Washington DC: The iconic Academy Awards is set for a historic transformation, with organisers announcing a venue shift and new digital streaming plans starting 2029.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed that the ceremony will move from the Dolby Theatre to the Peacock Theater, located within the L.A. Live entertainment district in downtown Los Angeles. The new venue will host the awards from 2029 through 2039 under a partnership with AEG.
This transition will end a long-standing association with the Dolby Theatre, which has hosted the Oscars since 2001. However, the ceremony will continue at the Hollywood venue and air on ABC until the 100th edition in 2028.
In addition to the venue change, the Academy confirmed a streaming partnership with YouTube, allowing global audiences to watch Oscars-related content online between 2029 and 2033. This will include red carpet coverage, backstage moments and the Governors Ball, signalling a shift toward digital-first engagement.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Lynette Howell Taylor said the collaboration with AEG would enhance the event’s global appeal, citing the company’s expertise in managing advanced live entertainment venues.
Over the decades, the Oscars have been held at several prominent locations, including the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Shrine Auditorium, reflecting the ceremony’s evolving legacy.
The latest ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, saw One Battle After Another emerge as the biggest winner with six awards, including Best Picture, while Sinners secured four wins. The 98th edition also introduced a new Best Casting category, marking another milestone in the Academy’s history.
The upcoming changes highlight the Academy’s effort to modernise the Oscars while expanding its global reach in an increasingly digital entertainment landscape.
