Step Into the Spotlight: The Oscars® Experience at the Academy Museum

Championing New Filmmakers and Oscar Dreams

The music surges, and applause erupts as you take center stage, bathed in bright lights. The weighty, golden statuette gleams in your hands, cameras flash, and for a moment, you experience what it’s like to win an Oscar.

This is The Oscars® Experience, an immersive simulation at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ East West Bank Gallery. More than just a spectacle, it offers a glimpse into the excellence of filmmaking, allowing aspiring storytellers to envision themselves in the spotlight.

By stepping into this moment, visitors can connect with the excitement of cinema and imagine their own future in the industry. That’s exactly the inspiration behind the experience, said East West Bank Chairman and CEO Dominic Ng: “We wanted visitors from all over the world to experience what it feels like to win an Oscar. This inspires future generations to pursue their filmmaking dreams.”

Bridging Cinema’s Past and Future

As a Founding Supporter and Corporate Member of the Academy Museum, East West Bank champions the organization’s mission to preserve and celebrate the art of filmmaking. We believe that movies speak a universal language—one that connects people across cultures and fosters understanding.

Ng served two three-year terms on the Academy Museum’s Board of Trustees beginning in 2018, before the museum opened in 2021. During the six years, Ng helped oversee the museum's strategic vision, worked to preserve the organization's financial health and secured adequate resources to advance the museum’s mission. In addition, he chaired the Exhibitions Committee, which set the caliber of the exhibitions and shaped the visual impact of the institution.

Empowering the Next Generation of Storytellers

Headquartered in Los Angeles, East West Bank has been deeply engaged in the entertainment industry for over a decade, financing films and TV productions across genres and scales.

One recent example is The Accidental Getaway Driver, an award-winning thriller inspired by true events. The film—made possible with support from East West Bank and James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli—demonstrates the impact of investing in independent storytelling that brings fresh perspectives to the screen.

Through the East West Bank Foundation, we’ve partnered with the Sundance Institute and Gold House to create the One House Filmmakers Fund. This initiative provides unrestricted grants and mentorship to help emerging filmmakers bring their creative visions to life.

Where Film Lovers and Creators Connect

As the largest museum in the U.S. dedicated to filmmaking, the Academy Museum offers a deeper insight into the artistry, history and cultural impact of cinema.

“Museums have always been spaces for conversation and discovery, where histories and art come to life,” said Amy Homma, Director and President of the Academy Museum.

She emphasizes the power of storytelling: “Together, we are building a space and future where everyone can see themselves reflected in the stories we tell. We are committed to creating programs, exhibitions and experiences that are not only educational, but also joyful and celebratory.”

The Academy Museum's vision for the future

“In this next chapter, we will further expand our global reach through exciting exhibitions and programming,” Homma added. “I want the Academy Museum to be a sought-out destination for families, tourists, cinephiles and everyone in between—a place where people come together to celebrate the joy of storytelling and explore the endless possibilities of the artform.”

Plan your visit to the Academy Museum and The Oscars® Experience

Immerse yourself in the world of filmmaking at the Academy Museum—and step into the spotlight with The Oscars® Experience.