The iconic Hollywood stage that will host the 98th Academy Awards and its architectural secrets
The Dolby Theater is world-renowned as the permanent home of the Oscar ceremony. Located in the heart of Hollywood, this auditorium is not just an event venue, but a symbol of the global film industry. In 2026, all eyes will once again turn to this stage, where the biggest movie stars will come together to celebrate the best productions of the year.
The home of the 2026 Oscars
The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony, the 98th edition of the awards ceremony, is scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theater in March 15, 2026. The event will be hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, marking his return to commanding the party.
The theater is prepared months in advance for the event, requiring complex logistics that involve closing adjacent streets, including the famous Hollywood Boulevard, to set up the red carpet. For the 2026 edition, expectations are high, especially with the “buzz” surrounding international productions and the potential highlight for Brazilian cinema in the awards season.
History and architecture of the theater
Opened in November 2001, the theater was specifically designed to be the home of the Oscars. The design is by David Rockwell, from the Rockwell Group, who consulted with Hollywood’s top art directors to create a structure that would work perfectly for both the audience present and the television cameras.
- Capacity: The auditorium has approximately 3,400 seats divided into four levels of balconies and the main audience.
- Stage: At about 120 feet wide and 60 feet deep, it is one of the largest stages in the United States, designed to accommodate large musical numbers and complex sets.
- Location: It is within the Ovation Hollywood complex (formerly known as the Hollywood & Highland Center).
Fun facts about the Dolby Theater
The place holds many secrets and details that often go unnoticed by TV cameras.
- The columns of the future: In the entrance hall, known as the “Awards Walk”, there are Art Deco-style columns that display the names of all the films that have won the Best Picture category since 1928. The most interesting thing is that there are blank spaces purposely left in the columns to include the winners up to the year 2071.
- Immersive Sound: Since Dolby Laboratories acquired the naming rights in 2012 (it was previously called Kodak Theatre), the venue has been equipped with the Dolby Atmos system. There are more than 200 speakers strategically installed to create a 3D sound experience.
- Floating roof: The theater’s ceiling has an oval silver tiara and panels that can be adjusted to improve acoustics or modify stage lighting during broadcast.
How to visit the theater
When not being prepped for the Oscars, the Dolby Theater is a tourist attraction open to the public. It is possible to take guided tours that take tourists behind the scenes of the awards ceremony.
The tour allows visitors to see an Oscar statuette up close (usually a replica or a real one on display), visit the VIP Lounge and step onto the same stage where the stars receive their awards. Visits take place daily, except in the weeks leading up to the ceremony, when the theater goes into “lockdown mode” to assemble the event structure. The address is 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles.
The Dolby Theater has established itself as a living monument in the history of cinema. More than a simple concrete structure, it represents the ultimate goal for filmmakers around the world, keeping alive the tradition and glamor of Hollywood’s golden age adapted for 21st century technology.
