The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that the Oscars will leave its home of the past 27 years at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and relocate to the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles beginning in 2029.
Three more shows will still take place at the Dolby Theatre as the 100th Oscars in 2028 will serve as the grand farewell broadcast on ABC.
The Academy originally developed the Dolby Theatre as a permanent home for the ceremony.
One of the biggest draws of the switch is sheer size: The Peacock Theater at L.A. Live holds approximately 7,100 seats, while the Dolby’s capacity is 3,400.
L.A. Live also happens to be adjacent to the Crypto.com Arena — home of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kings.
The move results from a 10-year partnership between The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and AEG, the global entertainment giant that owns and operates L.A. Live.
The deal will carry out upgrades to the theater’s stage, sound and lighting systems, lobbies, and backstage facilities to meet the Academy’s exacting broadcast standards.
The relocation also coincides with a major shift in how audiences will watch the show.
The Oscars telecast will move from ABC — its broadcast home since 1976 — to YouTube under an exclusive global streaming deal.
L.A. Live’s open-air plaza will serve as the new backdrop for the legendary red carpet arrivals that kick off the night.
• Juliet La Sala can be reached at jlasala@washingtontimes.com.
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