The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has just announced that not all major awards will be presented on air during this year’s Oscars. The purpose, according to a letter written by Academy President David Rubin, is to create a more streamlined, TV-friendly broadcast.
“After carefully listening to feedback and suggestions from our film community, our network partner, and all those who love the Oscars, it was evident we needed to make some decisions about the broadcast that are in the best interest of the future of our show and our organization,” Rubin wrote in the letter sent out to Academy members.
The categories that will be handed out before the on-camera portion of the ceremony are for documentary short, film editing, makeup and hairstyling, original score, production design, animated short, live-action short and sound.
Rubin also explained that less time spent on presenting categories will allow for more comedy, film clips, and musical numbers to occur throughout the show. He also reassured that the choice was made for the betterment of the Oscars as a whole, while many believe that the new plan is minimizing the work and contributions of certain craftspeople who operate behind the scenes or in less popular categories.
“We realize these kinds of changes can prompt concern about equity, and we ask you to understand our goal has been to find a balance in which nominees, winners, members, and viewing audience all have a rewarding show experience,” he explained. “Moving forward we will assess this change and will continue to look for additional ways to make our show more entertaining and more thrilling for all involved, inside the Dolby Theatre and watching from home.”
Last year, the Oscars had its smallest audience in the history of the ceremony with a 51% drop in viewers. These changes, the Academy hopes, will bring the awards show back up to its previous acclaim.
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