Oscars to Depart Hollywood for Downtown Los Angeles Venue in 2029
The iconic Academy Awards ceremony, known globally as the Oscars, is set to undergo a significant venue change that will mark the end of its long-standing Hollywood era. Starting in 2029, the Oscars will relocate from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood to the Peacock Theater located within the expansive LA Live complex in downtown Los Angeles.
Historic Move After Decades in Hollywood
The Dolby Theatre has served as the prestigious home of the Oscars since 2002, hosting the ceremony through its ABC broadcast. This arrangement will continue through the milestone 100th Academy Awards in 2028. The theatre's Hollywood location, surrounded by cinematic landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, has become synonymous with the awards show's glamour and history.
However, beginning with the 101st ceremony in 2029, the Oscars will establish their new home at the Peacock Theater for an extended decade-long run through 2039. This move coincides with another major change: the Academy's decision to shift its annual awards broadcast from traditional television to the digital platform YouTube.
New Partnership with Entertainment Giant AEG
This venue transition results from a newly formed partnership between the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the global entertainment powerhouse AEG. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration in a joint statement.
"We are thrilled to partner with a global powerhouse like AEG," they announced. "Their track record for building and operating technologically sophisticated live performance venues is unrivaled."
LA Live: A Premier Entertainment Destination
The Peacock Theater, which opened in 2007, has established itself as a premier venue for major cultural events within the 4 million square foot LA Live sports and entertainment complex. This vibrant sector features multiple venues and luxury hotels including the Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott.
The entire LA Live complex will host not just the Oscars ceremony itself, but also the renowned red carpet events and surrounding festivities that have become integral to the Academy Awards experience.
Todd Goldstein, Chief Revenue Officer for AEG, emphasized the significance of this partnership: "LA Live was built to host the moments that define culture, and there is no greater global stage than the Oscars. We're proud to partner with the Academy to reimagine what the Oscars can look and feel like in the years ahead."
Proven Venue for Major Events
The Peacock Theater brings substantial experience hosting high-profile events to its new role as Oscars venue. Its history includes performances by music legends such as Aretha Franklin, the Eagles, and Juan Gabriel, along with ceremonies for prestigious awards including:
- The Emmy Awards
- The BET Awards
- The American Music Awards
- The MTV Video Music Awards
This move represents a strategic shift for the Oscars as they embrace new technological partnerships and venue capabilities while maintaining their status as cinema's most celebrated awards ceremony.
