Oscars to Relocate to L.A. Live Starting in 2029

Beginning in 2029, the Academy Awards will move from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood to the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles. This transition marks a significant shift for the Oscars, which have been held at the Dolby Theatre since 2002, except for the 2021 ceremony, which took place at Union Station due to COVID-19 restrictions. The new venue will accommodate 500 to 1,000 more attendees than the current location and is part of a partnership between the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and AEG, a global developer of sports and entertainment spaces. This agreement will last through 2039.

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The Oscars have a long history of changing venues. The ceremony was first held downtown at the Biltmore Hotel in 1931 and later at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion from 1969 to 1987. After alternating between venues for several years, the Oscars returned to Hollywood in 2002. The move to L.A. Live represents a return to downtown Los Angeles, where the event has historical roots.

New York Times

As part of the partnership, AEG will implement comprehensive upgrades to the Peacock Theater, including enhancements to the stage, sound and lighting systems, lobbies, and backstage facilities. AEG aims to incorporate bespoke design elements tailored for the Oscars, ensuring that the venue meets the specific needs of the prestigious event. The recently expanded plaza at L.A. Live will also serve as the site for red carpet arrivals, replacing the current setup on Hollywood Boulevard.

Variety Magazine

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with a global powerhouse like AEG. Their track record for building and operating technologically sophisticated live performance venues is unrivaled.” Todd Goldstein, Chief Revenue Officer of AEG, emphasized the cultural significance of the Oscars, remarking, “There is no greater global stage than the Oscars.”

Variety Magazine

While the move has been largely welcomed, some critics have raised concerns about the implications of relocating such a high-profile event away from its traditional Hollywood roots. The long-standing association with the Dolby Theatre has been a significant part of the Oscars' identity, and some worry that the change may dilute the event's historical significance.

New York Times

The 101st Academy Awards will take place in 2029, coinciding with the telecast's transition to YouTube, marking another major change in how the Oscars are presented to audiences worldwide. The final design and layout of the Peacock Theater for the Oscars are still under development, with early conceptual renderings suggesting a modern and sophisticated presentation.

IndieWire

• “We’re proud to partner with the Academy to reimagine what the Oscars can look and feel like in the years ahead.” — Todd Goldstein, Chief Revenue Officer, AEG

Variety Magazine

• “For the 101st Oscars and beyond, the Academy looks forward to closely collaborating with AEG to make L.A. Live the perfect backdrop for our global celebration of cinema, both for our live in-theater audience and for film fans around the world.” — Bill Kramer, CEO, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Variety Magazine

• “L.A. Live was built to host the moments that define culture, and there is no greater global stage than the Oscars,” — Todd Goldstein, Chief Revenue Officer, AEG

New York Times