The Oscars Changes Live Show After Controversial Decision

BY AMANDA ROBINSON

After receiving numerous complaints following their announcement that they will not be televising cinematography, editing, hair, make-up, and live action short. The Academy has put all these categories back into the live program. Originally, these awards would have been handed out during the commercial break; however, The Academy has decided to televise all categories previously omitted during the live show. The original decision was made by the Academy in order to cut down on falling viewership towards the end of programing.

The initial announcement was followed by many stars reacting negatively to the change and even going as far as threatening not to vote in protest. In an article for the BBC, award-winning producer Gareth Ellis-Unmin said, “I think it is a damaging move not to recognize some of the roles that are critical to the film-making process.”

Many other stars have jumped to criticize the Academy for their decision. Previous Oscar winner Alfonso Cuaron tweeted about the matter. “No one single film has ever existed without CINEMAtography and without editing.”

(Alfonso Cuaron’s Twitter)

(Seth Rogen’s Twitter)

Dozens of other actors, directors and producers also shared their thoughts on the issue. Director Edgar Wright made a statement claiming that these artists needed to be treated with “the respect they deserve.”

In protest, more than 40 directors and cinematographers signed an open letter asking the Academy to reverse their decision, and it seems to have worked! The letter expressed their thoughts on the issue stating, “relegating these essential cinematic crafts to lesser status is nothing less than an insult to those of us who have devoted our lives and passions to our chosen profession.”

After weeks of standing by their decision, the Academy finally responded. In a statement put out earlier this week, “The Academy has heard the feedback from its membership regarding the Oscar presentation of four awards – Cinematography, Film Editing, Live Action Short, and Makeup and Hairstyling. All Academy Awards will be presented without edits, in our traditional format. We look forward to Oscar Sunday, February 24.”

The letter, along with numerous negative tweets and a Hollywood protest; gave the Academy no choice but to put these categories back into the program and go on with the longer show.