Moet & Chandon Releases Grand Vintage 1929 Magnum Commemorating First-Ever Academy Awards(R) To Benefit Motion Picture & Television Fund

Moet & Chandon Releases Grand Vintage 1929 Magnum Commemorating First-Ever Academy Awards(R) To Benefit Motion Picture & Television Fund

Rare Bottle Autographed by Steven Spielberg, Hugh Jackman, and Robert Downey, Jr., to be Auctioned at Christie's To Raise Funds For Leading Health and Social Services Charity

NEW YORK, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- On the morning of the 81st Academy Awards, Moet & Chandon is delighted to announce a symbolic charitable donation to mark Moet & Chandon's first year as exclusive champagne of the Oscars(R). The esteemed champagne house is honored to extend celebration of the Academy Awards beyond the glamour and excitement of the Red Carpet and Oscars(R) ceremony by auctioning off this rare bottle with the proceeds to benefit the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF), the leading Hollywood charity that provides health and social services to the entertainment community.

   (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090222/NY73811-a)    (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090222/NY73811-b)   

To celebrate Moet & Chandon's shared heritage with Oscars history, Moet & Chandon's President Frederic Cumenal has graciously released an extremely rare Grand Vintage Magnum from 1929, the year of the very first Academy Awards(R) ceremony, to benefit the MPTF. This exceptional champagne will be prominently displayed at the Governor's Ball immediately following the Oscars ceremony. To support the MPTF's fundraising efforts, Moet & Chandon has partnered with Christie's, the world's leading art business, to auction the Magnum to the highest bidder. On June 6, 2009, Christie's will present this important bottle as the star lot at a special auction of exceptional wines to be held in the Hamptons, New York.

The 1929 Magnum was presented at the MPTF Night Before Fundraiser where the bottle's wooden case was autographed by leading supporters of the charity who were in attendance. The addition of these signatures by top Hollywood celebrities will add even greater fundraising value to this unique auction item. Signatures include Steven Spielberg, 2009 Oscars host Hugh Jackman, Robert Downey, Jr., Tina Fey, Lindsay Lohan, Matthew Broderick, Jessica Simpson and more. The Magnum is expected to fetch a high price at auction due to its rarity, quality, symbolism and exclusive Hollywood allure.

As Frederic Cumenal comments, "Cinema is a universal, timeless Art form. Our new partnership with the Academy Awards(R) represents an opportunity for us to support those who dedicate themselves to the welfare of those in need within the entertainment community. During challenging times the contributions of such organizations is especially critical."

Since 1743, Moet & Chandon has produced the world's most loved champagne and in especially magnificent years, created vintages that stand the test of time. The Grand Vintage Collection 1929 was recently disgorged at Moet & Chandon's cellars in Epernay, France, by Chef de Cave Benoit Gouez who tasted the champagne before it was sealed. As Mr. Gouez commented, "This sublime, magnificent champagne is a fitting tribute to the stature and grandeur of the Academy Awards. The 1929 Vintage is a great work of Art that pairs beautifully with the level of artistic achievement celebrated at the Oscars over the past 81 years."

The Grand Vintage 1929 Magnum made the pilgrimage from Moet & Chandon's cellars in Epernay, France to Los Angeles, a journey Moet & Chandon champagnes have made since Hollywood's earliest days. Having stood fast throughout its 266 year history, Moet & Chandon recognizes the importance of joy, renewal and celebration especially during the most challenging of times.

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 Motion Picture & Television Fund

The Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Woodland Hills, CA, was founded in 1921 to provide "relief" for those in the film industry who had fallen on hard times. Today, MPTF is a major service provider to the entertainment community, providing health care, childcare, retirement living, and social/charitable services with compassion and respect for the dignity of the whole person.

About Christie's

Christie's, the world's leading art business had global auction and private sales in 2008 that totaled 2.8 billion pounds Sterling/$5.1 billion. Christie's is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie's offers over 600 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $80 million. Christie's has 70 offices in 30 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie's has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging and new markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.

   Visit Christie's Web site at www.christies.com    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.

For high resolution images, please visit http://www.beimages.net/ or contact the press contacts on the release.

First Call Analyst:
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Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090222/NY73811-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090222/NY73811-b
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Moet & Chandon

CONTACT: Press - Peter Malachi, +1-646-251-8202, pmalachi@nikecomm.com,
or Heather Greenfield, +1-323-822-4800, Hgreenfield@id-pr.com, both for Moet &
Chandon

Web Site: http://www.christies.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment