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

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).

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 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. See the DP70s in California article. Mr. Hauerslev 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.

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.

A look in from house left. Photo: Bill Counter - 2018

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

A look across the house. Photo: Bill Counter - 2018

The auditorium from house right. It's a photo from the AMPAS website.

Back toward the booth. Photo: Bill Counter - 2018

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