Espace Presse

February 2009

SWAROVSKI’S CASCADING CRYSTAL CURTAIN SPARKLES UPON THE WINNERS OF THE 81ST ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS®

Los Angeles, CA, February 23, 2009 – Attendees at the 81st Annual Academy Awards, along with the 36.3 million viewers who tuned in to watch the Oscar® telecast last evening, were treated to a spectacular yet intimate set design created by architect David Rockwell featuring a three-ton, 60-foot tall custom designed Swarovski crystal curtain sparkling with over 100,000 crystals flown in especially from Austria.

Swarovski’s illuminating tapestry of cascading crystal and light served as backdrop for Oscar host Hugh Jackman in addition to some of Hollywood’s biggest stars including Nicole Kidman, Robert De Niro, best actor and actress winners Sean Penn and Kate Winslet, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. The dazzling curtain helped redefine this year’s Oscar® experience with more of an elegant party feel.

David Rockwell, founder and CEO of Rockwell Group, which completed the home of the Oscars®, the Kodak Theatre, seven years ago said, “We could not think of a better partner than Swarovski to fulfill our vision of not just a curtain, but a frame to capture all the elegance, excitement and high-fashion that is the Academy Awards.  We have collaborated with Swarovski many times and the result is always breathtaking.  This is yet another spectacular centerpiece.”

“Swarovski is especially honored and privileged to have been part of the 81st Annual Academy Awards®,” said Nadja Swarovski, Vice President of Crystal Business.  “We were thrilled to collaborate with David Rockwell on his redesign of the set for what is certainly Hollywood’s most star-studded evening. We send our most heart-felt congratulations to all the nominees and winners.”

To highlight this special night, each winner to walk away with an Oscar received a unique keepsake - an evening bag from the ATELIER SWAROVSKI accessory collection, designed by Corto Moltedo. This limited edition exclusive design is adorned with the same Swarovski crystals as those of the crystal curtain.