The Academy Awards are going to be very different this year, as they should.
“In this unique year that has asked so much of so many, the Academy is determined to present an Oscars like none other, while prioritizing the public health and safety of all those who will participate,” an Academy spokesperson said. “To create the in-person show our global audience wants to see, while adapting to the requirements of the pandemic, the ceremony will broadcast live from multiple locations, including the landmark Dolby Theatre. We look forward to sharing more details soon.”
With Zoom available, and actors scattered all over the world, this makes sense. Plus Steven Soderbergh is one of the producers, he knows how to do this, and Stacey Sher can execute any plan. It’s very possible to imagine multiple locations like New York, London, Australia, etc. Maybe even from Nomadland! The foreign language nominees could actually be at home and accept their awards.
Awards shows are going to be forever changed by the pandemic. I think, in a good way. The Oscars embrace a global gestalt already. This will really make them worldwide. Alas, no after parties. Vanity Fair will have to settle for a Zoom event. Madonna will, too. Those, however, won’t work so well.
The Oscars are on ABC April 25th live from the Dolby Theater and everywhere!