In a significant shift for the prestigious Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the annual ceremony will relocate to the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles beginning in 2029. This pivotal decision marks the end of the Oscars’ long-standing association with the Dolby Theatre, which has been home to the awards since 2001.
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The move was jointly revealed by the Academy and AEG, a prominent entertainment and sports company, on March 26. The new venue will be part of the L.A. Live entertainment complex, conveniently located near the Crypto.com Arena and the L.A. Convention Centre. This transition represents a bold step away from the iconic Hollywood Boulevard location that has hosted many memorable moments in film history.
Before the awards officially shift to the Peacock Theater, the 100th Oscars will take place at the Dolby Theatre in 2028, continuing the tradition of broadcasting on ABC. Following this landmark event, the ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater and will be streamed live on YouTube, marking the first time the Oscars will be exclusively available on the platform.
In a statement regarding the new partnership, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with a global powerhouse like AEG. Their track record for building and operating technologically sophisticated live performance venues is unrivaled.” They further emphasised their excitement about collaborating with AEG to create a vibrant setting for celebrating cinematic excellence.
The Academy’s recent partnership with YouTube, announced back in December 2025, will enable extensive coverage of the Oscars. This will include access to various content such as red carpet arrivals and behind-the-scenes glimpses, as well as highlights from the Governors Ball. This arrangement is set to run from 2029 to 2033.
Historically, the Oscars have been held in various prestigious venues. The ceremony originated at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where it took place for the first 16 years. Among other notable locations over the decades are Grauman’s Chinese Theater and the Shrine Auditorium, illustrating the event’s rich legacy and evolving backdrop.
Recent ceremonies have been hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, with the latest Oscars taking place on March 15, 2026. This year’s awards saw “One Battle After Another” clinching six Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture, while “Sinners” took home four awards. The 98th annual Oscars also introduced a new category, the Best Casting award, which was awarded to Cassandra Kulukundis for her exceptional work on “One Battle After Another.”
As the Oscars prepare for this new chapter in their history, the relocation to downtown Los Angeles and the collaboration with YouTube signal a commitment to embracing technological advancements and reaching wider audiences. With a focus on optimising the viewing experience for fans around the world, the Academy is poised to enhance its global recognition and influence within the film industry.
As anticipation builds for the 101st Academy Awards, both the Academy and film enthusiasts alike are eager to see how these changes will impact the tradition of the Oscars. With the promise of a new venue and increased accessibility, the Academy aims to continue celebrating the art of cinema in innovative ways well into the future.