BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Oscar is going retro for the 78th annual Academy Awards.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday that the stage at the Kodak Theater will be a throwback to movie palaces built in the 1930s, '40s and '50s.

The look will also recall the historic Tower Theatre in Fresno, Calif., where set designer Roy Christopher grew up.

"When designing the Oscars, I try to make the current show as different from the year before as possible," said Christopher in a statement. "Last year's show was distinguished by a hi-tech, 'cutting-edge' style. So this year, there's nothing hi-tech -- it's a no-holds-barred return to classic Hollywood glamour, paying homage to old movie theaters."

According to the Academy, Christopher's homage to the world of movie theater design comes complete with a 65-foot-long giant "Oscar" marquee, a pair of 20-foot-tall frosted glass Oscars, an art deco box-office and several movie screens ranging from the elegant movie palace traditional to the gigantic wide-screen deco.

Below on the Oscars stage will be a pair of 20-foot-tall Oscars made of frosted glass and lit from within.

This year marks the 17th time that Christopher has designed the Oscar set and his 11th with telecast producer Gil Cates.

"I wanted to celebrate the movies and to include great movie houses and screens," said Cates. "So Roy went back to the classic ornate movie houses for his inspiration, which, I think, is superbly reflected in the final design."

Christopher has received 35 Emmy nominations -- 16 of which were for his work on the Oscars. He's won six times.

The Oscars will be handed out March 5.

MORE: Special Section: 78th Annual Academy Awards