Since 2002, the Hollywood Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California has welcomed the greats to celebrate the film industry’s biggest night of the year. Bearing witness to the glamour and prowess of Hollywood’s many stars, The Dolby Theatre will host the Oscars no more. In a massive deal announced March 26 between the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and AEG, the Oscars ceremony is relocating to the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles. The shift officially takes place come 2029.
The turnover comes as part of a 10-year deal forged between the Academy and AEG. The Peacock Theater has hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards since 2008. Boasting 7,100 seats in comparison to the Dolby’s 3,400, the move more than doubles the capacity. More stars, The 2029 Oscars will be a historical one, indeed. In addition to a larger venue, the 101st Academy Awards will also be the first to broadcast live via YouTube.
For the hardcore cinephiles who have followed the Oscars for a while, it’s hard to imagine the ceremony being held anywhere other than the Dolby Theatre. Nothing gets us in the mood to celebrate cinema quite like its stunning interior and glamorized stage. Nevertheless, change is coming.
Ahead of 2029, the Peacock Theater will face significant upgrades to accomodate a celebration as grand as the Academy Awards. That includes improvements to its stage, sound and lighting systems, lobbies, and backstage facilities. L.A. LIVE also recently expanded its plaza, where red carpet arrivals and other festivities will take place.
“We are thrilled to partner with a global powerhouse like AEG,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Lynette Howell Taylor said. “Their track record for building and operating technologically sophisticated live performance venues is unrivaled. 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.”
The news follows less than two weeks after the celebration of the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 15. It was a big night for Sinners and One Battle After Another, the pair taking home four and six awards, respectively. It was not so much a big night for Marty Supreme. ‘Tis a sorrowful day to see the Oscars part ways with the Dolby Theatre after 24 years, but at least we can save our tears for a little longer. The Oscars won’t officially relocate until 2029.