Oscars 2022 controversies: Eliminating categories, celeb vaccination policies, declined ratings
India Today
Oscars 2022 is just around the corner but are you aware of all the controversies that grappled the event this year? Read on, for it's time already!
The Oscars are back and how after the pandemic-stricken world has somewhat come to a state of control. While the nominations and comeback of hosts have been news generators since day 1, Oscars 2022 has been the centre-point of controversies from the very start. From the elimination of eight categories to Covid-19 vaccination protocols for winners and guests, here's serving you all the Oscar-related controversies in a nutshell.
It was on February 15 when it was decided that eight of the total 23 categories would not be premiered in the main Oscars show, but an hour prior to the start of the event. The categories include Documentary (Short Subject), Film Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Production Design, Short Film (Animated), Short Film (Live Action). The winning speeches from each category will see an edit before it is aired. This led to pushback on the decision of nominees belonging to these categories. "I can’t imagine a purpose for staying in an organisation that doesn’t respect my craft anymore,” sound mixer Peter Kurland told The Hollywood Reporter.
Relating to the earlier point, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced their decision to rake up Oscars ratings by cutting the aforementioned categories. AMPAS CEO told Deadline, “So, after 11 o’clock, the viewership on the East Coast goes down, and you measure viewership up until the last commercial break.” Further adding, “This is way granular, but if your last commercial break is after 11 o’clock or way after 11 o’clock, now you’re just absorbing all that declining audience and it impacts your entire ratings, which impacts your advertisers for the next.”
The 94th Academy Awards is, of course, held keeping in mind the Covid-19 regulations. However, it is all things complicated. About 2,500 guests attending Oscars 2022 will need to show vaccination proofs and at least two Covid-19 negative reports. However, performers and presenters will not need a vaccination report but they might have to undergo RT-PCR testing to attend the event. The requirement for masks also depends upon one’s involvement in the awards show. Also, the Academy is only inviting 2,500 guests out of Dolby Theater’s capacity to hold 3,317 people.
In one of the firsts, Oscars announced an online voting poll created on Twitter, where the audience gets to vote for their choice of films. This was apparently done with the intention to amp their engagement plans. Tom Holland’s Spider-Man: No Way Home was one of the top mentions, however, fans soon hijacked the voting polls. How fair is it? No one knows.
Coming to the informative part now - where and how to watch Oscars 2022. Well, the 94th Academy Awards will be broadcast live on March 27 at 8 pm ET. In India, the ceremony will be aired at 5.30 am on Monday, March 28. Oscars 2022 will be broadcast on Star Movies, Star Movies HD and Star World from 6.30am. You can also catch live updates from the social media pages of The Academy.
ALSO READ | Writing With Fire’s Oscars 2022 nomination is a victory for India. Why it should win Academy Award
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Ayushmann Khurrana shared a never-heard-before verse of Saadi Galli from Nautanki Saala! after being inspired by fan videos on social media.
The makers of KD: The Devil have made the Nora Fatehi song private after severe criticism over suggestive lyrics and visuals. The National Human Rights Commission has reportedly issued notices to the filmmakers following backlash.
Esha Deol reacted to her father and veteran actor Dharmendra's name being snubbed from the Oscars In Memoriam segment. The actor said that her father's legacy is beyond this and that he never cared for such honour.
Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar: The Revenge is making history with a massive Rs 123 crore in global pre-sales. Reports suggest that multiplexes are scheduling post-midnight shows for the film.
Vir Das shared why roast-style hosting like Ricky Gervais or Conan O'Brien at international award shows rarely works in India. He said star egos and industry power dynamics make it difficult for comedians to openly joke about top actors.
Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna shared colourful glimpses from their Haldi ceremony. Rashmika shared that the celebration felt like Haldi + Holi and was filled with games, colours, and family traditions.
Jessie Buckley created history by becoming the first Irish Best Actress Oscar winner. President Catherine Connolly congratulated Buckley on her achievement.
Hema Malini expressed disappointment after Dharmendra was left out of the televised In Memoriam segment at the Oscars. Calling the omission a "shame," she said the late actor was loved by audiences across the world.
Nora Fatehi's song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke from KD: The Devil has sparked backlash online over its lyrics. Armaan Malik called the track "a new low".
The revising committee of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is expected to watch Vijay's Jana Nayagan on March 17. The film was supposed to release in January 2026, but was postponed due to non-issuance of a censor certificate.
Janhvi Kapoor shared an emotional tribute to hairstylist Marce Pedrozo after his death, recalling their close working relationship and memories from film sets.
Actor Mohanlal delivered a moving speech at director Blessy's son's wedding in Kerala. He celebrated his long-standing friendship with Blessy in his speech.