Oscars ‘sanctuary’ stage unveiled as producers reveal their design inspiration

The designers behind Hollywood’s grandest stage pulled back the curtain on their green-themed inspiration for the Oscars dais.

The stage for the 98th Academy Awards show resembles a garden courtyard, with overhanging tree branches and other floral touches meant to provide a feeling of zen.

“There is an unsettled nature around the climate right now, and there’s just something very calming about being surrounded by architecture, but having this space for trees to grow,” Oscars production designer Alana Billingsley told Vanity Fair of the stage’s theme.

“We are exploring the contrast between the organic and the rigidly architectural, and that creates the feeling that life can exist anywhere.”

The award show’s A-list guests should feel like they’re in a “sanctuary for celebration” inside the Dolby Theater, added production designer Misty Buckley. “It’s got that gorgeous sense of place and belonging.”

It’s just so divine,” Buckley added. “I think that also helps the audience feel connected and part of something, and really warm and held within the space.”

In previous years, the stage was decorated with gold tones and sparkling details, creating a sense of luxury.

This year, the team used stone, metal, and glass to reflect a more natural style.

“I think that our material choice this year was very much about finding materials that had a beautiful quality that the light could pass through and less about reflective surfaces,” Buckley explained.

Meanwhile, authorities are deploying more security than ever at the Oscars this year amid heightened tensions and terror attacks since the start of the war in Iran.

Officials said security at Sunday’s show in Hollywood will be “better” than ever, with a one-mile security perimeter around the awards show.

The 98th Academy Awards will be broadcast live on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. PT, with comedian Conan O’Brien as the host.

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