Evan Funke Named Executive Chef for Actor Awards

Evan Funke is booked on March 1.

The acclaimed chef, who is behind some of Los Angeles’ standout restaurants like Felix, Mother Wolf and Funke, has been tapped to serve as executive chef for Netflix’s The Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA. The ceremony will stream live from L.A.’s Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall.

It’s not Funke’s first big gig for a starry awards night event. Since 2022, Funke has steered the menu for the Vanity Fair Oscar party as its resident chef. “I’m incredibly honored and delighted to partner with The Actor Awards to curate a menu that reflects the artistry, craft and collective excellence celebrated throughout the evening,” Funke said in a statement.

He’s also been in business with Netflix before. Funke was featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table: Noodles, which followed him throughout Italy as he worked to preserve the rare and obscure traditional pasta shapes of Italy.

His menu will include a caviar station during the pre-reception for guests to enjoy while the red carpet is still packed and flowing with well-heeled guests and passed antipasti “inspired by Funke’s signature Italian dishes,” followed by a dinner served during the awards ceremony featuring specially crafted plates. See the full spread below.

Caviar and Small Bruschettas

• Caviar station: Petrossian caviar, chives and lemon

• Battuta de manzo: Hand-cut filet mignon, shallot, vacche rosse

• Tartare di Tonno Rosso: Big eye tuna, cucumber, lemon

• Caviale di Melanzane: Charred eggplant, erbe aromatiche

Pasta

• Rigatoncini cacio e pepe: Pecorino romano DOP, black pepper

• Rigatoncini All’Arrabbiata: Sugo di pomodoro, aglio, olio, peperoncino

Passed Antipasti

• Fiori di Zucca: Squash blossoms, ricotta fresca, parmigiano reggiano

• Carciofi Fritt: Violetta artichokes, lemon, mint

• Bigné Cacio e pepe: Pecorino crema, black pepper

• Supplí Alla Romana: Carnaroli rice croquette, mozzarella fior di latte, pecorino romano

• Indiva Ripiena: Caponatina di zucchine, pignoli, battuto di erbe

La Pizza Romana

• Margherita: Mozzarella fior di latte, salsa di pomodoro, basil, extra virgin olive oil

• Diavola: Mozzarella fior di latte, salsa di pomodoro, salame piccante, basil, peperoncino, olio santo

• Marinara: Salsa di pomodoro, heirloom garlic, origano selvatico, extra virgin olive oil

Dinner

• For the table — Sfincione in bianco: Funkke’s signature foccacia, origano selvatico, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt

• First course — Insalata Vignarola: Riso venere, roasted artichokes, delta asparagus, english peas, fava beans, mint, extra virgin olive oil

• Second course — Timballino Siciliano: Anellini, melanzane, sugo di pomodoro, mozzarella fior di latte, basil, ricotta salata

Kristen Bell hosts the 32nd Actor Awards. During the ceremony, Harrison Ford will receive a life achievement award. Silent House Productions is producing the ceremony for a third consecutive year. Also on the menu: Wine from The Actor Awards’ official wine sponsor, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, including the Artist’s Red Blend, Artist’s White Blend, Cooper’s Hawk Lux Pinot Noir, Cooper’s Hawk Lux White Meritage, Rosé, Cooper’s Hawk Vivante! Strawberry Elderflower, as well as a signature cocktail — a Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Sour — which will be served exclusively in the backstage green room.