The 2021 Acade-no-my

Harriet Metcalfe on the news that the 2021 Oscars might not be happening.

Harriet Metcalfe
24th May 2020
Image Credit: Flickr
After announcing the change in the eligibility of films to be nominated, it looks like the 2021 Oscars ceremony might not go ahead at all. But with the date set for February 28th (my birthday, but don't blame me), there's still some time left...Oscars on Zoom, anyone?

According to an article from Variety quoting from an anonymous source, "it's likely that they'll be postponed". David Rubin (Academy President) said; "We know we want to celebrate film, but we do not know exactly what form it will take".

So yes, a lot of this is based off hearsay - especially since the Academy refused to comment on the Variety article. But this isn't exactly great news for the Oscars, who have been struggling the past few years - suffering from low viewing figures, a lack of presenters and support from the film community. They need to figure something out to support their members and fans alike - and quickly.

Is it a bit pretentious then for the Oscars not to move online?

Film awards ceremonies can work online - and a lot of people have proved this already. Beijing International Film Festival has been running this month, whilst the British Film Industries' Flare festival was successfully moved online. Is it a bit pretentious then for the Oscars not to move online? Sure, there won't be the red carpets, the grandeur and the horribly expensive gift-bags - but would surely it would be more respectful of the films that are eligible for the award?

Not to get ahead of ourselves - but the Academy need to look ahead to 2022 as well. Not having the awards next year means a backlog of films that they'll have to deal with, either through another ceremony when it's safe in 2021, or by including them in the 2022 ceremony. Which obviously, would make it longer than it already is - and does anyone really have the patience to sit through two years' worth of awards? They're going to have to make sure they keep the ceremony short enough that viewing figures go up, whilst adequately recognising the work of many filmmakers - and that's not the easiest thing in the world.

There's only one question left to ask...who's going to present?

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AUTHOR: Harriet Metcalfe
English Literature BA student. Loves film, TV, books and coffee. Thinks "Thor: The Dark World" gets too much hate. Twitter: @hattiemetcalfe

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