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.

![“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.”](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/03/95_TC_0019.640f6d194a41a.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)

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.

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.






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."










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.



