Academy Awards bow to pressure: reverse cutting down Oscar categories

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, also known as the Academy, have reversed their decision to cut four categories, including cinematography, film editing, makeup and hairstyling, and live action short from the Oscars telecast.

The reversal was occasioned by a backlash from industry stakeholders who lambasted the organisers’ decision to present those categories during the commercial break. The idea was to show edited acceptance speeches in the telecast apparently in a bid to fit the awards within a three-hour running time.

Not surprising, that decision didn’t go well with many people and groups who wrote an open letter that criticised the proposal.

“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,” says the open letter, which was signed by stars such as Brad Pitt, Martin Scorsese, George Clooney, Christopher Nolan, Spike Lee and dozens more filmmakers, actors, cinematographers and producers.

“The vocal response from our peers and the immediate backlash from industry leaders over the Academy’s decision makes it clear that it’s not too late to have this decision reversed,” the letter continues.

Reacting to the backlash, the Academy released a statement via Variety.

“The Academy has heard the feedback from its membership regarding the Oscar presentation of four awards – Cinematography, Film Editing, Live Action Short, and Makeup and Hairstyling.

“All Academy Awards will be presented without edits, in our traditional format. We look forward to Oscar Sunday, February 24.”

Meanwhile, the American Society of Cinematographers have thanked the Academy for reversing the exclusions.

“We thank you for your show of respect for the hard-working members of the film community, whose dedication and exceptional talents deserve the public recognition this reversal now allows them to enjoy,” says the Cinematographers president, Kees van Osstrom per Variety.

“The honor offered by the Academy Awards is vital to validating the claim that everyone contributing to the making of a motion picture is an artist,” he adds.