What’s Going on With the Oscars Amid COVID-19?

Quick question. Have you thought about the Oscars at all between the beginning of March till now?

Seriously. have you been keeping up on the movies that would be up for consideration? I mean any movie that would be up for Best Movie or have someone be in the running for Best Actor or Best Actress?

No matter what your answer, the film academy is on the verge of postponing the Oscar ceremony and announce a postponement of the eligibility window for films. This includes a task force that’s set “to develop and implement new representation and inclusion standards for Oscars eligibility by July 31, 2020.”

It’s a new day. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is close to fulfilling its ‘A2020’ goals that were prioritized in the wake of the #OscarsSoWhite controversy of five years ago. This would double the number of women and people of color among its membership and launch the initiative ‘Academy Aperture 2025’ that would link Oscar eligibility to representation and inclusion standards.

“While the Academy has made strides, we know there is much more work to be done in order to ensure equitable opportunities across the board,” Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement. “The need to address this issue is urgent. To that end, we will amend — and continue to examine — our rules and procedures to ensure that all voices are heard and celebrated.”

Academy president David Rubin added, “Through the dedication, focus and concerted effort of our board of governors and members on the branch executive committees, the Academy has surpassed the goals of our A2020 initiative. But to truly meet this moment, we must recognize how much more needs to be done, and we must listen, learn, embrace the challenge and hold ourselves and our community accountable. Academy leadership and our board are committed to ensuring that we continue to weave equity and inclusion into the fabric of every Academy initiative, committee, program and event.”

In addition, the 94th Oscars season will see a “quarterly viewing process” through the Academy Screening Room, the streaming site through which Academy members are able to watch Oscar hopefuls at home. By making it possible for members to view films released year-round, the Academy aims to broaden each film’s exposure, level the playing field and ensure all eligible films can be seen by voting members.

As things move fast, change is overtaking the process that might influence the ways things have been done for decades. 

What do you think will be the final results of what’s going on and how will the Oscars be presented in the next few years?