Academy Award ceremony to move outside Hollywood

Los Angeles: The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has reportedly been planning to shift the prestigious Oscar awards venue from Kodak Theatre in Hollywood to Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.

Having been held at the Kodak Theatre since 2001, the annual Academy Award ceremony might move to a new venue outside Hollywood after 2013, said The Hollywood Reporter. AEG, which operates the LA Live and 7,100-seat Nokia Theatre, has already been in discussion with the AMPAS about the issue. The new venue is said to offer bigger facilities than in Kodak. It has more seats, better infrastructure, greater promotional opportunities and other facilities for parties and press. "The Academy has not begun venue negotiations for the Oscar telecast beyond 2013," a representative said. This year`s Academy Awards will be presented at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood & Highland Center on Sunday, February 26. Hosted by veteran Oscar host Billy Crystal, the ceremony will be televised live by the ABC Television Network in more than 225 countries worldwide. PTI