Gunjan Nath on February 23, 2022
The decision not to present eight Oscar categories live at the 93rd Academy Awards telecast on March 27 drew widespread condemnation. It was dubbed “insulting” by some Academy members who talked with The Hollywood Reporter after the announcement.
An hour before the live show, the Academy planned to present Oscars in eight categories: documentary short, film editing, makeup/hairstyling, original soundtrack, production design, animated short, live-action short, and sound. They will be recorded and edited into the live broadcast that follows.
According to one source, nominees in the affected categories were notified of the approach to the presentation via a town hall-style gathering Tuesday afternoon, soon before the Academy’s official announcement. Members were told that a three-hour show is still planned, despite the decision to tweak the presentation, the person said.
One affected Academy member stated: “It’s complete fiasco.”
Another one pointed out: “It’s another example of the Academy bowing to the network. There are a lot of very unhappy people.”
A third stated: “I am offended and insulted by the Academy’s decision to relegate eight categories to an inferior position at the Awards this year. … It’s absurd and the leadership should be ashamed.”
The Academy stated in 2019 that it will present four categories during commercial breaks, followed by filmed replays later in the ceremony, but ultimately overturned the idea due to backlash. By Tuesday evening, some Academy members had begun contacting directors, producers, and studio executives for assistance in overturning the current plan.
According to the source, it’s unclear whether all of the attendees will be seated in the theatre or remain on the red carpet for the earlier presentation. Stay tuned to Thirsty for more updates.
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February 23, 2022 8:23 pm
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