Century of Cinema Champions
Hometown Champions
Motion pictures made in Culver City have won Oscars or Emmys every year since the Academy's creation a century ago, underscoring the city's lasting impact on the entertainment world. The “Heart of Screenland” produced more than half of the world's cinema until the 1950s. Today, this legacy of excellence continues—Culver City remains a vibrant center for creativity and filmmaking.
Finish your award-winning Screenland 5K performance on the red carpet, honoring the city's enduring ties to Hollywood's prestige!
Beginnings of Greatness
From its earliest days, Culver City quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the film industry, setting the stage for Hollywood's global reputation. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, founded by local visionary Louis B. Mayer in 1927, was a pivotal moment that anchored the city’s influence. Through its commitment to quality filmmaking and innovation, Culver City earned a legacy of excellence—one that would ripple across the decades.
Major studios such as MGM and DeMille Pictures chose Culver City as their headquarters, fostering a creative environment where legendary directors, actors, and craftsmen could thrive. With each groundbreaking film, the city cemented its place in history, launching careers and capturing audiences worldwide. These beginnings of greatness continue to inspire filmmakers and fans alike, making Culver City the true “Heart of Screenland.”
100 Points of Lore
Follow the yellow brick road to 100 points of Culver City Screenland lore, where iconic movies and TV shows were filmed. Each point will showcase an Oscar or Emmy winning picture filmed near there. The Heart of Screenland has produced consecutive award winners since 1927, when the Academy was formed.
Comic Start
Follow the yellow brick road, tracing the steps of famous movie and TV stars, and passing locations where scenes from Oscar- and Emmy-winning films were shot.
The 11th annual Screenland 5K starts opposite the former Hal Roach Studios, celebrated as the "Laugh Factory to the World." Roach produced Our Gang and Laurel & Hardy comedies and created WWII training films featuring Ronald Reagan and Alan Ladd. Jazz musician Louis Armstrong played across the street at Sebastian's Cotton Club. Further east of the race's starting point lies the East Culver City Arts District and the historic Helms Design Center, the official baked-goods supplier for the 1932 Olympics.
TV & Movie Spots
As you begin your journey into a Century of Cinema Champions, imagine Adam “Batman” West chasing the Joker on Ince St. and Erik “CHiPs” Estrada citing a driver on Culver Blvd. You will pass locations where Aunt Bea and Andy Griffith admonished Opie, King Kong grabbed Fay Wray, Janet Gaynor eyed Fredric March, Ingrid Bergman saved Gregory Peck, Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin escaped peril, Lucille Ball played a prank on Ricky, Hardy chided Laurel, Lassie came home, Tron fought foes, and ET flew in the moonlight.
Soar with Spider-Man
Follow the yellow brick road west down "Wagon Pass" (Washington Bl.), notorious for its nightclubs, gambling, and bootlegging. The street later became the city's economic engine with industries and car dealerships. Stroll by the gates of Sony Pictures Animation, home of Spider-Man, KPop Demon Hunters, Garfield, The Smurfs, and Hotel Transylvania.
Gang's All Here!
Venture north on Ince and encounter Ivy Substation, featured in train scenes from classic Hal Roach films. It's now home to the "Actors' Gang" theater, directed by Oscar-winning actor Tim Robbins. Soon, you'll stride by the nation's smallest Main Street, America's film production hub in the 1940s, providing affordable entertainment during the wartime era. .
Be Our Guest
Jog past the wedge-shaped century-old Culver Hotel, known for its legendary owners and notable film and political guests. Shortly after, you'll encounter the iconic Culver Theater, which showed first-run movies from the local studios. Today, It's the Kirk Douglas Theatre, part of the Center Theater Group.
Catch the Rainbow
Passing the storied gates of Sony Pictures Studios, formerly Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, you can see "The Rainbow," a soaring installation inspired by "The Wizard of Oz." Soon, you'll stroll by Backstage, the famous movie studio watering hole, where you can feel the vibrant energy that thrived while studios filmed classics such as A Star is Born and Gone with the Wind.
Cinematic Landmarks
Skirt near the Western Hemisphere Marathon marker in front of Veterans Auditorium. It was the oldest consecutively run marathon west of the Mississippi and the first long-distance race in the nation to allow women to compete alongside men. Returning east, you will pass civic landmarks used in many movies, such as the Art-Moderne style Gateway Station post office and century-old Culver City Hall facade.
Finish on the Red Carpet
Jog past the historic Culver Studios, where many of the world's greatest stars of the 1900s rose to fame, including Bette Davis, Robert Mitchum, Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, Fred Astaire, and Ginger Rogers. Music icons Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson rehearsed there. Silent film pioneer Thomas Ince, legendary director Cecil B. DeMille, business magnate Howard Hughes, and comedic duo Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball took turns owning the large studio. Now, Amazon Pictures, which retains the century-old MGM film library, produces shows on the refurbished sound stages. Complete your cinematic journey on the red carpet and receive your well-earned finisher's medal. Rehearse your acceptance speech!
Add Screenland 5K cinema socks to your race day outfit and show off your vintage and valor for years to come! High-quality athletic socks come in two sizes.
Is the event stroller-friendly? Where are the start and finish lines located? Is there a place to leave personal items? See answers to FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
Chase the Stars
