Press release from the Art Directors Guild:

BEVERLY HILLS, CA —The Art Directors Guild (ADG) announced the winners of its 16^th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards in nine categories of film, television, commercials and music videos during black-tie ceremonies at the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.

The awards took place before an audience of more than 700, including guild members, industry executives, studio heads and press. ADG President Thomas A. Walsh presided over the awards ceremony with Paula Poundstone serving as host for the third consecutive year. Ben Vereen performed as a special musical guest. Production Designer Tony Walton was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Hall of Fame inductees were Robert Boyle, William Darling, and Alfred Junge. The team from the HARRY POTTER films, including Executive Producer David Heyman, Producer David Barron; directors Christopher Columbus, Alfonso Cuaron, Mike Newell, and David Yates; creator and author J.K. Rowling; screenwriters Steve Kloves and Michael Goldenberg; production designer Stuart Craig; art director Neil Lamont and set decorator Stephenie McMillan, were honored for Outstanding Contribution to Cinematic Imagery.

At the start of the awards ceremony, the ADG debuted two short films, by filmmaker Cindy Peters. The first film provided a rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of the 16th annual awards show. The second film "75 Years of Inspirational Design: A Personal Reflection in Eight Chapters" featured Production Designers, Albert Brenner, Terry Marsh, James D. Bissell, Jeannine Oppewall, Rick Carter, Rick Heinrichs, Roy Christopher and Guy Hendrix Dyas. The 16^th Annual Art Directors Guild Awards were produced by Production Designers Tom Wilkins and Greg Grande.

Presenters for this year’s awards included Ed Asner, Alexandra Breckenridge (American Horror Story), Miranda Cosgrove (iCarly), James Cromwell (The Artist), Melanie Lynskey (Up In The Air), Penelope Ann Miller (The Artist), Kevin McHale (Glee), Gary Oldman (Tinker, Taillor, Soldier, Spy), Vinessa Shaw (3:10 to Yuma), Max Greenfield (New Girl).

ADG awards recognition always goes to the Production Designer, Art Director, Assistant Art Director and their team of each nominated and winning project.

Art Director David Utley designed the set and the room décor using over 450,000 Swarovski crystals, in a multitude of different applications and styles. Sponsors for the 16^th Annual ADG awards include: Set and Décor Sponsor Swarovski; Platinum sponsors are Warner Bros. Pictures and The Walt Disney Studios. Gold sponsors Fox Studios Production Services, Paramount Pictures, United Talent Agency and Universal Studios Property, Drapery, Sign, Greens, Stage and Mounting Shops; Silver Sponsors include Aztek Inc./On Air Design, Dazian, Fox Searchlight, FX Network, Home Box Office, IATSE Local 729, IATSE Local 829; Montana Artists Agency, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Studio Facilities and WME. Media sponsors are The Hollywood Reporter, Shoot Magazine and Variety. Tarin Wilson of plan A events is the event planner for this year’s ADG awards.

ADG Awards are open only to productions, when made within the U.S., by producers signatory to the IATSE agreement. Foreign entries are acceptable without restrictions.