Rolex and cinema are two realms intricately intertwined with the power of imagination and artistic brilliance. On the silver screen, a Rolex watch bestows characters with a unique symbolism, enriching their identities. When an actor chooses to sport a Rolex timepiece, it imbues the character with a sense of history, a past, and a destiny. Rolex transcends mere appearances and cameos; it also plays a vital role in the preservation and promotion of cinematic arts.
Rolex: A Proud Patron of the Oscars
Both Rolex and the world of cinema are aspirational and inspiring, characterized by perpetual movement and change. Rolex maintains a close connection with the cinematic industry, actively supporting the arts and culture. The Swiss luxury brand has graced the wrists of dynamic and mythical characters in numerous films, including multiple Oscar-winning masterpieces. It has also lent its support to the artistic and technical excellence in filmmaking, aligning with legendary directors such as Martin Scorsese and James Cameron. Through its partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Rolex not only promotes excellence but also celebrates the journey of established icons and budding talents.
Rolex’s history with Hollywood dates back to 1926, but it was in 2017 that two significant events solidified its enduring relationship with the film industry. Director Martin Scorsese joined James Cameron as a Rolex Testimonee, further emphasizing Rolex’s connection to cinematic greatness. That same year, the brand sealed its partnership with the highest authority in the film industry, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Rolex proudly became the Exclusive Watch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and a Founding Supporter of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which opened in Los Angeles in September 2021. Rolex also takes pride in being the Sponsor of the Oscars and the Exclusive Sponsor of the Governors Awards, which marks the commencement of the Oscars award season, honoring the titans of cinema in recognition of their lifetime achievements.
The Rolex Oscars Experience
Rolex has the privilege of being the official host of the Greenroom at the Oscars, where nominees and presenters gather before and after gracing the Oscars stage, some returning triumphantly with the coveted golden statuette. Each year, Rolex crafts a unique immersive experience and decor for the Oscars’ Greenroom, adding to the magic of the Oscars ceremony.
Rolex Testimonees: Two Trailblazing Filmmakers
Within the Rolex universe, two Academy Award-winning directors stand out not only for their significant contributions to cinema but also for their unrelenting passion for innovation. James Cameron’s work is a masterclass in ambition and artistry. His daring feat of descending solo to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in a submersible of his own design, known as the “Deepsea Challenger,” is a testament to his audacity. With this remarkable dive, he created 3D reconstructions of the sunken luxury ship, Titanic, resting on the floor of the North Atlantic Ocean, leaving an indelible mark on global audiences. Cameron continued to push the boundaries with “Avatar: The Way of Water,” the sequel to the groundbreaking “Avatar” (2009), once again setting new standards in human, technical, and artistic achievement.
Martin Scorsese, with 26 feature films and numerous awards to his name, possesses a unique ability to create an atmosphere on set that empowers actors to improvise. His cinematic repertoire spans genres from period pieces to thrillers, noir to musicals, and psychological dramas. Rolex and Scorsese share a common heritage of greatness, fueled by an unending pursuit of modernity. A Scorsese film offers a distinctive vision while sensitively delving into the human condition. He pays homage to the celebrated auteurs of filmmaking while engaging in creative dialogues with younger generations through artistic collaborations and his involvement with the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.
The Rolex Mentor And Protégé Arts Initiative
Established in 2002, the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative fosters the exchange of knowledge between different generations of talented creatives, helping to preserve the world’s cultural heritage. In the realm of film, this initiative has paired young talents, scouted from festivals or the Oscars’ shortlist, with filmmaking luminaries like Stephen Frears, Martin Scorsese, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and more. From 2020 to 2022, the program encompassed film, theatre, visual arts, and an open category, while mentorships in architecture, film, literature, music, and visual arts are set to continue from 2023 to 2024.
A Founding Supporter of the Academy Museum
As a Founding Supporter of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Rolex reaffirms its commitment to shining a spotlight on talent and nurturing excellence. The museum is a gateway to the past, present, and future of cinema, offering visitors a unique journey through the world of film via original exhibitions, screenings, publications, educational programs, and exceptional collections. It showcases the diverse, international, and intricate stories of filmmakers, featuring a wide array of objects related to film production and technology. Notable exhibits include the sole surviving shark from the filming of “Jaws” and associated items from legends like Alfred Hitchcock and Bruce Lee, all testaments to the enduring impact of cinema on our world.
