America: The Academy Awards, Hollywood’s most prestigious night, will take place this year on a stage designed to offer a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Production designers Misty Buckley and Alana Billingsley have once again transformed the stage at the Dolby Theatre, introducing a unique design concept for the 2026 ceremony.

Unlike previous years, when the stage featured bold or classic Hollywood-inspired designs, this year’s concept focuses on nature and tranquility. The stage has been created to resemble a peaceful garden courtyard, with greenery woven into the set. The design reflects this year’s theme, “A Human Touch,” highlighting handcrafted elements and a connection to nature.

Billingsley explained that the idea was to create a soothing space amid the uncertainties of the world. The designers explored the contrast between natural elements and structured architecture to show how life and creativity can thrive anywhere. Handmade trees crafted by artisans are integrated into the set, blending with architectural features.

The entire stage will be illuminated to mimic “golden hour,” the warm, glowing light seen just before sunset in filmmaking. According to Buckley, this lighting helps create a sense of warmth and connection for both the audience in the theater and viewers at home.

The stage also features advanced moving elements. Mechanized LED panels can shift around the stage to reveal new areas, allowing the ceremony to flow smoothly and creating unique spaces for different awards and performances throughout the evening.

In contrast to previous Oscar stages that emphasized luxury with gold tones and sparkling surfaces, the 2026 design uses materials such as stone, metal, and glass. These materials were chosen for their natural qualities and the way light passes through them, enhancing the organic feel of the set.

As in recent years, the orchestra will remain a visible part of the show, sometimes fully on display and at other times partially hidden behind moving set pieces. Billingsley described the orchestra as the “heartbeat” of the ceremony, adding to the elegance of the event.

When the ceremony begins on March 15, the designers hope that both attendees and viewers will feel as though they are stepping into a “sanctuary for celebration”—a space that brings a sense of warmth, beauty, and belonging to Hollywood’s biggest night.