Hermosa Beach
Updated on Apr 29 2024 5:58am
The Dolby Theatre, located in the heart of Hollywood at the intersection of Hollywood and Highland, is a true Hollywood landmark. Since its opening in November 2001, it has become one of the world's premier entertainment venues, hosting some of the biggest movie premieres and events. From its rich history hosting the Oscars to its role as a venue for world-class performances and events, the theater continues to showcase the latest innovations from Dolby and the brightest stars in the entertainment industry.
Formerly known as the Kodak Theatre, the Dolby Theatre is a live-performance auditorium located in the Ovation Hollywood shopping mall and entertainment complex. It is home to Hollywood's biggest night, the Oscars, and has hosted a wide range of prestigious artists, concerts, and events, including AFI Tributes to George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Tom Hanks, Tyler Perry theatrical plays, Los Angeles Ballet, Celine Dion, Prince, CNN Heroes, Cirque du Soleil IRIS, Andrea Bocelli, America's Got Talent, American Idol, PaleyFest Television Festival, and world premieres for Black Panther, Mary Poppins Returns, and Star Wars – The Force Awakens.
The auditorium's most notable feature is the unique Rockwell-designed cockpit in the orchestra seating area, which is used for camera, sound, and stage management during televised theatrical performances such as the Academy Awards and American Idol. The hall from the front entrance to the grand stairway leading up to the theater is flanked by storefronts and Art Deco columns displaying the names of past recipients of the Academy Award for Best Picture, with blank spaces left for future Best Picture winners, currently set up to 2071.
In a nod to Hollywood movie-making, the Dolby Theatre is dressed up before the Academy Awards ceremony, sometimes with a different sign on its façade, red drapery to hide its storefronts, and the famous red carpet running up its grand stairway. This attention to detail and flair for the dramatic make the Dolby Theatre a truly iconic venue.
The Dolby Theatre has been the venue for numerous notable events over the years, including hosting the live shows of the NBC reality competition America's Got Talent from 2016 through 2021 (excluding 2020). It has also been the home of the season finales of American Idol during its original run on Fox in 2002 and from 2004 to 2007, as well as in 2015 and 2016.
With its long history of hosting some of the biggest events in Hollywood and showcasing the latest innovations from Dolby, the Dolby Theatre remains a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.