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- AEG and the Academy: a decade-long venue partnership
- What viewers will notice: YouTube becomes the global outlet
- How L.A. Live will be transformed for the Oscars
- Logistics, timeline and what stays the same
- Statements from leadership and cultural aims
- What this means for fans and industry partners
- Next steps and what to watch
The Academy has inked a landmark deal that will relocate the Oscars to a new Los Angeles hub and change how the world watches the show. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will leave the Dolby Theatre and move into the L.A. Live complex — and for the first time the event will be distributed globally on YouTube.
AEG and the Academy: a decade-long venue partnership
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a partnership with AEG that will place the Oscars at L.A. Live beginning with the 101st ceremony. The agreement spans from 2029 through 2039.
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L.A. Live will serve as the Oscars’ new home, with the ceremony centered in the arena currently known as the Peacock Theater. Naming rights for the venue remain negotiable.
AEG operates major entertainment venues worldwide and will work side-by-side with the Academy to adapt L.A. Live for the show. The company says it intends to reshape the space to match the Oscars’ global profile.
What viewers will notice: YouTube becomes the global outlet
Alongside the move of location, the broadcast model will change. The Academy reached an exclusive global distribution deal with YouTube that takes effect in 2029.
The 101st Oscars will be the first ceremony streamed globally on YouTube. This represents a significant shift in how the event reaches audiences outside the U.S.
That said, the Oscars will continue to air on ABC in the United States through the 100th ceremony. The Dolby Theatre will remain the live U.S. venue until 2028.
How L.A. Live will be transformed for the Oscars
AEG has outlined a set of planned improvements to ready the Peacock Theater and surrounding areas for the ceremony. Upgrades will focus on production needs.
- Stage redesigns and expanded backstage space.
- Advanced lighting and sound systems tailored to live broadcasts.
- Refurbished lobbies and guest amenities for red carpet arrivals.
- Custom production zones to handle global streaming requirements.
The complex’s large plaza, recently expanded, will host arrivals, press activity, and fan-facing events. AEG and the Academy intend for the public areas to provide a vivid, walkable experience for attendees and media.
Logistics, timeline and what stays the same
The Dolby Theatre has been the Oscars’ U.S. stage since 2002. That run continues until the end of the 100th ceremony in 2028. After that, the telecast and in-person production will shift to L.A. Live under the new contract.
The partnership covers venue rights from 2029 to 2039. During that window, AEG will handle venue operations and collaborate on ceremony design and production flow.
Early visuals and creative direction
The Academy released preliminary renderings suggesting how the stage might look at L.A. Live. These are conceptual and not final designs.
- The mock-ups emphasize a wider stage footprint.
- Design elements aim to suit both a live audience and viewers around the globe.
- Final aesthetics will be refined in collaboration with production teams.
Statements from leadership and cultural aims
Academy and AEG leaders framed the agreement as a move to modernize the Oscars. They emphasized technology, live event expertise, and the desire to create memorable moments.
AEG described L.A. Live as a cultural stage fit for the Oscars. The company says it will reimagine the ceremony’s look, feel, and fan experience over the next decade.
What this means for fans and industry partners
For film fans, the changes promise a different red carpet landscape and new ways to access the show. The YouTube distribution could broaden the Oscars’ international reach.
For production teams and sponsors, the shift requires new logistics, from technical systems to backstage workflows. AEG has committed to upgrades aimed at easing this transition.
Next steps and what to watch
Expect phased renovations at the Peacock Theater and ongoing announcements about broadcast details and creative teams. The Academy and AEG will release more specifics as plans progress toward the 2029 ceremony.
Key items to follow:
- Final stage and broadcast designs for L.A. Live.
- Details of the YouTube distribution model.
- Naming rights and any venue rebranding for the Peacock Theater.
- Programming for the expanded L.A. Live plaza and public events.
