Rolex wristwatches have graced the wrists of countless silver screen legends, taking on starring roles alongside them. In the earlier days of cinema especially, the presence of Rolexes took on a distinct significance. Leading film stars frequently chose to sport their personal Rolex timepieces, both on and off the screen. The watchmaker has since embraced this shared history with the silver screen, imbuing it with a heightened sense of purpose and intentionality.
For over half a century, Rolex has cultivated partnerships with leading institutions and artists who excel in their respective fields. The aim is to celebrate excellence and perpetuate artistic heritage, thereby creating a bridge between the past, present, and future. Cinema, being both an art and a science, perfectly aligns with these objectives. Naturally, these principles are equally crucial to advancing its own domain of horological art and science.
Rolex encourages the preservation and transmission of the cinematic arts, promotes excellence, and celebrates progress by accompanying living legends as well as young talents through its Testimonees (Martin Scorsese and James Cameron) and the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative. However, undoubtedly the most significant partnership within the film industry is with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, encompassing the institution itself, the prestigious awards, and the Academy Museum in Los Angeles.
The collaboration with the Academy was sealed in 2017, marking Rolex as the Exclusive Watch of the Academy, Proud Sponsor of the Oscars, and Exclusive Sponsor of the Governors Awards. Rolex is also a Founding Supporter and Official Watch of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
The Academy’s mission is to celebrate all aspects of the film industry, preserve its legacy for future generations, spark inspiration, and connect global audiences through their passion for cinema.
This long-term partnership underscores the convergence of the values shared by Rolex and the motion picture arts. The Oscars, renowned as one of the most esteemed and revered platforms recognising excellence in filmmaking, held its 96th edition at the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, on March 10, 2024, where Rolex proudly served as the Proud Sponsor for an eighth consecutive time.
Rolex is the official host of the Greenroom, the antechamber of the Oscars. A staple in theatre jargon, the Greenroom serves as a pre- and post-stage holding area for participants. At the Oscars, nominees and presenters convene in this space, some returning with a coveted statuette.
Rolex infuses the Greenroom with a unique immersive experience and a new decor each year, as demonstrated in the uplifting 2024 edition inspired by plants and nature, incorporating motifs such as a fan and elements from its design vocabulary. Shimmering in the vegetal décor of the 2024 Greenroom, the stately presence of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40mm in 18 ct Everose gold with a slate ombré dial conveys the momentousness of the Oscars ceremony.
Summing up the significance of the Academy Awards, Christopher Nolan, celebrated director and first-time Oscar winner for his film Oppenheimer, expressed the profound impact of movies and their ongoing journey during his acceptance speech. Institutions like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ensure this journey continues for generations to come, with Rolex serving as a committed partner in affirming its perpetual commitment to culture.
