Movie Academy Bosses On Controversial Oscar Changes And How They Plan To Implement Them At “Critical Juncture” For Show

deadline.com:

EXCLUSIVE: Calling this a “critical Juncture in our Academy history,” Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Dawn Hudson and president David Rubin joined me for a 30-minute conversation Monday night in their first media interview since changes were announced last week, trying to clarify and explain what is actually going on with the Oscar telecast.Of course, the key change is in presenting eight categories in the hour before the live broadcast on ABC and then weaving edited versions of those moments into the telecast with the other 15 categories and other show elements.

There has been considerable pushback to the move from some guilds and organizations representing nominees involved — the categories impacted are Documentary (Short Subject), Film Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Production Design, Short Film (Animated), Short Film (Live Action) and Sound — and some have called for the Academy to change course and return to the tradition of presenting all categories live on the show.However, according to Hudson, the time had come to make dramatic change, and despite the criticism from some quarters the Academy is forging ahead.

She also wants to make sure people understand that this was done with respect and care, and clarify any misunderstanding about what is actually planned as they say since many leaks out there have not gotten the facts correct in their view.“The board has discussed and agreed on the need to make changes to the broadcast, to allow for a celebratory show that also doesn’t ​run well over ​three hours.

That discussion has been ongoing but with more urgency for this year’s show,” Hudson said. “The decision to show eight categories in our first hour in the Dolby Theatre was