After several years of using David Rockwell to design the elaborate annual production, the Academy Awards will be trying something new next year. The Academy has announced that instead of Rockwell, who was also the architect behind the Kodak Theater where the Oscars are held each year, they have hired Steve Bass as their next production designer. Bass’ career highlights include designing sets for the last Emmy Awards (as well as several others in the past), collaborating on “We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial,” and working with the Tony Awards. Here’s from the Oscars’ producers, Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer:

“I have collaborated with Steve several times, and he’s the perfect person for this year’s Oscars,” said Mischer. “He’s an innovative, creative talent who I know will do justice to the tradition and glamour of the Academy Awards.”

“Don and I knew right away that Steve would be the absolute best partner to bring our vision to life in terms of the production design of the Oscar show,” said Cohen. “He is truly a master at designing for high-profile, grand-scale events.”