The great joy of cinema is the people it introduces us to, whether real folks or fictional super heroes, and the destinations, near and far, to which it transports us. In spirit with the latter, the Academy Awards Greenroom at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, where the ceremony has taken place since 2001, takes us on fantastical voyages. At least since 2017, when sponsored and designed by Rolex, the Swiss luxury brand whose timepieces, we daresay, are as coveted as the Oscar statuette itself. Past environments have led to vicarious experiences reflecting a Swiss chalet, a Polar expedition, idyllic Hollywood, and, drawing on a literal interpretation, a verdant rain forest. For this 96th annual Oscars presentation, the Greenroom, comprising a pair of adjoining chambers, again goes literal—and greener still—in celebration of the vegetal world.
Cladding walls are panels of velvet, mixed fibers, and wall paper. Some have patterns suggesting leaf veins or botanical structures. Shades go from emerald and jade to lime and avocado. Meanwhile, fan patterns bring us back to the built world, specifically the fluted bezels distinguishing Rolexes, be they the classic Datejust, Submariner, and Daytona models, or the 18-karat Everose Day-Date on display. Further nods to the room’s eco-conscious outlook come from seating, glass, and ceramics throughout the space, all sustainably sourced. Speaking of time, we couldn’t imagine a more soothing cocoon of an antechamber to calm the fraught nerves of this year’s cast of nominees. Among them: Christopher Nolan, Cillian Murphy, Bradley Cooper, Paul Giamatti, Jeffrey Wright, Robert Downey Jr., Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, Carey Mulligan, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph. Pick your favorites and place your bets on who brings home the 8 ½-pound, 13 ½-inch, gold-plated man signifying the pinnacle of success.
Inside the Academy Awards Greenroom
