Not too much of a surprise here, given his ever-growing profile and that he did the same job last year to apparently client-pleasing effect, but it’s now official that David Rockwell has been handed the production design gig for the upcoming Academy Awards. You’ll recall our various posts about his work on the show last year, where he transformed the Kodak Theater (which he also designed), into a bevy of lights and glitz and glamor, all in hopes of making an incredibly dull thing to watch a little more fun. Here’s the info from Variety:

Oscarcast producers Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic asked Rockwell to return because of his creativity and familiarity with the venue — the Kodak Theater was designed by Rockwell’s firm.

His design credits include Broadway productions of “Hairspray” and “Legally Blonde,” as well as the upcoming legit version of “Catch Me if You Can.”

Here’s to hoping we can also offer you another discount to the Carlton on Madison Avenue like we did last year, where you’ll get to hang out with design celebs in the Rockwell-designed hotel. Check back with us sometime in February to find out.