Several leading Hollywood guilds have criticised the Academy’s decision to present eight Oscars immediately prior to the 94th Academy Awards live telecast on March 27 and show edited recordings during the show.
American Cinema Editors (ACE) and Motion Picture Sound Editors among the groups decrying the Academy’s decision to present awards to winners in the editing, original score, sound, production design, make-up/hairstyling, documentary short, animated short, and live-action short categories. Editing has traditionally been regarded as a senior Oscar and a nomination is usually a precursor for films to be in serious contention for best picture.
The Academy, eager to mix up the show and stem the tide of falling telecast ratings on ABC, announced its decision during a Zoom call with nominees on Tuesday. It reversed a similar decision three years ago after there was an outcry over plans to present Oscars for editing, cinematography, make-up/hairstyling and live-action short during a commercial break.
Privately members have told Screen and other outlets that they view the decision as disrespectful of nominees in the eight categories. Some Hollywood groups have been more public in their views. The ACE board posted a statement on its website on Wednesday (23) saying the move sent a message that some creative disciplines were “more vital” than others. It continued, “As a group of artists wholly dedicated to advancing the art and prestige of film editing, we passionately believe that editing — and all other creative disciplines that are part of the collaborative art of filmmaking – should be treated equally.
“Our contributions to that collaboration may sometimes appear invisible but they are undeniable. We hope that film editors and other artists affected by this change will be honored and celebrated with the passion, dignity and inclusion they deserve.”
In a statement to press Motion Picture Sound Editors president Mark A. Lanza said eliminating live presentation of categories from the telecast “degrades” the Academy’s “mission to honour filmmaking in all its parts”. Lanza also noted the decision to roll sound editing and sound mixing into a single sound category that came into effect last year was presented with the undertaking that that category would not be removed from the live telecast.
Art Directors Guild and Cinema Audio Society struck a more conciliatory tone and said they welcomed the Academy’s decision to have all winners identified during the live telecast.
Oscars show producer Will Packer recently announced that Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes will co-host the awards.
No comments yet