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Hollywood’s iconic Oscars ceremony is preparing for a major change of scenery.
Starting in 2029, the Academy Awards will relocate from the Dolby Theatre to the L.A. Live complex in downtown Los Angeles, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Thursday. This move marks a significant shift, as the ceremony will also transition from airing on the ABC broadcast network to streaming live on YouTube.
The Dolby Theatre has been the Oscars’ home for nearly two decades, hosting the event every year since 2002 with just one exception. Meanwhile, ABC has held broadcast rights to the show since 1976, making this transition a notable break from tradition.
The new partnership between the Academy and AEG, the company that owns and operates L.A. Live-including the venue currently known as the Peacock Theater-will extend through 2039. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting AEG’s expertise in managing advanced live performance venues.
The upcoming move will see significant upgrades to the Peacock Theater, including improvements to the stage, sound and lighting systems, lobbies, and backstage facilities. The lively L.A. Live plaza will become the new hub for red carpet arrivals and fan activities.
Located next to the Crypto.com Arena, home to the Los Angeles Lakers and Kings, the Peacock Theater has a strong history of hosting major events such as the Emmy Awards and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions. With these enhancements, the Academy aims to create a cutting-edge environment that celebrates cinema on a global scale for both the live audience and viewers worldwide.
This relocation signals a fresh chapter for the Oscars, blending Hollywood tradition with a modern, digitally focused approach.