The hall from the front entrance to the grand stairway (leading up to the theater at the rear of the shopping complex) is flanked by storefronts, as well as Art Deco columns displaying the names of past recipients of the Academy Award for Best Picture (with blank spaces left for future Best Picture winners, currently set up to 2071).

[6][7] The Academy Awards were first hosted at the new theater for its 74th edition in 2002, marking the first time it was held in Hollywood since the 32nd ceremony at the Pantages Theatre in 1960.

From September 2011 until early 2013, the venue hosted Iris, a Cirque du Soleil residency show inspired by the history of cinema.

[15] Significant changes were made to the theater to accommodate the show, including adding lifts deep under the original floor.

[15] The reality music competition series American Idol hosted its season finales from the Dolby Theatre during its original run on Fox from 2002, 2004-2007, and 2015-2016.

[16] The Sonic Symphony held a concert at the Dolby Theatre on September 30, 2023 featuring Johnny Gioeli and Jun Senoue of Crush 40.