The Oscars Are Coming to L.A. LIVE: The Academy Partners With AEG For A Ten Year Run At The Peacock Theater

Key Takeaways

• Oscars move to Peacock Theater starting 2029
• AEG to upgrade stage, sound, lighting, backstage
• Red carpet will occupy expanded L.A. LIVE plaza
• YouTube gains exclusive global streaming rights from 2029
• Current Dolby Theatre hosting ends after 2028 ceremony

Summary

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has signed a ten‑year partnership with AEG, moving the Oscars to L.A. LIVE’s Peacock Theater beginning with the 101st ceremony in 2029 and running through 2039. AEG will overhaul the venue’s stage, sound, lighting, lobbies and backstage areas to meet the Academy’s specifications. The expanded L.A. LIVE plaza will host the red‑carpet experience, and the ceremony will stream exclusively on YouTube under a new global rights deal. The Dolby Theatre will continue hosting the Oscars through the 100th ceremony in 2028.

Pulse Analysis

The shift of the Academy Awards to L.A. LIVE’s Peacock Theater marks a strategic pivot toward venues that can integrate cutting‑edge technology with large‑scale live experiences. AEG’s commitment to revamp the theater’s infrastructure—enhancing acoustics, lighting rigs, and backstage logistics—will enable more immersive productions, aligning the Oscars with the expectations of a digitally native audience. This modernization also positions L.A. LIVE as a premier destination for high‑profile events, potentially attracting additional entertainment and sports spectacles to the 23‑acre district.

A parallel development is the exclusive streaming partnership with YouTube, which will broadcast the ceremony globally starting in 2029. By moving beyond traditional broadcast networks, the Academy taps into YouTube’s massive user base and data‑driven advertising ecosystem, opening new revenue streams and audience engagement opportunities. This deal underscores a broader industry trend where legacy institutions leverage over‑the‑top platforms to reach younger viewers and diversify distribution channels.

For stakeholders, the ten‑year agreement offers stability and a clear roadmap for investment in venue upgrades, hospitality services, and ancillary events such as the red‑carpet experience on the expanded plaza. Hotels, restaurants, and ancillary businesses within L.A. LIVE stand to benefit from sustained foot traffic and heightened global visibility. Moreover, the partnership signals to other award shows and live‑event producers that aligning with technologically adept operators like AEG can future‑proof their brands in an increasingly hybrid entertainment landscape.