Los Angeles Theatres: Samuel Goldwyn Theatre

8949 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90211 | map |

Opened: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences building opened in 1974. It's three blocks west of Robertson Blvd. Previously the organization had been headquartered at the Marquis Theatre on Melrose. The photo is one that appears on the AMPAS Goldwyn Theater page.

Phone: 310-247-3000 Website: www.oscars.org | events and exhibitions | Goldwyn Theater

The Academy also operates the David Geffen Theatre and the Ted Mann Theatre at the Academy Museum as well as the Linwood Dunn on Vine St. at their Pickford Film Center.

Seating: 1,012

Screen size: 22' x 54'

35/70 machines: 2 Norelco AAII

16/35 machines: 2 Kinoton FP-38 EC-II 'studio' projectors

70mm format capability includes 6 track TODD-AO, 6 track and 'Baby Boom" mag formats using Dolby A, Dolby SR, and split-surrounds. DTS 6 track. 35mm format capability includes Academy mono, Dolby analog A or SR, 4 track mag, Dolby digital, DTS and SDDS. There's mag interlock capability with 35mm dubbers with 6, 4, 3 or 1 track heads.

Digital: 2 Christie CP 4230 DLP 4K projectors with Dolby 3D capability, including dual–projector high frame rate 3D. They're also equipped to handle all sorts of consumer formats including Beta, VHS and Blu-ray and can project from computer input in the booth or at the podium.

Film sound processing: Dolby CP-650 and CP-850 processors with Atmos decoding and routing. DCP audio with 7.1 discreet channels from Dolby DSS200 and Christie IMB-S2 via Dolby, Doremi or Christie servers. Formats include Dolby Digital, Dolby E and Surround EX.

House sound: It's a 32 channel Yamaha LS 9 console. They have a full array of processing gear and an assortment of wired and wireless mics.

Speakers: 5 three-way full-range stage channels using JBL components in a THX-style baffle wall. 2 Meyer X-800 twin-18” powered subwoofers (not seen in the earlier photo below) 36 JBL Custom high power speakers with QSC amps as a Dolby ATMOS surround array.

Status: The Academy occasionally offers screenings of classics and other special events. It's not getting much use for public events since the opening of the two theatres in 2021 at the Academy Museum.

The Goldwyn is plush and exceptionally well equipped for every standard film format. Tickets to most events are inexpensive and can be ordered from the Academy's website. Buying tickets in advance is suggested as many events sell out. Free parking is available at 8920 Wilshire (enter off LaPeer) and at 9025 Wilshire (enter off Wetherly).

In the booth:

At the time of this 1994 photo the Goldwyn booth had five film projectors, now down to four. Here there were three Norelco AAII 35/70MM projectors. Slots #1 and 5 now have Kinoton FP-38 EC-II 16/35 high speed electronic studio machines.

The photo by Thomas Hauerslev appears on his terrific site In70mm.com. He took these photos on a trip to the U.S. in October 1994. See the DP70s in California article. Thomas notes that the machines at the Goldwyn are customized with motorized bases that allow them to pan and tilt for alignment in any conceivable format.

A closer look at the soundheads atop the Norelco in the #2 position. Note a bit of the amp racks showing in the distance, at the left end of the booth. Photo: Thomas Hauerslev - 1994

The back of the booth as it looked in 1994. Closest to us, in position #1, was an Eastman 16mm machine. Another was at the far end in position #5. Photo: Thomas Hauerslev

The amp racks on the left end of the booth. Photo: Thomas Hauerslev - 1994

The lobby:

On the landing looking down to the entrance lobby at street level. Wilshire Blvd. is off to the right. Photo: Bill Counter - 2018

The landing as viewed from the upper level of the lobby that's at the rear of the auditorium. No, there's not a second stairway -- it's a wall of mirrors. Photo: Bill Counter - 2018

The lobby as we look to house left. The stairs down are at the far end. Photo: Bill Counter - 2018

The house right entrance into the auditorium. Photo: Bill Counter - 2018

The lobby from house right back near the restrooms. Photo: Bill Counter - 2018

The lobby decor as it was in 1994. Photo: Thomas Hauerslev

In the auditorium:

Looking in from house right. It's a photo from the AMPAS website.

Down the right center aisle. Photo: Thomas Hauerslev - 1994

Closer to the stage. Photo: Thomas Hauerslev - 1994

The guy guarding the right side of the screen. Photo: Bill Counter - 2018

A view from house left. Photo: Bill Counter - 2018

A look to the house right wall. Photo: Bill Counter - 2018

A 1994 view to the rear. Photo: Thomas Hauerslev

Back toward the booth in 2018. Photo: Bill Counter

Behind the screen:

The stage speakers in 1987 after a JBL upgrade. It's from an ad in the September 1987 "Buyer's Guide" issue of Boxoffice. See the full JBL ad.

A view of the 5 stage speaker systems after another upgrade as well as integration into a THX-style baffle wall. Thanks to F Hudson Miller for sharing the photo as a 2021 post on the Friends of 70mm private Facebook group. Versions of the shot appear on many sites including on a JBL Synthesis page and the German site Hi-Fi Forum.

Exterior views:

Looking east at dusk. Photo: Thomas Hauerslev - October 1994

The entrance doors. Photo: Thomas Hauerslev - 1994. Thanks to Thomas for sharing the photos he took on a visit to the U.S. He curates the site In70mm.com, the leading online source for information about the history of wide-film processes as well as news of current screenings and festivals.