Oscars Ceremony to Relocate from Dolby Theatre to Peacock Theater in 2029

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has announced a partnership with developer AEG to move the Oscars ceremony from the Dolby Theatre to the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles. This transition is scheduled for 2029, concluding the awards show's two-decade tenure at the Dolby Theatre, with the 100th Oscars in 2028 being the final ceremony held there. According to a joint press release, the Peacock Theater will host the event through 2039. The Peacock Theater, originally named the Nokia Theatre, was designed by ELS Architecture and Urban Design in 2007 and is part of the L.A. Live entertainment complex. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, citing AEG's expertise in managing advanced live performance venues. AEG, which developed L.A. Live, plans to upgrade the theater's sound and lighting systems, modify lobby and backstage areas, and work with the Academy to customize elements for the Oscars. The Peacock Theater offers 3,800 more seats than the Dolby Theatre's 3,400 capacity. The move coincides with the Oscars broadcast shifting from ABC to YouTube in 2029, and L.A. Live's concrete pavilion will be adapted for red carpet activities. The Peacock Theater has experience hosting major events, including the Emmys since 2008 and the 2025 gaming awards. The Dolby Theatre, opened in 2002 and originally called the Kodak Theatre, was designed by architect David Rockwell with the Oscars in mind, featuring art deco-inspired architecture and infrastructure like fixed camera positions. Its relocation raises questions about the future of plaques honoring best picture winners. The move reflects broader urban development in downtown Los Angeles ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics.