A giant Oscar trophy statuette on display at the 91st Nominees Gala in February 2019 in Los Angeles. – Robyn BECK / AFP
As in 2021 and for the second year in a row, the Oscars ceremony will be held a month later than planned in 2022, the Academy announced Thursday. This 94th edition will be held on March 27, 2022, in its traditional cinema, the Hollywood’s Dolby Theater.
The rule which allows films released directly on video-on-demand platforms to compete without going to theaters will also be maintained.
A boost to Netflix and Amazon?
The impact of Covid-19 thus continues to be felt on Hollywood awards. Traditionally, Oscar organizers require a movie to hit Los Angeles theaters for at least seven days in order to be eligible for prestigious awards. But faced with the closure of cinemas and the interruption of many filming, these criteria had been relaxed, a decision seen by many as a boost to platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
A domino effect to be expected on other ceremonies
“This year is still affected by the pandemic, the eligibility criteria for the 94th Academy Awards will be the same as those for the 93rd ceremony,” the Academy said in a statement. Films wishing to compete in this ceremony must be released before December 31. The Academy’s decision to postpone its ceremony could cause a domino effect, prompting other organizers to follow suit.
The NBC channel announced two weeks ago that it would not broadcast the Golden Globes next year, criticized by Hollywood for their lack of diversity.