For years, ABC has tried to remove some of the categories from the primary Oscars telecast. After record-low ratings in 2021, it appears their wish has partially come true. In a letter sent to nominees and members, AMPAS president David Rubin revealed that eight categories will now be awarded before the live ceremony and then highlighted during the broadcast.
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In the letter to members, Rubin noted, “They will not be presented in the pre-show nor on the red carpet, as some have speculated. Instead, the in-person ceremony at the Dolby Theatre will begin one hour earlier to present eight awards categories before the live telecast starts. Those presentations will then be edited by our creative and production teams and will be folded seamlessly into the live televised show.”
Additionally, he noted, “To be clear, all the nominees in ALL awards categories will be identified on-air and ALL winners’ acceptance speeches will be featured on the live broadcast. Every awarded filmmaker and artist in every category will still have the celebratory ‘Oscar moment’ they deserve on the stage of the Dolby, facing an enrapt audience.”
The eight categories are as follows: Documentary (Short Subject), Film Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Production Design, Short Film (Animated), Short Film (Live Action), and Sound.
Rubin finished his note with the following: “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. 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.
Every Academy branch and award category is indispensable to the success of a film and vital to this industry. Both our challenge and our goal is to create an exciting, streamlined Oscars show without sacrificing the long-held fundamentals of our organization. We appreciate your understanding and will be grateful for your unwavering support.”
It should be noted this editing style has been used for awards shows such as the MTV Video Music Awards although it’s usually edited so viewers think it’s happening in real-time.
The 94th Academy Awards will be hosted by Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes.
The ceremony will take place on March 28 at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood and broadcast live on ABC at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET.