BizBash
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
Topics
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • Industry Buzz
  • BizBash Lists
Resources
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
User Tools
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Get Featured
  • Press Releases
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Subscribe to Magazine
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
  1. Catering & Design
  2. Event Design & Decor

Oscars 2023: Elegant Event Inspiration From Hollywood's Most Glamorous Week

Gold tones reigned supreme at events surrounding the 95th Academy Awards, with parties from the Academy, Warner Bros., Essence, and more creating elegant tributes to Tinseltown.

Claire Hoffman
March 16, 2023

LOS ANGELES—The City of Angels isn't known for its seasons—unless you're counting award season, the two-month stretch where A-listers descend on LA for the Golden Globes, the Grammys, the SAG Awards, and other star-studded ceremonies. The crown jewel is, of course, the Academy Awards, which this year were held on March 12 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

This year's ceremony, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, was a drama-free affair (at least, compared to last year) that saw big wins for Everything Everywhere All At Once, including a historic award for Best Actress Michelle Yeoh, only the second woman of color to ever win the coveted title. 

It was an inspirational moment—but for event professionals, getting a glimpse inside the week's big-budget affairs can be even more inspirational. From a chandelier-filled soiree from Warner Bros. to a serene green room from Rolex to a floral-filled award show from Essence, here's a behind-the-scenes look at the week's most exclusive parties. 

95th Academy Awards Telecast
95th Academy Awards Telecast
For the first time ever, the main stage of the Academy Awards was designed by women. Production designers Alana Billingsley and Misty Buckley were inspired by classic movie houses and theaters, leaning into warm materials like bronze and brass. About 3,500 square feet of high-resolution LED screens were embedded around the stage to highlight moments from this year’s films.
Photo: Blaine Ohigashi/©A.M.P.A.S.
“The stage is very architectural and draws on the memories of the moment we first experienced the cinema,” explained Buckley in an interview with design publication Wallpaper. “Whether it was walking under the marquee of lights and into the foyer, the first smell of sweet popcorn, the warmth of the golden deco lighting, the texture of the elegant drapes, or the fully transformative experience of that huge projection screen. We have incorporated all these design notes, whilst ensuring [the design] very much occupies a place in the modern day. The design is not pastiche but very much a fantasy movie theatre.”
“The stage is very architectural and draws on the memories of the moment we first experienced the cinema,” explained Buckley in an interview with design publication Wallpaper. “Whether it was walking under the marquee of lights and into the foyer, the first smell of sweet popcorn, the warmth of the golden deco lighting, the texture of the elegant drapes, or the fully transformative experience of that huge projection screen. We have incorporated all these design notes, whilst ensuring [the design] very much occupies a place in the modern day. The design is not pastiche but very much a fantasy movie theatre.”
Photo: Blaine Ohigashi/©A.M.P.A.S.
95th Oscars Governors Ball
95th Oscars Governors Ball
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences' annual Governors Ball—which was held immediately following the ceremony—leaned into similar gold tones, with a central archway displaying the Oscars statue surrounded by candles.

The event put a particular focus on sustainability this year, using energy-efficient LED lights and battery-operated LED candles throughout. All lighting, audio, rigging equipment, and furniture will be repurposed, while all floral arrangements were created in reusable glass vases and biodegradable floral foam; all flowers and greenery were later composted, and 50% of fabrication materials were reused, recycled, or composted. Food from longtime partner Wolfgang Puck Catering included 50% plant-based and vegetarian dishes; all leftover food was donated to Chefs to End Hunger.
Photo: David Nguyen/©A.M.P.A.S.
As the first stop for most of the night's A-listers, the Governors Ball has a spot for winners like Jamie Lee Curtis (pictured) to get their trophies engraved. The Academy made sure fans got into the action too by hosting the second annual Oscars Night at the Museum at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. More than 1,500 guests could explore the museum’s galleries, pose on a red carpet, shop for exclusive merchandise, and watch the show in the museum's David Geffen Theater.
As the first stop for most of the night's A-listers, the Governors Ball has a spot for winners like Jamie Lee Curtis (pictured) to get their trophies engraved.

The Academy made sure fans got into the action too by hosting the second annual Oscars Night at the Museum at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. More than 1,500 guests could explore the museum’s galleries, pose on a red carpet, shop for exclusive merchandise, and watch the show in the museum's David Geffen Theater.
Photo: David Nguyen/©A.M.P.A.S.
Oscars Greenroom Presented by Rolex
Oscars Greenroom Presented by Rolex
Rolex has hosted the official Oscars greenroom since 2016—and this year, the brand doubled down on the green theme. The tropical space, designed by Rolex and produced by Event Eleven, aimed to highlight sustainability and serve as a celebration of the natural world; it featured a ceiling canopy with lighting elements shaped like leaves, while images of nature dotted the walls. Walls of carved bamboo surrounded the space.
Photo: Rolex
The room also featured furniture in a palette of neutral tones and shades reminiscent of plants, along with a mosaic bar and oversized florals.
The room also featured furniture in a palette of neutral tones and shades reminiscent of plants, along with a mosaic bar and oversized florals.
Photo: Rolex
Warner Bros. Oscars Party
Warner Bros. Oscars Party
Warner Bros. effectively evoked the magic of Tinseltown with its 2023 Oscars event, which was held on Sunday at Ysabel. Drawing 350 guests, the glamorous gathering had an over-the-top event design from JOWY Productions, who leaned into a mix of black and gold with accents of red—and, of course, plenty of sparkle.
Photo: Heather Kincaid
Over 300 glass hurricane candles filled with black sand flickered throughout the party, juxtaposed with twinkle lights in the trees. As a focal point, a tiered candle installation featured five-foot crystal and gold chandeliers. Props and decor came from Revelry Event Designers, while flowers came from Maggie Jensen Floral Design. Vogue Candles provided the candles, and Candlelight Designs handled lighting.
Over 300 glass hurricane candles filled with black sand flickered throughout the party, juxtaposed with twinkle lights in the trees. As a focal point, a tiered candle installation featured five-foot crystal and gold chandeliers. Props and decor came from Revelry Event Designers, while flowers came from Maggie Jensen Floral Design. Vogue Candles provided the candles, and Candlelight Designs handled lighting.
Photo: Heather Kincaid
Other vendors included fabric from SS Scenic, sound from CBC Technical, rentals from Town & Country, and linens from La Tavola. DJ Daisy O’Dell entertained the crowd.
Other vendors included fabric from SS Scenic, sound from CBC Technical, rentals from Town & Country, and linens from La Tavola. DJ Daisy O’Dell entertained the crowd.
Photo: Heather Kincaid
An LED cube by iTouchBooth offered a flower-covered photo op.
An LED cube by iTouchBooth offered a flower-covered photo op.
Photo: Heather Kincaid
'Essence's Black Women in Hollywood Awards
'Essence's Black Women in Hollywood Awards
Last Thursday, Essence hosted its Black Women in Hollywood awards, which recognize the achievements of Black women helping tell diverse stories. This year’s event centered around “The Black Cinematic Universe” and honored The Woman King director and screenwriter Gina Prince-Bythewood, president of Onyx Collective Tara Duncan, Till actress Danielle Deadwyler, Blank Panther: Wakanda Forever actress Dominique Thorne, and Abbott Elementary actress Sheryl Lee Ralph. Boris Kodjoe hosted the star-studded affair, which took place at the Fairmont Century Plaza. 

MVD Inc. handled design and production and said they wanted to reimagine the event for its 16th year. “Starting with holding the event in an entirely new space, we played off the neutral tones and minimalist aesthetic of the Fairmont while adding color and flair,” explained Miatta Johnson, co-founder and CEO of MVD Inc. “The experience was a garden oasis, if you will, that took you from day to evening, starting with the stark black and white arrivals moment that spanned 90 feet with over 200 feet of white carpet."
Photo: Jorge Meza for MVD Inc.
'Once guests entered the space, they were taken into more of a modern whimsical garden donned with mirrored and multi-screen elements,” added Massah David, co-founder and creative director of MVD Inc. “From the custom-built set for the Essence Photo Moment (pictured) to the multi-screen honoree garden installation to the custom-designed, three-screen dual entry stage, the experience was meant to feel fluid and effortless as you moved throughout the event.”
"Once guests entered the space, they were taken into more of a modern whimsical garden donned with mirrored and multi-screen elements,” added Massah David, co-founder and creative director of MVD Inc. “From the custom-built set for the Essence Photo Moment (pictured) to the multi-screen honoree garden installation to the custom-designed, three-screen dual entry stage, the experience was meant to feel fluid and effortless as you moved throughout the event.”
Photo: Jorge Meza for MVD Inc.
Oversized Essence covers, grounded in florals and greenery, celebrated each honoree.
Oversized Essence covers, grounded in florals and greenery, celebrated each honoree.
Photo: Jorge Meza for MVD Inc.
“We worked closely with Essence’s senior vice president of creative, Corey Stokes, to bring this vision to life, and collectively it was our goal to bring an elevated experience that would allow guests to leave feeling seen, loved, beautiful, and recharged,” added David. MVD Inc. also worked with Calune Eustache, Essence Communications’ experiential director, on the project.
“We worked closely with Essence’s senior vice president of creative, Corey Stokes, to bring this vision to life, and collectively it was our goal to bring an elevated experience that would allow guests to leave feeling seen, loved, beautiful, and recharged,” added David. MVD Inc. also worked with Calune Eustache, Essence Communications’ experiential director, on the project.
Photo: Jorge Meza for MVD Inc.
In addition to MVD Inc., vendors included Above The Line, who handled the honoree screens, custom stage screens, and lighting; AESOS, who handled the stage flooring; and 15|40, who handled the arrivals wall and carpet. Shawna Yamamoto Event Design handled the florals and photo-moment fabrication.
In addition to MVD Inc., vendors included Above The Line, who handled the honoree screens, custom stage screens, and lighting; AESOS, who handled the stage flooring; and 15|40, who handled the arrivals wall and carpet. Shawna Yamamoto Event Design handled the florals and photo-moment fabrication.
Photo: Jorge Meza for MVD Inc.
WME Oscars Party
WME Oscars Party
On Friday night, WME ushered in Oscars weekend at one of LA’s most historic properties, the Hearst Estate in Beverly Hills. The multi-level, multi-room party—hosted by WME co-chairmen Christian Muirhead and Richard Weitz—welcomed guests through a foyer that had a WME photocall draped in pink curtains.
Photo: Courtesy of WME
The party’s ambiance aimed to exude old Hollywood glamour with a futuristic twist. Artwork loaned by Frieze was exhibited throughout the mansion, and the ornate dining room had an oversized table topped with a “fallen” chandelier adorned with peonies in porcelain vases, gold candle holders, and trays serving antipasti and hors d’oeuvres. Drinks came from Tequila Don Julio and Johnnie Walker, while h.wood handled catering.
The party’s ambiance aimed to exude old Hollywood glamour with a futuristic twist. Artwork loaned by Frieze was exhibited throughout the mansion, and the ornate dining room had an oversized table topped with a “fallen” chandelier adorned with peonies in porcelain vases, gold candle holders, and trays serving antipasti and hors d’oeuvres. Drinks came from Tequila Don Julio and Johnnie Walker, while h.wood handled catering.
Photo: Courtesy of WME
Downstairs, the vibe shifted to a glitzy art deco disco, which featured music from DJ Allie Teilz along with a vintage ice cream shop serving Dippin’ Dots.
Downstairs, the vibe shifted to a glitzy art deco disco, which featured music from DJ Allie Teilz along with a vintage ice cream shop serving Dippin’ Dots.
Photo: Courtesy of WME
The estate’s atrium was transformed into a jazz club with live music from The Apollo Trio; other spaces included a cigar lounge and espresso martini lounge, a pizza parlor, and a hidden tiki bar speakeasy (pictured) with actual sand and cocktails served in coconuts.
The estate’s atrium was transformed into a jazz club with live music from The Apollo Trio; other spaces included a cigar lounge and espresso martini lounge, a pizza parlor, and a hidden tiki bar speakeasy (pictured) with actual sand and cocktails served in coconuts.
Photo: Courtesy of WME
'Vanity Fair' and TikTok's Vanities: A Night for Young Hollywood
'Vanity Fair' and TikTok's Vanities: A Night for Young Hollywood
Earlier in the week on March 8, Vanity Fair and TikTok teamed up for “Vanities: A Night for Young Hollywood” at Mes Amis in Hollywood. The private event–co-hosted by a committee of rising stars who have been featured in the publication's "Vanities" column–spotlighted the actors, musicians, artists, and #filmtok community that make up the new creative class. The event was hosted by Halle Bailey (pictured), Paul Mescal, and Julia Garner, and featured a simple-but-effective step-and-repeat with logos illuminated with gold lighting.
Photo: Getty Images for Vanity Fair
A fun touch? Bite-sized desserts featuring the Vanity Fair and TikTok logos. The event was part of Vanity Fair’s Campaign Hollywood, a weeklong event series leading up to the Oscars that’s now in its 23rd season. Other events included a private cocktail party honoring A24’s Everything Everywhere All At Once.
A fun touch? Bite-sized desserts featuring the Vanity Fair and TikTok logos.

The event was part of Vanity Fair’s Campaign Hollywood, a weeklong event series leading up to the Oscars that’s now in its 23rd season. Other events included a private cocktail party honoring A24’s Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Photo: Getty Images for Vanity Fair
Universal's Oscars Party
Universal's Oscars Party
Universal hosted its Oscars party on Sunday night at Osteria Mozza. Designed and produced by Bespoke Bohéme, the night also centered its decor around red florals from Floral Crush and vibrant groupings of candles from Vogue Candles.
Photo: Courtesy of Bespoke Bohéme
The event also featured lighting and AV from Shine On Lighting Co. and Launch AV, furniture rentals from Found Rental Co. and FormDecor, and printing and graphics from Messex Industries.
The event also featured lighting and AV from Shine On Lighting Co. and Launch AV, furniture rentals from Found Rental Co. and FormDecor, and printing and graphics from Messex Industries.
Photo: Courtesy of Bespoke Bohéme
Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party
Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party
On Sunday, the Elton John AIDS Foundation hosted its 31st annual Academy Awards viewing party. Hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish, along with Eric McCormack and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, this year’s star-packed benefit raised over $9 million for the global effort to end AIDS. Held at West Hollywood Park, the gathering featured a performance by singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama.
Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation
16th Annual Women in Film Oscar Party
16th Annual Women in Film Oscar Party
On Friday, WIF (Women in Film) hosted its annual Oscars party, honoring all 65 women—in front of and behind the camera—who were nominated this year. Co-hosted by Oscar-winning producer and WIF board president emerita Cathy Schulman, along with Oscar-winning actor Marlee Matlin and Oscar-winning screenwriter Siân Heder, the event was held at NeueHouse Hollywood and was designed and produced by Event Eleven.
Photo: Getty Images for WIF
Latest in Event Design & Decor
BET's 45th anniversary dinner was held on June 7 at the Beverly Wilshire.
Event Design & Decor
How BET’s Stylish Anniversary Dinner Honored the Past—and Embraced the Future
The gala took place on April 26, with a sports-centric design and production from the museum's internal events team.
Event Design & Decor
Why Guests Wore Sneakers to This Black-Tie Gala
Enso Creative
Event Design & Decor
8 Steal-Worthy Event Ideas BizBash Spotted on Instagram
Projection mapping helped immerse guests into the theme.
Event Design & Decor
‘Feathers Galore’: Step Inside the Colorful Carnaval Ambiance of City Harvest’s Annual Gala
Related Stories
Governors Ball
Event Design & Decor
Oscars 2025: Steal-Worthy Event Design Highlights From Hollywood's Biggest Week
Oscars Governors Ball
Event Production & Fabrication
Oscars 2024: Peek Inside the Week's Most Star-Studded Events
The slopeside hub took over California’s Mammoth Mountain March 2-5, SXSW in Austin March 10-13, and Steamboat Springs, Colo., March 16-19 (pictured).
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See How This Paramount+ Activation Adapted to Three Different Cities
The Recording Academy’s Grammy Celebration
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Grammys 2023: 30 Steal-Worthy Event Ideas From the Week's Most VIP Celebrations
More in Event Design & Decor
Event Design & Decor
How BET’s Stylish Anniversary Dinner Honored the Past—and Embraced the Future
A rich color palette, archival footage, and a carefully curated performance lineup brought legacy and innovation together for this 480-guest celebration of BET’s 45th year.
BET's 45th anniversary dinner was held on June 7 at the Beverly Wilshire.
Event Design & Decor
Why Guests Wore Sneakers to This Black-Tie Gala
At the California Science Center’s 26th annual Discovery Ball, attendees enjoyed Dodger Dogs, danced on a basketball court, and raised paddles—or foam fingers—for a good cause.
The gala took place on April 26, with a sports-centric design and production from the museum's internal events team.
Event Design & Decor
8 Steal-Worthy Event Ideas BizBash Spotted on Instagram
Take a peek at Instagram photos full of wow-worthy event ideas to serve as inspiration for your next gathering.
Enso Creative
Event Design & Decor
‘Feathers Galore’: Step Inside the Colorful Carnaval Ambiance of City Harvest’s Annual Gala
The NYC food rescue organization hosted its yearly fundraising event, which featured a vibrant tropical theme inspired by lively cultural celebrations.
Projection mapping helped immerse guests into the theme.
Event Design & Decor
This Historic Theater Turned a 100-Year Milestone Into a One-of-a-Kind Gala
The Pasadena Playhouse celebrated its centennial with a bold, unconventional gala featuring immersive projection mapping and a surprise escrow announcement—all while shattering fundraising records.
While officially buying the building before the gala was always the goal, event planner Sam Palmer was careful to ensure the gathering would be successful even if the timing didn’t work out. “We had a million different plans, because quite frankly, a million details needed to go right for that to happen,' he said. 'Our leadership and board worked very, very hard to get us across the finish line, and it was a beautiful moment.”
Event Design & Decor
See Inside This Year’s Bright Blue Public Art Fund Party
The annual spring benefit maintained its playful energy with pingpong tables and ice cream bars.
Blue hues covered everything from the menus to decorative textiles to pingpong tabletops.
Most Popular
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside This High-Tech, Multisensory Experience from Don Julio
Strategy
How U.S. Event Planners Can Navigate Global Attendance Challenges
Meetings
C2 Montreal 2025: How the Business Conference Puts Creativity in 'Motion'
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
This Event Turned Home Decor Into a Celebration of Latinas' Life Moments
Event Design & Decor
How BET’s Stylish Anniversary Dinner Honored the Past—and Embraced the Future
Trends
What's New in Meetings and Trade Shows: MPI WEC Heads to St. Louis, New Trends Report Shows Corporate Events on the Rise, and More
Event Design & Decor
Renowned Event Designer David Stark Breaks Down His Creative Process
What inspires one of the industry’s most creative minds? The chief creative officer of David Stark Design and Production walks us through the design rules he actually follows—and the ones he ignores.
For a Kiehl’s event, Stark turned larger-than-life calendula products into striking art pieces, which were overflowing with flowers as a nod to the brand's natural ingredients.
Event Design & Decor
12 Desert-Inspired Event Ideas From This Skincare Brand's Dreamy Influencer Trip
Native whisked 15 beauty editors to an Arizona resort to test how moisturizing its new products really are.
The welcome dinner took place at a communal table flecked with decor in desert-inspired hues. The Valley handled furniture rentals, while Let’s Bash provided tabletop rentals.
Event Design & Decor
See Inside HBO's Stunning 'The White Lotus' Premiere Event
HBO and UNBOXED GROUP transformed a Hollywood soundstage into a lush Thai resort for the HBO series' highly anticipated season three premiere.
'The umbrella ceiling was a visual highlight and one of our favorite design elements,' said UNBOXED GROUP's Kyle Absolom. 'It featured over 600 white umbrellas, backlit to create a soft glow in that area.'
Event Design & Decor
10 Glam Stations That Stole the Spotlight at Events
Instead of a free water bottle or notebook, these activations send guests home with a glow-up.
It's no secret that glam stations are prevalent at music festivals. At Coachella 2024, Pinterest activated with a fashion and beauty experience called Manifest Station, produced by MKG. Inside, fans could get glowy beauty looks created by celebrity makeup artists from trend-inspired menus built through collaborative boards on Pinterest. Popular options included bold, colorful graphic liners; gemstones; pearls; and metallic stickers. See more: Coachella 2024: Here's What You Missed From This Year's Coolest Parties and Brand Activations
Event Design & Decor
Oscars 2025: Steal-Worthy Event Design Highlights From Hollywood's Biggest Week
Luxe neutral tones and structural elements reigned supreme in this year's event design, popping up at star-studded bashes from Vanity Fair, Universal, Searchlight, ESSENCE, and more.
Governors Ball
Event Design & Decor
17 Stunning (and Unique) Ways Events Have Immersed Guests in Nature
These innovative event designs used natural settings and elements to transport guests to breathtakingly beautiful environments—both indoors and out.
Guests at the viewing party enjoyed a seated meal under a canopy of lush leaves. Avenge Creative worked with vendors including Unmatched Lighting, Jackson Shrub Supply, Event Carpet Pros Inc., GifCube, Town & Country Event Rentals, and Stitch. See more: Golden Globes 2025: See Inside the Award Show, Plus How the Wildfires Are Affecting Other Hollywood Events
Page 1 of 271
Next Page
BizBash
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  1. Privacy Policy
  2. CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  3. Contact Us
  4. Site Map
© 2025 Connect Biz, LLC. All rights reserved.