Oscars Held at Hollywood Shopping Mall, Kimmel Reveals

Late night host notes the Dolby Theatre is just one part of the larger Ovation Hollywood complex.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:21am

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On his show, Jimmy Kimmel recounted details from the 98th Academy Awards, including how the event is held at a shopping mall in Hollywood. Kimmel joked about the Oscars venue, noting that last year Barbra Streisand was "this close to a Hot Topic store." The host also commented on other notable Oscar moments, such as a tie for best live action short film.

Why it matters

The revelation that the prestigious Oscars ceremony takes place at a shopping mall in Hollywood provides an amusing contrast and highlights the evolving nature of the entertainment industry. Kimmel's commentary underscores how even the most glamorous awards shows are held in increasingly commercial spaces, blurring the line between high culture and retail.

The details

Kimmel, who has hosted the Oscars four times, noted that his 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' studio is right across the street from the Dolby Theatre, where the Academy Awards are held. He joked about the Ovation Hollywood complex, formerly known as Hollywood and Highland, which has been the Oscars' home since 2002 when it opened as a shopping center.

  • The 98th Academy Awards ceremony took place on March 16, 2026.
  • Kimmel discussed the Oscars on the March 17, 2026 episode of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'.

The players

Jimmy Kimmel

The host of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' who has hosted the Oscars four times.

Barbra Streisand

A legendary entertainer who attended the 2026 Oscars ceremony.

Ovation Hollywood

The shopping mall complex in Hollywood that has hosted the Oscars since 2002, when it opened as Hollywood and Highland.

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What they’re saying

“Monday after the Oscars is one of the weirdest days of the year around here. It's like Cinderella when the clock strikes midnight – and everything turns into rats and rags. That's how I would describe our neighborhood: It's raggy and ratty out there right now.”

— Jimmy Kimmel, Host, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' (Jimmy Kimmel Live)

“I'm not sure how many people watching around the world know that the Oscars are held in a mall. The Dolby Theater is just a mall! There's a Foot Locker, there's a Johnny Rockets. Last night, Barbra Streisand was like this close to a Hot Topic store.”

— Jimmy Kimmel, Host, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' (Jimmy Kimmel Live)

The takeaway

The revelation that the prestigious Oscars ceremony takes place at a shopping mall in Hollywood underscores how even the most glamorous entertainment events are increasingly being held in commercial spaces, blurring the line between high culture and retail.