Oscars 2021: The Academy unveils new inclusion standards
A new phase has begun for the Oscars Award.
The 2021 Academy Awards is going to have a number of changes. Many of these changes are triggered by the ongoing efforts to achieve a more equitable and inclusive awarding system – the Academy Aperture 2025. After receiving a lot of backlash on the remarkably low representation of colored people and women in many of the award categories, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences is ready to make this right.
For the 94th Oscars Award in 2021, the numbers of nominees for the Best Picture category is increased from 5 to 10. This is to improve the representation of various movies made in different creative zones.
One major decision made by the Academy’s Board of Governors is the inclusion of streamed movies and their award eligibility. In a recent announcement, Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson shared that, “The Academy firmly believes there is no greater way to experience the magic of movies than to see them in a theater. Our commitment to that is unchanged and unwavering. Nonetheless, the historically tragic COVID-19 pandemic necessitates this temporary exception to our awards eligibility rules.”
It was also stated that “The Academy supports our members and colleagues during this time of uncertainty. We recognize the importance of their work being seen and also celebrated, especially now, when audiences appreciate movies more than ever.”
It was also announced that the award category for sound mixing and sound editing will be fused into a single category. Still, on sound, the Academy stated that in the Music (Original Score) category, only musical piece with 60% originality will be eligible. In addition, franchise and sequels movies must have at least 80% original or new music.
With the coronavirus disrupting major events all over the world, the date of the 2021 Oscars is most likely to change. However, there is no news stating a change from the earlier scheduled date, February 28, 2021.