Lights, Camera, Los Angeles: 5 Iconic Movie Theatres to Watch Oscar Films in Style

David Geffen Theater Photo by Iwan Baan

Los Angeles doesn’t just watch movies, it lives them. From the glow of Hollywood Boulevard to the creative pulse of Downtown, LA is the world’s most cinematic city, where going to the movies can feel like stepping into the story itself. With nearly 40,000 movie screens across the United States, it’s safe to say not every cinema is created equal. But in Los Angeles, the movie theatre is still an event.

If you’re visiting LA and want to catch up on this year’s Oscar-nominated films, don’t settle for an ordinary multiplex. These five standout venues offer everything from golden-age glamour and historic premieres to cutting-edge sound, luxury seating and immersive big-screen experiences. Choose just one and you may never look at your local cinema the same way again.

1) David Geffen Theater: LA’s Most Modern Movie Palace at the Academy Museum

For travellers who love cinema as an art form, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a must-visit. Opened in September 2021, the museum sits on a striking 300,000 square-foot campus designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, and it houses more than 13 million objects that celebrate the history and craft of film.

At the heart of the museum’s cinematic experience is the 966-seat David Geffen Theater, a grand presentation space built for premieres, major film events, public programs and live performances. With Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, it’s designed for a deeply immersive viewing experience, and it can screen films in multiple formats including nitrate, 35mm, 70mm and laser projection.

Also inside the museum is the elegant Ted Mann Theater, a more intimate 277-seat space with curated screenings ranging from Oscar winners and family favourites to rare historical films. For anyone wanting to watch award-season films with true Hollywood prestige, this is the place.

2) Alamo Drafthouse Downtown LA: Recliners, Cocktails and Cult-Film Energy

Video Vortex Photo: Alamo Drafthouse Los Angeles

If your idea of the perfect movie night includes comfort, great food and a little attitude, Alamo Drafthouse delivers a distinctly LA experience with a playful edge. Located at The Bloc in Downtown Los Angeles, this acclaimed theatre chain is known for its relaxed vibe, excellent service and crowd-pleasing programming.

Inside, you’ll find 12 screens, plush recliner seating, and food and drink delivered directly to your seat. It’s ideal for travellers who want to turn an Oscar catch-up session into a full night out, especially if you’re staying in the city centre.

A standout feature is the Video Vortex, a multi-purpose lounge with a full bar, a huge drinks selection, Tex-Mex-inspired bites, vintage arcade games, board games and an enormous library of Blu-rays and DVDs available for free rental. It’s part cinema, part hangout, and completely different from the average movie theatre experience.

3) Regal L.A. LIVE: Where Hollywood Premieres Meet Big-Screen Thrills

Regal L.A. LIVE Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

There’s a reason major studios host premieres at Regal L.A. LIVE. This is one of Los Angeles’ biggest and most high-energy movie venues, perfectly placed in the heart of Downtown near Crypto.com Arena and the city’s entertainment precinct.

The Regal L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 includes an enormous 800-seat premiere auditorium, plus 13 additional screens, giving visitors a true blockbuster-style cinema experience. If you want to watch an Oscar contender on a big screen with a big crowd and big atmosphere, this is a top pick.

For travellers wanting something more immersive, Regal L.A. LIVE also features 4DX. Think moving seats, environmental effects and a movie experience that leans into theme-park territory. It’s a fun option for action films and high-impact cinema that’s meant to be felt as much as seen.

4) TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX: Watch a Film Where Hollywood History Lives

TCL Chinese Theatre

Few places on earth are as instantly recognisable as the TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. It’s more than a cinema, it’s a living landmark. Originally opened in 1927 as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre with the premiere of The King of Kings, it has hosted countless movie premieres, special events and even Academy Award ceremonies over the decades.

Today, visitors can experience modern cinema on a spectacular scale, including screenings on a massive IMAX screen that measures an astonishing 97 by 47 feet. The venue combines Hollywood nostalgia with the thrill of a true big-screen event, making it one of the most iconic places in Los Angeles to see a film.

Before or after your session, don’t miss the Forecourt of the Stars, where nearly 200 celebrity handprints, footprints and autographs are set into the concrete. Touching the impressions left behind by legends of the screen is one of the most uniquely Hollywood moments you can have in LA.

5) El Capitan Theatre: Disney Magic in a Restored 1920s Movie Palace

Wurlitzer pipe organ El Capitan Theatre

If you’re looking for classic movie-palace glamour with a dose of modern spectacle, El Capitan Theatre is one of the most beautiful cinemas in Los Angeles. Opened as a playhouse in 1926, it was fully restored and became Disney’s cinematic home on Hollywood Boulevard in 1991, beginning with the premiere of The Rocketeer.

El Capitan is famous for hosting special fan events, early screenings and themed experiences, with many showings featuring pre-movie stage performances and memorabilia displays. It’s a theatre where the night feels like a celebration, especially when the film on screen is tied to Disney, Pixar, Marvel or Lucasfilm.

One of the most memorable features is the magnificent Wurlitzer organ, which rises up from below the stage before select screenings. Originally installed at San Francisco’s Fox Theatre in 1929, it adds an old-world charm that’s rare to find in modern cinema.

Why Movie Theatres Are a Must-Do LA Travel Experience

In Los Angeles, the cinema isn’t just entertainment, it’s part of the city’s identity. Watching a film here can mean stepping into a museum-quality theatre, sitting beneath historic architecture, or experiencing the latest technology in sound and projection. It’s one of the best ways to feel the culture of LA, especially during awards season when the city is buzzing with film talk and cinematic excitement.

Whether you’re chasing Oscar nominees, craving classic Hollywood history, or simply looking for a memorable night out while travelling, these five movie theatres belong on every LA itinerary.

Web contact details:
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: https://www.academymuseum.org/
Alamo Drafthouse Los Angeles: https://drafthouse.com/los-angeles
Regal L.A. LIVE: https://www.regmovies.com/
TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX: https://www.tclchinesetheatres.com/
El Capitan Theatre: https://elcapitantheatre.com/

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