Expect a 1970s glam Oscars with a modern, video-driven twist, according to production designer Derek McLane, who unveiled images of his set at the Dolby Theatre on Wednesday.
McLane, who is on his fourth Oscars, described his set for Sunday’s show as a “little more glamorous, distilled version of ‘American Hustle.’” He also cited “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “Taxi Driver” and “The French Connection” as ‘70s films that had inspired him.
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The full design remains a closely guarded secret until Oscar Sunday, but in an interview, McLane discussed how he was using ideas from new Oscar producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin. McLane said Hill and Hudlin asked him to incorporate more modern technology into the design, including more video and LED screens.
His set also relies on a more than 20,000-pound focal piece made out of Swarovski crystals.
In addition to the Oscars, McLane’s credits include “The Sound of Music Live!,” “The Wiz Live!” and more than 300 other theatrical and TV productions.
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Scenic artist Rick Roberts touches up the Oscar statue props that are slated for placement on the red carpet and at the Dolby Theatre amid preparations for Sunday’s Academy Awards in Hollywood.
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Scenic artist Virginia Belloni puts the finishing touches on Oscar statues that will be placed on the red carpet and at the Dolby Theatre for Sunday’s Academy Awards.
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Arrivals team Frank Roach, right, hoists an Oscar statue while Kevin Crowley spots him during preparations for Sunday’s Oscars in Hollywood.
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Scenic artist Dena D’ Angelo, right, and Virginia Belloni touch up a giant Oscar statue on the Oscars red carpet in Hollywood on Tuesday.
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Pedestrians walk past crews working on the Oscars red carpet along Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Dolby Theatre.
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Scenic artist Derek Medevic gets one of the many Oscar statue props in top condition ahead of Sunday’s Academy Awards.
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Scenic artist Dena D’ Angelo, right, and Virginia Belloni work on a giant Oscar statue at the entrance to the Dolby Theatre amid preparations for Sunday’s Academy Awards.
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The Dolby Theatre is the site of the 88th Academy Awards coming up Sunday.
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Workers install signs in preparation for the Oscars in Hollywood.
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Workers set up the red carpet along Hollywood Boulevard in preparation for the Oscars in Hollywood.
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The Oscars red carpet is rolled out Wednesday morning in Hollywood as preparations continue for the 88th Academy Awards on Sunday.
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