Domaine Clarence Dillon wine, Don Julio tequila cocktails, Dassai sake, and Piper Heidsieck champagne, complemented by floral arrangements from celebrity florist Saco Sarkissian of Petals LA.
Prepared for Any Request
With decades of experience, Puck and his team are ready to handle special requests from high-profile guests. He recalled past instances, such as preparing a simple pasta for Martin Scorsese or a Hong Kong-style steamed fish for Ang Lee after his Brokeback Mountain win. "Well, we have five chefs who just do special occasions, special dishes," Puck explained.
Looking ahead to potential attendees like Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, Puck hinted at personalised treats. "I hope they come and when they're going to get the Oscar engraved, I bring them in the kitchen and make them some delicious steak," he said, noting their preference for Snake River Farms steak from his Cut restaurant.
Looking to the Future
As Hollywood's weight loss trend persists, Puck joked about future adaptations: "Maybe next year we have an Ozempic station next to it and they can eat as much as they want! Soon restaurants can sell that, too!" Despite the humour, his commitment to culinary excellence remains unwavering.
The 98th Academy Awards will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, with Puck's Governors Ball continuing its legacy as a highlight of Hollywood's biggest night.
