AceShowbiz - The Oscars will move their annual ceremony to Downtown Los Angeles’ L.A. Live beginning in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Thursday, March 26. This new multi-year partnership with AEG will establish the event at the venue currently known as the Peacock Theater for the 101st ceremony and continue through 2039.

As part of the agreement, AEG plans to invest in significant upgrades to the theater to better accommodate the prestigious event. These improvements will include enhancements to the stage, lighting, and sound systems, as well as renovations in the lobbies, backstage areas, and other production-critical facilities. The partnership also involves creating custom design elements tailored specifically for the unique requirements of the Oscars ceremony, ensuring the venue meets the show’s exacting standards.

The move to L.A. Live marks a new chapter for the Oscars, as the complex’s expanded plaza will serve as the location for red carpet arrivals and associated activities. Notably, this theater will be the first to host the event after the show transitions to YouTube broadcasts in 2029. Until that landmark change, the ceremony will remain at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and continue airing live on ABC, the ceremony’s longtime broadcast partner.

Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy, and president Lynette Howell Taylor expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting AEG’s reputation for operating sophisticated live venues as a key factor in the partnership. They emphasized the Academy’s commitment to working closely with AEG to develop L.A. Live as the ideal setting for this global cinematic celebration, both for audiences attending in person and millions of viewers worldwide.

AEG’s chief revenue officer, Todd Goldstein, also commented on the announcement. He noted that L.A. Live was designed to host culturally defining moments and that the Oscars represent one of the world’s most significant stages. He expressed pride in partnering with the Academy to reimagine the look and feel of the ceremony, promising an environment that honors creative excellence and delivers an unforgettable experience to film fans everywhere.

This transition to L.A. Live reflects the Academy’s ongoing efforts to evolve the awards show and enhance its production capabilities. With the venue improvements and the new broadcasting platform on YouTube, the Oscars aim to engage a broader, more diverse audience while maintaining the grandeur and prestige of the event.

As the 101st ceremony approaches in 2029, anticipation will build around how the new location and upgraded facilities will shape the future of Hollywood’s most famous awards night. The collaboration between the Academy and AEG sets the stage for a decade of innovation and celebration in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.