Moet & Chandon Chosen as Exclusive Champagne of the Academy Awards(R)

Moet & Chandon Chosen as Exclusive Champagne of the Academy Awards(R)

Moet & Chandon Announces New Partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

NEW YORK, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Moet & Chandon, the world's most loved champagne since 1743, announces today that it is the exclusive champagne of the 81st Annual Academy Awards(R). This unique and unprecedented relationship with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences establishes a significantly expanded Hollywood presence for Moet & Chandon. This is the first time the Academy has awarded the "exclusive" Champagne designation for the Oscars(R) and pre-Oscar(R) events.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090126/NY62575 )

"Moet & 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, Moet Hennessy USA. "Through this innovative partnership with the Academy, Moet & 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 Moet & 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 Moet & 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, Moet & Chandon will be the only champagne or sparkling wine served at the 2009 Oscars. Moet & Chandon's flagship champagne, Moet & Chandon White Star, will be showcased along with other qualities from the maison, including Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage, Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial and Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial, at the Academy's premiere events. These events include the Academy Awards Ceremony; the Red Carpet Cocktail Party, where Moet & 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 Moet & Chandon, the symbol of excellence in Champagne," remarked Academy President Sid Ganis. "We celebrate with Moet & Chandon!"

About Moet & Chandon

Recognized for its quality and prestige, Moet & 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 Moet & Chandon at Hollywood's most significant and exclusive events, including past Oscars celebrations. Moet & Chandon is imported, sold and marketed by Moet 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(R), and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar(R) presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090126/NY62575
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN12
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Moet & Chandon

CONTACT: Abby Vinyard, Account Supervisor, Nike Communications,
+1-646-654-3420, avinyard@nikecomm.com; or Heather Greenfield, ID PR,
+1-323-822-4800, hgreenfield@id-pr.com; or Teni Melidonian, Publicist, Academy
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, +1-310-247-3090, tmelidonian@oscars.org,
all for Moet & Chandon

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