Inside the Dolby Theatre: Academy Awards

Since opening on November 9, 2001, the Dolby Theatre (originally the Kodak) has been the official, and purpose built, venue for the annual Academy Awards ceremony. 

Located along Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, the Dolby Theatre's technical design makes it especially effective for hosting televised events. In addition to the annual Oscars telecast, the Dolby Theatre regularly hosts concerts, theatrical productions, live events, and television shows like America's Got Talent and American Idol.   

Just two weeks after the Academy Awards ceremony last year I had the opportunity to get a closer look at this iconic venue during another series of travel shoots. From admiring the view in the front row of the auditorium to following the backstage path that the winners take to meet the press, exploring the Dolby Theatre like this was a bucket list experience come true. 

Since my first year of film school I've admired countless filmmakers who stood on this stage, and have watched every Best Picture winner since the Oscars debuted in 1929. For me, having a personal moment to just absorb this space and reflect on the growth of my own career since my teenage days as a know-it-all student filmmaker felt profound. 

Being in the Dolby Theatre is to be reminded of just how many legendary figures of pop culture have been in this one room. Spielberg, Streep, DiCaprio, Hanks, Scorsese ... Editing Luke lol. Watching the Academy Awards will never seem quite the same after this shoot.       

 

Studio 54 in New York City

From 1977 to 1980, there was no other place quite like Studio 54 in New York City. 

The stories surrounding this former disco nightclub left a legendary mark on pop culture, due in no small part to the practically endless list of celebrities who frequented the dance floor here on any given day of the week in the late '70s. Drugs, sex, scandal - Studio 54 had it all.

Located at 254 West 54th Street, following its untimely closure, the former club eventually reverted back to a theatre (as it was originally built) in the late 1990s. For a brief moment though, Studio 54 was one of the best known nightclubs in the world, and then just like that it was gone. There's a lot of history behind this marquee.

 

Wall Drug in South Dakota

To truly appreciate what Wall Drug is, you first have to abandon any notions that you might have about your typical drug store. Located in Wall, South Dakota this elaborate strip mall is one of the few reasons you'd probably stop in this little town along the interstate.

Opened in 1931, Wall Drug has evolved over the decades into a massive roadside tourist attraction featuring shops, restaurants, kitschy western displays, and of course, a drug store.  What makes Wall Drug unique is in how it advertises. You can't drive anywhere in South Dakota without seeing a billboard along any of the interstates, many promoting "Free Ice Water". 

In fact, there's a display of photos throughout the store showing people holding a Wall Drug sign all over the world and saying how far away they are from it. Wall Drug even marks their geographical coordinates right next to their doors in case you needed further proof that you've actually arrived. We spent an hour looking around and buying souvenirs. 

Wall Drug is one of those quirky roadside attractions that you just have to see for yourself.