Oscars Bid Farewell to the Dolby Theatre, Set New Stage at LA Live Starting in 2029
The Oscars will be held at a new venue beginning in 2029, as the ceremony moves from its longtime home at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre to L.A. Live.
Oscars to leave Hollywood's Dolby Theatre in 2029; Academy Awards ceremony moving to new home at LA Live
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that the Oscars will be leaving Hollywood's iconic Dolby Theatre after the 2028 ceremony, marking the end of an era for the venue that has hosted the Academy Awards since 2002. Beginning in 2029, the glittering ceremony will relocate to a new state-of-the-art facility at L.A. Live, the sprawling entertainment complex in downtown Los Angeles. The move represents one of the most significant changes to the awards show in decades and signals the Academy's desire to modernize and expand the spectacle surrounding its flagship event.
The Dolby Theatre, originally known as the Kodak Theatre, was purpose-built on Hollywood Boulevard to serve as the permanent home of the Oscars. For more than two decades, the 3,400-seat venue has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in awards show history, from surprise upsets and tearful acceptance speeches to viral moments that captivated audiences around the world. Despite its deep association with the ceremony, the Academy has reportedly been exploring alternative venues for several years, citing a need for greater capacity, improved production capabilities, and a more dynamic setting for the broadcast.
L.A. Live, located adjacent to the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, already serves as a major hub for entertainment and live events. The complex offers significantly more space for the elaborate red carpet arrivals, media operations, and after-parties that have become integral to the Oscar experience. Academy officials expressed enthusiasm about the possibilities the new location presents, noting that the move will allow for a reimagined production that can better serve both the in-person audience and the millions of viewers watching from home.
The transition is expected to have a notable impact on the Hollywood and Highland area, where the Dolby Theatre has long served as an anchor attraction drawing tourists and commerce to the neighborhood. Meanwhile, the downtown Los Angeles district surrounding L.A. Live is poised to benefit from the prestige and economic activity the Oscars bring each year. The Academy has stated that it remains committed to celebrating the magic of cinema and believes the new venue will provide a fitting stage for Hollywood's biggest night for years to come.