The Culinary Oscars: James Beard Awards Honours America's Finest Foodies (and Heston)

The James Beard awards, the culinary world’s Oscars, were held last night, as the who’s who of American cuisine gathered together to honor the most outstanding among them. It was a good night for female chefs, who made a strong showing, while famous faces such as Heston Blumental were also recognised for their excellence.

James Beard was an American chef credited with establishing a gourmet American food identity. Continuing on his legacy, the annual awards were established in 1990, by the James Beard Foundation and held every year on what would have been his birthday. The winners in each category are voted for by over 600 culinary professionals with each winner receiving a bronze medallion etched with Beard’s image and a certificate from the foundation.