Hollywood

Hollywood is a district of Los Angeles, California, and historically the center of the American film industry. Located in the northwestern part of the city, it has long been associated with motion pictures, television production, and the broader entertainment business. The area includes the Hollywood Hills, low-lying neighborhoods along the boulevard, and the famous slopes of Mount Lee.

Hollywood began as a separate municipality in 1903 and became part of Los Angeles in 1910. In the 1910s and 1920s, major film studios established facilities there, helping cement its reputation as the heart of Hollywood cinema. The arrival of sound in the late 1920s further accelerated its global prominence. The studio system dominated production through the 1950s, after which the industry shifted toward television, independent cinema, and later digital media.

Iconic landmarks include the Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee, the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Dolby Theatre, which hosts the Academy Awards. The Sunset Strip and surrounding districts are also closely associated with entertainment and nightlife. While many studios have since relocated to nearby Burbank and other parts of the Los Angeles area, Hollywood remains a symbolic center of film and television production.

Economically, Hollywood is part of a broader entertainment cluster that includes major studios and post-production facilities. Tourism is driven by sightseeing, tours of studios, and the area’s landmarks. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and related organizations promote the district as a cultural and commercial hub.

Today, Hollywood continues to function as a global brand for film and television, with a mix of historic studios, newer media companies, and ongoing production activity. Debates over housing, traffic, and tourism reflect broader changes in the city, but the district remains a defining element of America's cinematic identity.