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Academy Awards to Relocate to L.A. Live's Peacock Theater, Telecast to Move to YouTube Starting 2029

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Academy Awards to Relocate to Peacock Theater, Global Telecast Shifts to YouTube from 2029

The Academy Awards ceremony is set to move from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood to the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles, beginning with the 101st ceremony in 2029. This significant shift, announced through a multiyear partnership between AMPAS and AEG, will anchor the Oscars at its new home through 2039. Simultaneously, the Oscars telecast will transition to YouTube globally, also commencing in 2029.

The 101st Academy Awards in 2029 will mark a new chapter, as the ceremony moves to the Peacock Theater for a decade and its global telecast transitions to YouTube.

A New Home for the Oscars: Peacock Theater at L.A. Live

The Academy Awards, organized by AMPAS, will find its new home at the Peacock Theater, part of the L.A. Live entertainment complex. This relocation is set to begin with the 101st Academy Awards in 2029 and will last for a period of ten years, concluding after the 2039 ceremony.

Historically, the Oscars have primarily graced the Dolby Theatre (formerly Kodak Theatre) in Hollywood since 2002. Before that, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion hosted the prestigious event. The 2021 ceremony at Union Station was a notable exception, necessitated by COVID-19 protocols.

Before the big move, the Academy Awards will continue its tradition at the Dolby Theatre, broadcast live on ABC and in over 200 territories worldwide, through the 100th Oscars in 2028.

Enhanced Venue and Global Broadcast Shift

The Peacock Theater, situated within the sprawling 23-acre L.A. Live district, boasts a seating capacity of 7,100. This significantly increases the audience size compared to the Dolby Theatre's 3,400 seats. The venue is no stranger to major events, having previously hosted the Emmys. It is also noted that the naming rights for the Peacock Theater are due for review in 2028.

A pivotal change in broadcasting will see the Academy Awards telecast transition from ABC to YouTube, effective with the 101st ceremony in 2029. This global shift stems from a separate exclusive rights agreement with the Academy.

Partnership Paves Way for Modern Upgrades

The relocation is a core component of a new partnership between AMPAS and AEG, the owner and operator of the L.A. Live complex. Under this agreement, AEG is committed to delivering comprehensive enhancements to the Peacock Theater prior to the 2029 ceremony. These significant upgrades will target critical areas, including:

  • The main stage
  • Advanced sound and lighting systems
  • Lobbies
  • Backstage facilities
  • Other key production areas

Furthermore, AEG will work closely with the Academy to integrate specific design elements tailored for the unique requirements of the Oscars ceremony. L.A. Live's expansive plaza has been specifically designated to accommodate the iconic red carpet arrivals and associated event activities.

Leadership Voices Confidence in the Future

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor highlighted that the partnership with AEG was forged based on AEG's proven expertise in managing technologically advanced live performance venues. Todd Goldstein, Chief Revenue Officer for AEG, echoed this sentiment, affirming L.A. Live's ideal suitability for hosting major cultural events. He further expressed AEG's steadfast commitment to collaborating with the Academy to elevate the future presentation of the Oscars.