And the award for the Least Expected Oscars Venue goes to…
The iconic Union Station announced that it would be hosting the 93rd Oscars for the first time in its history. This comes a quite a surprise after being practically dormant for almost a year now—at least compared to the usual traffic of commuters all but covering the expansive marble floors of the ticket hall. It briefly featured a giant Queen’s Gambit chessboard installation and now this grand landmark is going to be center stage once again.
“We are pleased to announce that Union Station Los Angeles will host the 93rd Oscars on Sunday, April 25, 2021, televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT,” the announcement reads on the website.
Built in 1939, the unique Mission Moderne style (a combination of Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival and Art Deco architecture) has secured the station’s place on L.A.’s list of major architectural gems. It has featured on countless Blockbuster films like Blade Runner, Speed, Pearl Harbor and Catch Me If You Can and it seems fitting that it will be used to honor the talent in the industry this year. It’s the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States and is widely regarded as “the last of the great train stations.”
The Historic Ticketing Hall, the Grand Waiting Room, the North and South Patios, and the Main Entrance along Alameda Street will be used for the big occasion. The rest of the station will still be operating during the event with access to all bus, rail, Metrolink, Amtrak and private transportation providers and vendors, according to the Metro’s blog.
Featured Image: Union Station