Immerse Yourself in the Glamour, and History of the 98th Academy Awards

As award season draws to a conclusion, Hollywood prepares for its most prestigious night. The 98^th Academy Awards will dazzle fans and stars alike on March 15, 2026, hosted at the world-famous Dolby Theatre.

The Dolby Theatre

Many watching from home might not realize that the Dolby Theatre sits within the vibrant Ovation complex, filled with restaurants and shops. During Oscar week, storefronts and signs vanish behind iconic Academy branding, and the neighborhood takes on a glamorous energy. The famed red carpet unfurls at Hollywood & Highland, where rows of luxury vehicles drop off A-listers who take their stroll down the boulevard toward the heart of the ceremony.

The First Academy Awards Were Held at The Roosevelt Hotel in 1929

The Oscars: A Journey Through Legendary Venues

Since the inaugural event in 1929 at the Roosevelt Hotel, the Academy Awards have called several iconic Los Angeles venues home. From the Ambassador Hotel and the Biltmore to Grauman’s Chinese Theater and the Shrine Auditorium, the ceremony has left a mark all across the city. The Oscars also spent memorable years at the Pantages Theatre, Santa Monica Civic and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion before settling into the Dolby Theatre (previously the Kodak Theatre) in 2002, where it continues to shine.

Grauman’s Chinese Theater

Nearby Hollywood Attractions

Hollywood’s allure isn’t limited to the Oscars. Discover the same stretch of the Walk of Fame and visit attractions like Hard Rock Cafe, Madame Tussauds, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and the historic El Capitan Theater—all just steps from the Dolby Theatre. These spots bring the excitement of Hollywood to life for visitors year round.

Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles

Oscar Week: What Visitors Should Know

If you’re planning to be in Los Angeles during Oscar week, prepare for rolling street closures beginning two weeks ahead of the event. Streets are transformed with tents (in case of rain), grandstands, media stages, and the signature red carpet. Pedestrian access remains open on certain sidewalks until just a couple of days before the big show, allowing you to soak in the building excitement.

The Dolby Theatre Gets Prepped for The Oscars

Oscar Sunday: A Unique LA Celebration

On Oscar Sunday, Los Angeles takes on a festive, almost holiday-like atmosphere. The city wakes quietly, as stylists, hair and makeup professionals and physical trainers disappear into the hills.  Then luxury cars fan out across Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, and Bel Air to collect nominees and VIPs. As the red carpet opens, helicopters and blimps hover overhead, adding to the spectacle. After the awards, the party continues at legendary events like The Governors Ball, the Vanity Fair Party, and Elton John’s AIDS Foundation gala, with paparazzi capturing the scenes in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Don’t Miss the Academy Museum

Film buffs should make time for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, open all year and located on Museum Row. Here, you’ll also find the Petersen Automotive Museum, LACMA, and the La Brea Tar Pits. The museum is a short stroll from the lively Original Farmers Market and The Grove, perfect for rounding out your Hollywood adventure.

Your LA Visit

Haven’t snagged an invite to one of the exclusive Oscar after-parties? You’re not alone! If you’re planning a visit to SoCal, book a private tour with us.  Glitterati Tours’ expert guides will share the history, stories, and sights of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, ensuring you make the most of your Los Angeles adventure.