Acad Said To Begin Talks to Move Oscars to Nokia, But Acad Says It Isn't So (DH, THR, LAT)

By Nancy Tartaglione-Moore

Reports of the imminent death of the relationship between the Oscars and the Kodak theater, are greatly exaggerated according to Deadline. Following a report by The Hollywood Reporter that said the Academy had entered talks with AEG about moving the awards to the Nokia Theatre, AMPAS issued a statement to Deadline calling the claims "erroneous" and officially denying that it is already in discussions.

Off the record, multiple Academy sources told Deadline they are not on their way to terminating the deal for the Kodak. Rather, they reportedly say they want to stay at the venue and have not yet had any discussions or negotiations with the Nokia or anyone else.

AMPAS has exercised an option in its contract to have at least the ability to consider another venue after the 2013 show. If the Academy had not exercised the option though by December 31, 2011, it would have automatically had another 8 years under the lease, Deadline points out.

From a business point of view, it's about keeping options open. It's a negotiation tactic even though there isn�t even technically a negotiation with anyone underway, says Deadline.

THR's report said the Nokia was offering a lease with a perks package that includes more seats, better infrastructure and more ancillary facilities for parties and press.

The Los Angeles Times also reported on preliminary discussions about the potential relocation citing a person familiar with AEG's operations, but updated its story (as did THR) with a statement from AMPAS saying: "The Academy has not begun venue negotiations for the Oscar telecast beyond 2013."

Leron Gubler, the president/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce told The LAT that should the Oscars move out of Hollywood, it would be a big blow to the community. "Obviously, we'd be very disappointed. The Kodak Theatre was designed for the academy but more than that, historically the academy is tied to Hollywood with the first Academy Awards held in Hollywood. This, on top of the academy's decision to move their museum out of Hollywood and onto Wilshire Boulevard would send a very negative message to the community."