The 3,332-seat Kodak Theatre is located in the heart of historic Hollywood, where it serves as the hub of the retail, dining and entertainment complex known as Hollywood & Highland Center. Combining opera house elegance with state-of-the-art technology, the theatre was specifically created with the annual Academy Awards broadcast in mind by the CIM Group, a full service real estate investor. It opened in 2001 and has hosted the film-making industry's biggest ceremony ever since, under an exclusive contract that extends through 2021.
Kodak Theatre was designed by the internationally-renowned Rockwell Group and completed at a cost of $94 million. Its name represents one of the most important non-sports corporate sponsorships in history - a 20-year marketing partnership with the Eastman Kodak Company. It is no coincidence that from the time the first Academy Awards were presented, every Oscar(R)-winning Best Picture has been produced on Kodak film.
Architectural highlights of the theatre include the towering portal that serves as the grand entrance, a two-story Awards Walk with backlit glass plaques of Best Picture Oscar(R) winners, a five-level theatre lobby and a magnificent spiral staircase with cherrywood balustrades, headed by a silvery dome. Images of celebrities from Grace Kelly and Marlon Brando to Halle Berry and Jack Nicholson are permanently displayed. At 120 feet wide and 75 feet deep, the main stage area is among the largest in the nation.
When it is not being occupied by the Academy Awards, Kodak Theatre is a first-class live entertainment venue. The American Ballet Theatre performs here, as do touring Broadway productions. Concerts by such prestigious artists as Alicia Keys, Celine Dion, Prince, Barry Manilow, Stevie Wonder, and Harry Connick, Jr. have been held inside. Other events conducted at Kodak Theatre include the American Idol finals, AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards, BET Awards, Daytime Emmy Awards, ESPY Awards and the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
Wolfgang Puck is the exclusive purveyor of food services at Kodak Theatre, catering to front of house, backstage and special private events held in the theatre lobbies and the George Eastman Room. The award-winning chef's specialty refreshments are available in the lobby, including theatre favorite snacks and assorted sweets. There are also full-service bars on each lobby level, open prior to performances and during intermissions.
Guided tours of the Kodak Theatre are available to take the general public beyond the red carpet. Highlights include a visit to the George Eastman VIP Room, viewing images of past Academy Award presentations, and seeing a real Oscar(R) statuette. The 30-minute tours depart from the Level 2 entrance and take place every half hour, seven days a week, between 10:30 am and 4pm from June 1 through August 31, and between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm the rest of the year. The cost is $15 for adults, $10 for senior (65 and older), and $10 for youth (ages 3~17). Children under 3 are admitted free of charge. Tickets are available at the Kodak Theatre box office up to seven days in advance.
The Kodak Theatre is located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028. It is served by the Metro Red Line subway with a stop at the Hollywood & Highland Center. For those arriving by car from LAX or points south, take the 110 Freeway North to the 101 North. Exit Highland Avenue toward Hollywood Bowl and turn left onto Highland at the Hollywood & Highland Center. The parking entrance is on Highland next to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, north of Hollywood Boulevard. The Kodak Theatre does not validate parking, but patrons who show their Kodak Theatre ticket upon exit or entrance receive a $2 discount.
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