Unveiling Hollywood’s Glorious Past: The Inaugural Oscars at The Roosevelt Hotel, 1929

LOS ANGELES — The upcoming 98th Academy Awards in 2026 will once again spotlight the glamour of Hollywood.

Since 2002, this prestigious event has found its home at the renowned Dolby Theatre, located on the bustling Hollywood Boulevard. Previously known as the Kodak Theatre, this iconic venue has been the backdrop for countless memorable Academy Awards moments.

However, the origins of Oscars history trace back to a different landmark. On May 16, 1929, the inaugural awards ceremony unfolded at the distinguished Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, marking the beginning of a storied tradition.

This first ceremony stands out as the only one not broadcasted on radio or television, making it a unique chapter in Oscars history.

“It was the briefest ceremony in the Oscars’ timeline, lasting just 15 minutes,” shared Juan Pineda, the Director of Entertainment at The Hollywood Roosevelt. “That evening, we presented 12 statuettes, and guests enjoyed dinner for just $5.”

The movie “Wings” was the big winner that night, and there was a special honor for Mr. Charlie Chaplin.

“We celebrate him here at the hotel. We have a statue of him out by the Tropicana pool,” Pineda told 6abc’s Alicia Vitarelli.

Another star was born by the same pool.

“This is where she becomes Marilyn Monroe. She is brought to this hotel in 1950 when we opened the cabanas as Norma Jean. And she was an aspiring actress, and she takes her very first photo shoot at the Tropicana pool on this diving board,” said Pineda.

Some of the celebrities who stayed at The Hollywood Roosevelt include Clark Gable and Carol Lombard, who even have a penthouse named after them.

“Prince lived in there. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper shot ‘A Star is Born’ in that very room as well,” shared Pineda.

The Hollywood Roosevelt is also the only hotel on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where you can step out from the front doors onto the walk and feel like a star.

Don’t miss Hollywood’s biggest night: The Oscars on ABC!

Our live Oscar pre-show, “On The Red Carpet at the Oscars,” begins at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT and will feature live interviews with the nominees, red carpet fashion analysis and more!Watch the 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, on March 15 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC and Hulu, followed by “The Bachelorette: Before the First Rose.”Check your local listings or stream on Hulu and OnTheRedCarpet.com.