Stepping into the world of televised awards shows, designer David Korins captures the glamour of Hollywood with his first scenic treatments for the Oscars. More than 41,000 Swarovski crystals will be integrated into the four main design elements: the Crystal Cloud, a 1,600-pound cloud-shaped installation; the Crystal Swag, a three-story high, 54'-wide ribbon-like formation; and two Crystal Presenter Backings. The Crystal Cloud and Crystal Swag are both inspired by natural geography. The Crystal Cloud is a sparkling interpretation of atmospheric clouds, with over 1,250 crystal strands floating ethereally over the stage. The striking Crystal Swag, created from nearly 400 crystal strands alongside a crystalized steel structure, is designed to look like a waterfall flowing from the ground up. The Crystal Presenter Backings, which will appear on stage behind award presenters, are free-flowing creations adorned with 1,800 crystals.
Korins’ vision was to create abstract and organic shapes that make the audience and stage feel as one, representing a feeling of inclusivity. His designs gain warmth and illumination from thousands of precision-cut Swarovski crystal beads, flatbacks, and pearls in gold and silver shades. These elegant designs will bring the theater to life on awards night, celebrating Swarovski’s longstanding connection with the Academy Awards® and the company’s heritage in the entertainment industry.
This is the 12th year Swarovski crystals will add sparkle to the Oscars scenic designs, reinforcing the company’s love of Hollywood that goes back 85 years, to the Marlene Dietrich film Blonde Venus, and iconic film moments from Marilyn Monroe singing "Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend" in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes to Audrey Hepburn accessorizing her Little Black Dress with a chic Swarovski tiara in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
In recent years, Swarovski crystals have appeared in a host of exciting productions, including Bohemian Rhapsody, The Greatest Showman, Black Swan, The Great Gatsby and Disney’s adaptations of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast.
Korins' designs also incorporated 40,000 real roses to create scenic pieces including the “Rose Topiary Oscar,” a floral version of the the iconic Oscars statuettes. The roses were provided by OnlyRoses, the brand behind the 40,000 Infinite Roses®.
