The Oscars ceremony has a ‘no-Zoom’ policy amid pandemic

Last March 24, Wednesday, several news publications reported that the Academy Awards or also known as the Oscars have barred the nominees from taking part remotely. In short, they had a no-Zoom policy, proving a headache to every nominee and potential attendee. The reason behind this would include publicists and some studio executives complaining about logistics, costs, and quarantine issues.

The Oscars ceremony has a ‘no-Zoom’ policy amid pandemic

According to The Guardian, it would prove headache for multiple nominees who live outside the United States. However, it would prove a headache for people who live inside the country, too. Last week, producers said that there will “not be an option to Zoom in for the show.” Aside from that, they also encouraged nominees to attend in person.

At least nine nominees live in Britain. Meanwhile, some of the other 200 or so nominees will continue to work on productions that require quarantine or living in restricted “bubbles” with cast and crew. Other awards shows, on the other hand, have replaced the usual in-person gatherings and on-stage appearances. They also allowed nominees to Zoom in for the show.

No-Zoom policy.

This policy means you either show up in person or the Academy will accept your Oscar on your behalf. The producers state:

“For those of you unable to attend because of scheduling or continued uneasiness about traveling, we want you to know there will not be an option to Zoom in for the show. We are going to great lengths to provide a safe and ENJOYABLE evening for all of you in person, as well as for all the millions of film fans around the world, and we feel the virtual thing will diminish those efforts.”

The Oscars will have a theme of Stories Matter. They also ask nominees to allow interviewers to talk to them. This would also mean that the nominees would tell their own personal story of what led them to this significant moment in their lives. It would be important to note that this does not mean just the high-profile nominees, namely actors. This would include every one of them.