Oscars leaving Hollywood

The Academy signed a multi‑year partnership with AEG that makes L.A. LIVE — specifically the venue now known as Peacock Theater — the Oscars’ new home beginning with the 101st ceremony in 2029 under a deal that runs through 2039. (press.oscars.org)) The Peacock Theater seats about 7,100 people, more than double the Dolby Theatre’s roughly 3,400‑seat configuration used for the Oscars. (lalive.com)) AEG says it will undertake comprehensive upgrades — including stage, sound, lighting, lobbies and backstage facilities — and L.A. LIVE’s expanded plaza will host red‑carpet arrivals and related activities for the ceremony. (press.oscars.org)) The venue move is synchronized with the Oscars’ broadcast shift: YouTube holds exclusive global streaming rights for the Oscars starting with the 101st ceremony in 2029 under a multi‑year deal through 2033. (press.oscars.org)) The downtown site sits adjacent to Crypto.com Arena and offers immediate access to hotels including The Ritz‑Carlton and JW Marriott and expanded hospitality space — factors the Academy and AEG cited as production advantages. (press.oscars.org)) Commentary and polling show the move is fueling debate over the ceremony’s identity: a POLITICO/UC Berkeley poll found just 29% of California voters say Hollywood has a positive cultural effect, and commentators have tied the change to efforts to halt declining TV audiences that have struggled to top 20 million in recent years. (politico.com)) The Peacock already has recent awards‑show credentials — it hosted the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2025 — a track record the Academy cited when detailing the collaboration with AEG. (televisionacademy.com))