Tuesday morning, I wiped the sleep from my eyes, dressed up as nicely as possible considering the arctic temps and headed downtown to the iPic Theaters on Fulton Street. My plans to watch the Oscar nominations at Piper-Heidsieck’s viewing breakfast were derailed by crazy traffic on the West Side Highway, getting me to the venue over an hour late.
But, all was not lost. Upon my arrival, I was warmly greeted and promptly handed a glass of Piper-Heidsieck to start the day. There are worse ways to wake up!
Despite missing the broadcast, my fellow writers happily filled me in on some of the details and I quickly realized that apparently not much had changed since last year, as I once again had only seen one of the Best Picture nominees. This time, it was Black Panther, the first superhero film to ever be nominated in this category. The movie also scored noms in numerous other categories, including Original Score, Best Song, Costume Design and Production Design. I think we could all use a superhero about now!
Long associated with the movie industry, having first appeared on the scene (and screen) in Laurel and Hardy’s debut film, Sons of the Desert in 1933, Piper-Heidsieck is now in its fifth year of a long-time partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Thus, Piper-Heidsieck will be the only Champagne served on February 24 at the awards ceremony and Governors Ball (as well as at related events).
As in previous years, the Champagne house once again designed a limited edition bottle for the occasion. While last year’s bottle was all about the “Golden Age” of Hollywood with an Art Deco design and emphasis on the color green, this newest label brings together two inseparable components of the awards — the red carpet and the golden Oscar statuette — in its red and gold design.
Yet, unlike the statuette, which is solid bronze and only plated in 24-karat gold, Piper-Heidsieck is the real thing — true Champagne. And, whichever movie gets your vote, the award-winning Piper-Heidsieck is the perfect Champagne, with which to toast your favorite film. Lights, camera, cheers!
