The more than 40 million viewers who tuned in to watch the 85th Academy Awards were treated to a spectacular show which took place on Tony Award-winning Production Designer Derek McLane’s majestic stage.

For the sixth year, Swarovski crystal was the key creative ingredient in the Oscar’s set design.

McLane used nearly 80,000 crystals weighing over 1,500 pounds to create the illuminating high crystal curtain for the Oscar-winning performance of Adele.  McLane created an environment which shimmered with over 320 individual strands to create a glamorous backdrop for her performance, while more than 23,000 crystals embellished the panels adorning the 18 opera boxes in the Dolby Theatre.

Production Designer Derek McLane commented: “I have always loved crystal chandeliers, and marvelled at the amazing way they act like prisms and refract light when you turn them on. When I was asked to design the 85th Academy Awards, I immediately began to think of ways to use crystals to bring some of that magic to the stage. For me, Swarovski crystals have always represented the height of elegance and glamour. Their association with the Academy Awards show has become one of the signatures that define the grandeur of the evening.”

He added: “I was excited to collaborate with Swarovski because their crystals capture the essence of Hollywood glamour. I wanted to create a world that feels magical, glorious and majestic; that reflects the honor that the Oscars bestow.”

Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Executive Board, Swarovski Crystal Business commented. “Swarovski was delighted and honored once again to play a supporting role on the incredible Oscars stage. The Academy Awards represent talent, creativity and glamour – values that lie at the heart of Swarovski. Derek McLane’s stage design was magical and Swarovski is thrilled that he chose crystal as his key creative ingredient.”