In what will upset many fans the Academy Awards, this years award show will break from tradition in four categories and will be presented during commercial breaks when the Oscars broadcast by ABC on Feb. 24.
The affected categories are cinematography, film editing, live-action short and makeup and hairstyling.
While the Academy’s board of governors approved a plan in August to present some of the 24 awards categories during breaks in order to reduce the show’s running time to three hours, it had not been known which categories would be presented under the new format. In an email to the group’s membership on Monday, Academy president John Bailey stated that the Academy is set to,
“still honoring the achievements of all 24 awards on the Oscars.” In the case of the four categories that will be announced during commercial breaks, the winning speeches will air later in the broadcast”
“with the help of our partners at ABC, we also will stream these four award presentations online for our global fans to enjoy, live, along with our audience. Fans will be able to watch on Oscar.com and on the Academy’s social channels. The live stream is a first for our show, and will help further awareness and promotion of these award categories.”
“Viewing patterns for the Academy Awards are changing quickly in our current multi-media world, and our show must also evolve to successfully continue promoting motion pictures to a worldwide audience. This has been our core mission since we were established 91 years ago — and it is the same today.”
“So, buckle up! We are committed to presenting a show which we all will be proud of.”
Bailey, the Academy, and ABC expect a ratings spike with the changes made. We’ll find out February 24th.
