The Oscars are in a no-win situation. For years they have faced declining viewership, all the while promising a shorter runtime for the next ceremony (though never actually succeeding in doing so). This year, they found a solution: present four categories during commercial breaks. The categories in question are cinematography, film editing, live-action shorts, and makeup and hairstyling.
Of course, because it’s the Oscars, no one was happy about this. Many filmmakers took to social media to complain about the move from the Academy, and now it looks like they’ve taken yet another step in their complaint: penning an open letter. Among the many filmmakers railing against them are Spike Lee, Martin Scorsese, and Quentin Tarantino. Joining them are bands of high-profile editors and cinematographers.
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“Relegating these essential cinematic crafts to lesser status in this 91st Academy Awards ceremony is nothing less than an insult to those of us who have devoted our lives and passions to our chosen profession,” the letter reads. “When the recognition of those responsible for the creation of outstanding cinema is being diminished by the very institution whose purpose it is to protect it, then we are no longer upholding the spirit of the Academy’s promise to celebrate film as a collaborative art form.”
Yeah, I get the idea that these guys are essentially getting less recognition, but on the flip side, I hear so many people constantly complain about how long the Oscars is and how they don’t care about certain categories. All this really seems to drive home is that it’s impossible to make everyone happy, and the Oscars may need to decide whether it wants to be an awards show with mainstream appeal or an awards show that celebrates the best in the biz.
Personally, as sad as it is, I’d cut it down to maybe 10-12 core categories and present everything else during commercials. But I’m also a terrible human being with a short attention span and no skin in the game. But what about you? Let us know your thoughts down below!
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SOURCE: THR
