The eight awards cut are “Best Documentary Short,” “Sound, Film Editing,” Makeup and Hairstyling," “Live Action Short,” “Original Score,” “Production Design” and “Animated Short.” The winners of these awards will be announced one hour before the broadcast begins inside the Dolby Theater and will be edited into the Oscars.
The Academy’s President, David Rubin, sent out a detailed letter to the members explaining that the awards will be presented in alphabetical order, with the exception of “Best Picture” as the final award.
“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,” he wrote.
He also explained that viewers of the show are a major priority, meaning they must keep the show “vital, kinetic, and relevant.” Last year, about 10 million people tuned into the show, which was a 56 percent decrease from 2020, rounding it to 23 million viewers.
The news sparked backlash online from movie fans. They used #PresentAll23 to express their disappointment.
@Ema_sasic wrote: “My heart breaks for the documentarians, editors, makeup artists, hairstylists, composers, production designers, animators, sound editors and overall filmmakers who won’t get the same chance to enjoy their moment like other Oscar winners. Please change this and #PresentAll23.”
“Hey @TheAcademy, you are robbing short filmmakers, editors, makeup and hairstylists, composers, production designers, and sound designers of the incredible dream of accepting an Oscar live on your show. All for a desperate attempt at higher ratings. Shame on you. #PresentAll23,” @EzraCubero said.
“The #Oscars are the only big awards show where artists who make short films are recognized just like big stars. If you remove those categories then it will be like shorts don’t even exist for general people. @TheAcademy should respect all nominees and movie lovers. #PresentAll23,” @ronaldotrancoso added.
@Nikowl wrote, “Trust me @TheAcademy, if we wanted montages and skits, we’d head over to YouTube and not wait for your ceremony to catch them. Alienating the remaining audience that still religiously watches the Oscars will be of no help to your already decreasing audience. #PresentAll23.”
Watch The Academy Awards on Sunday, March 27th at 8:00 p.m. EST / 5:00 p.m. PST on ABC.
