Dolby Theatre, Home of the Oscars, Sells to Elie Samaha’s Company

As a seasoned Hollywood insider with decades of experience in the industry, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation at the news of the Dolby Theatre‘s new ownership. Elie Samaha, a name synonymous with entertainment, dining, and nightlife, is now steering the ship that hosts the Academy Awards – a move that feels like a perfect fit.


The iconic Dolby Theatre, where the Academy Awards are held, has been purchased by Jebs Hollywood Entertainment, headed by Elie Samaha.

On Tuesday, it was disclosed that a 3,400-seat theater has been purchased, with the news being shared by real estate brokers Avison Young, who are acting on behalf of the buyer. The company, Jebs, is headed by Samaha, an experienced producer who has made significant investments in Hollywood’s entertainment, dining, and nightlife venues, along with Sherwin Jarol, a former president of Sony Pictures Entertainment. This group includes Jeff Sagansky, Jonah Lazowski, Two Girls Holdings, Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohamed Al Qasimi through his investment firm, Master Investment Group. The company, which also owns the TCL Chinese Theatre next to the Dolby and Yamashiro restaurant, previously listed these properties with Avison Young this year.

Details regarding the financial aspect weren’t shared, however, Bloomberg reported previously that the theater might be valued at as much as $70 million and its lease with the Academy extends until 2028. At the time of reporting, the Academy declined to provide a statement.

Since the year 2002, the Oscars have been taking place at the Dolby Theatre. This venue is known for hosting live events all year round, with upcoming shows such as “Cinderella” by Los Angeles Ballet, “The Nutcracker,” and a concert of “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” Additionally, the acquisition encompasses two parking lots that are located on the surface.

In this transaction, Chris Bonbright from Avison Young served as the representative for the buyer, while both Will Poulsen and Peter Hajimihalis of JLL, along with Carl Muhlstein of Muhlstein CRE, represented the seller. The debt financing was provided by Castellan Real Estate Partners, with Slatt Capital, specifically led by Antonio Hachem, Cornelius Baliukonis, and Wendy Wang, arranging it.

Bonbright stated that the new management plans to maintain their relationship with the Academy Awards, but with a substantial boost in the quantity and diversity of live shows. Many well-known Latin and international artists will be performing at the iconic Dolby Theater as part of this enhancement. With its extensive experience and success in managing the Chinese Theatre, Jebs Hollywood Entertainment is perfectly suited to oversee this globally recognized entertainment venue.

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2024-10-15 20:18