After it leaked that the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences was planning on not requiring vaccination at the 94th Academy Awards, there was a massive pushback from members and the industry over the decision. Today, an AMPAS spokesperson revealed an updated policy that will raise many eyebrows and will leave the door open for major speculation on who on the telecast is and isn’t vaccinated. A decision that will leave few attending the ceremony satisfied.
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According to the New York Times, all attendees and nominees of the 2022 Oscars will need to be vaccinated and show proof of two negative PCR tests. Additionally, the Academy is inviting just 2,500 guests this year instead of the estimated 3,317 traditionally allowed at the Dolby Theater. Nominees and their guests will sit in the orchestra and parterre sections of the Dolby and will not be required to wear masks. Attendees in the mezzanine and balcony will be required to wear masks.
The surprise is that AMPAS is not requiring presenters or performers to be vaccinated. Instead, they will undergo “rigorous testing” before being allowed into the Dolby. In theory, this is aligned with COVID safety work protocols set up by Los Angeles County. And, under an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers which was just extended this week, production companies have the option of mandating vaccinations and, almost every major studio and network has. AMPAS will now work outside of the industry standard in that regard.
While Original Song nominee Van Morrison has come under fire for his views over the vaccine but if he is not inoculated it’s hard to believe he is the only performer or presenter that would convince the Academy and ABC to move forward with this policy. Expect speculation on which former nominee, potential presenter, or nominated performer is not vaccinated to be a part of the Oscar conversation in the weeks to come.
It should be noted all nominees and attendees of both the upcoming SAG Awards and Critics Choice Awards will have to show proof of vaccination to enter the premises.
The 2022 Oscars will be held at the Dolby Theater on March 27 at 5:00 PM PT/ 8:00 PM ET and broadcast live on ABC.