For the 90th Academy Awards, Swarovski partnered with Tony and Emmy Award®-winning production designer Derek McLane to create a spectacular set design. This year’s show marked Swarovski’s 11th year illuminating the Oscars stage, and the 6th year that McLane incorporated Swarovski crystals throughout the show’s set design.

McLane has earned Primetime Emmy Award® nominations for every year he’s worked on the Oscars telecasts and won in 2014.

Key features of this year’s Oscars set design included: a brand-new proscenium; the return of the beloved floating Oscars; and a signature backdrop curtain and opera box covers.

McLane had visited Swarovski’s historic headquarters in Wattens, Austria, earlier this year to experience the heritage of Swarovski firsthand. He harnessed inspiration for this year’s set design from the impressive creativity, innovation and craftsmanship showcased in Kristallwelten’s enchanting grounds, educational exhibits and knowledgeable guides.

Following his trip, McLane designed a new proscenium for the 90th Oscars featuring more than 45 million crystals. The piece was constructed from octagonal tiles with a mix of crystal, metal, mirror and other materials to achieve its complex and beautiful shape.

Returning for a second year were the spectacular floating Oscars, featuring over 140,000 crystals. The installation also included an original backdrop curtain, shimmering with over 80,000 crystals. Finally, the theater’s opera boxes were once again embellished with over 23,000 breathtaking Swarovski stones.