The Academy Awards are set for a major shift, as organisers have announced plans to relocate the ceremony from its long-time Hollywood home to a new venue in central Los Angeles beginning in 2029.

The Oscars will move from the Dolby Theatre to the larger Peacock Theater, marking the end of an era for the iconic venue that has hosted the ceremony since 2002. Situated along the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Dolby Theatre has become closely associated with the glamour and prestige of the awards.

The relocation is part of a multi-year partnership between the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and AEG, which owns the LA Live complex where the Peacock Theater is located. The agreement will see the Oscars staged at the new venue through 2039.

AEG’s Chief Revenue Officer, Todd Goldstein, said the move aligns with the company’s vision of hosting globally significant cultural events, promising an enhanced experience that celebrates creativity and excellence.

While the shift takes the ceremony away from the traditional Hollywood setting, it also reflects a return to earlier roots. Before settling in Hollywood, the Oscars were frequently held in central Los Angeles venues such as the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and the Shrine Auditorium.

Leaders of the Academy, including CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor, welcomed the partnership, highlighting AEG’s track record in operating advanced live performance venues.

In addition to the venue change, the Oscars will undergo a significant broadcasting transformation. After airing on ABC for over 50 years, the ceremony will transition to live streaming on YouTube starting in 2029, where it will be available globally and free of charge.

Before the transition, the awards will remain at the Dolby Theatre, with the landmark 100th ceremony scheduled for 2028 still set to be held there and broadcast on ABC.

The planned changes mark a new chapter for the Academy Awards, reflecting efforts to modernise the event while maintaining its status as the film industry’s most prestigious honour. (Arise News)

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