Oscars Relocate to Downtown LA, Debut on YouTube in 2029

The iconic awards show leaves its Hollywood home for a new venue and digital platform.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:29pm

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A minimalist, abstract composition of jagged, geometric shapes in bold red and white, conceptually representing the Oscars ceremony and its transition to a new era.The Oscars' move to a new downtown venue and digital platform signals a transformative shift in the prestigious awards show's identity and reach.Los Angeles Today

The Oscars, a long-standing symbol of Hollywood's glamour, are set to undergo a major transformation. The prestigious awards ceremony will be relocating from its iconic home on Hollywood Boulevard to the Peacock Theater in downtown LA Live, marking a significant shift in the event's history. Additionally, the Oscars will debut on YouTube in 2029, moving away from its traditional broadcast on ABC.

Why it matters

This move represents a strategic shift for the Oscars, as the organization aims to reach a wider, more tech-savvy audience by embracing the YouTube platform. However, the relocation from the Dolby Theater raises questions about the event's connection to its Hollywood roots and the potential impact on the local community and tourism.

The details

The Oscars have been held at the Dolby Theater (formerly the Kodak Theater) since 2002, but the decision to move the event to the Peacock Theater in the LA Live complex signifies a departure from the ceremony's traditional Hollywood setting. The new venue offers more seating capacity and technical upgrades, but it lacks the iconic red carpet and handprint ceremonies that have become synonymous with the Oscars experience.

  • The Oscars will relocate to the Peacock Theater in downtown LA Live starting in 2029.
  • The Oscars will debut on the YouTube platform in 2029, moving away from its longtime broadcast on ABC.

The players

Oscars

The annual Academy Awards ceremony, recognizing excellence in filmmaking, is a long-standing symbol of Hollywood's glitz and glamour.

Dolby Theater

The iconic venue that has hosted the Oscars ceremony since 2002, located on Hollywood Boulevard and known for its red carpet and handprint ceremonies.

Peacock Theater

The new home of the Oscars, located in the LA Live complex in downtown Los Angeles, offering more seating capacity and technical upgrades.

YouTube

The popular video-sharing platform that will become the new digital home for the Oscars broadcast starting in 2029.

ABC

The television network that has traditionally broadcast the Oscars ceremony, but will be replaced by YouTube as the event's digital platform in 2029.

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What they’re saying

“The Oscars' move to YouTube and the new venue are not just changes in logistics but symbolic shifts in the industry's direction. It's a reminder that even the most iconic events must adapt to stay relevant, and the Oscars are no exception.”

— Local Resident

What’s next

The Oscars organization will need to carefully navigate the transition to the new venue and digital platform, ensuring that the event maintains its cultural significance and appeal to both longtime fans and a new, tech-savvy audience.

The takeaway

The Oscars' relocation and shift to YouTube represent a significant evolution for the prestigious awards show, reflecting the changing landscape of the entertainment industry. While the move may raise concerns about the event's connection to its Hollywood roots, it also presents an opportunity to reach a wider audience and adapt to the digital age.