Last night’s Academy Awards ceremony has been in the news for a whole lot of reasons, with everything from the choice of winners to the lack of a host drawing attention to one of the biggest shows in the global entertainment industry.

However, away from the screens and the headlines, the A-list celebrities can be found in the green room, the official ‘waiting room’ for those set to perform at the show.

The Oscar green rooms are always renowned for their tastefulness and style year in and year out – but this year’s marine-themed green room has to be one of the most interesting ever, and it’s not just because Maltese photographer Kurt Arrigo‘s work adorned the walls.

“It was a privilege that my work was part of the project design, especially with the underwater theme,” he told Lovin Malta a day after some of the biggest stars in the world sat among his work.

This year’s aquatic-themed green room is in honour of Rolex’s Perpetual Planet campaign

Kurt, who often works with Edwards Lowell and Rolex, had four of his images featured in the green room, creating a backdrop for some of the biggest stars to relax in and get into the zone before and after hitting the big stage.

“My images were used to enhance the underwater experience,” he continued. “All the images you see on the wall give that feeling of being underwater.”

Kurt had been contacted by the luxury watch brand to be involved in a project – but they never mentioned what the project was exactly, and Kurt didn’t know it would be for the Oscars green room until just before the show.

“It’s just great that my images were considered and used to enhance the underwater visuals”

And as a keen marine photographer, the submarine-theme was right up his alley.

Last night’s Oscars might have come to an end, but Kurt Arrigo’s impressive feature in such a prestigious event can only mean great things for one of Malta’s very own.

Check out some of Kurt Arrigo’s stunning shots that were featured below

Last night’s Academy Awards lauded some of the biggest films and productions from the last year. Fan favourite Black Panther, as well as touching social commentary The Green Book, won big, while A Star Is Born won best original song.

Tag someone who wishes they were in the Oscar’s green room

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Johnathan Cilia

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]