Oscars: Several Categories To Be Presented In A Pre-Show And Later Rolled Into Live Telecast In Latest Attempt To Improve Ratings

deadline.com:

Eight of the 23 Oscar categories will NOT be presented live on the March 27th broadcast, but rather taped pre-show in the audience and then run at points during the telecast.

In a  letter that just went out from AMPAS Presiden David Rubin to nominees and members explanations were given for the change but it is clearly an attempt to broaden the audience for the show.Here is the letter in its entirety:Dear Fellow Academy Members,We’re excited to present a 94thOscars broadcast that both honors the year’s achievements in motion pictures and provides boundless entertainment for our global audience of movie lovers.

After carefully listening to feedback and suggestions from our film community, our network partner, and all those who love the Oscars, it was evident we needed to make some decisions about the broadcast that are in the best interest of the future of our show and our organization.When deciding how to produce the Oscars, we recognize it’s a live event television show and we must prioritize the television audience to increase viewer engagement and keep the show vital, kinetic, and relevant.

This has been an important focus of discussion for quite some time. We do this while also remembering the importance of having our nominees relish a once-in-a-lifetime experience.In order to provide more time and opportunity for audience entertainment and engagement through comedy, musical numbers, film clip packages and movie tributes, a change in the show’s production will take place.