Academy Says They Will Broadcast All Oscar Categories Following Backlash

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has, after receiving major pushback, decided to broadcast the awards for Cinematography, Film Editing, Live Action Short, and Makeup and Hairstyling live and not during commercial breaks, Deadline reports. 

Thank you @TheAcademy ! #Oscars2019 https://t.co/oCNna7FHYu

— Haley Joel Osment (@HaleyJoelOsment) February 15, 2019

“The Academy has heard the feedback from its membership regarding the Oscar presentation of four awards – Cinematography, Film Editing, Live Action Short, and Makeup and Hairstyling,” a statement from the Academy said. “All Academy Awards will be presented without edits, in our traditional format. We look forward to Oscar Sunday, February 24.”

The move comes on the heels of an open letter that slammed the decision to not broadcast the aforementioned categories was signed by Spike Lee, Martin Scorsese, Cary Joji Fukunaga, Spike Jonze, Quentin Tarantino, Seth Rogen, Ang Lee, and others in the film community. “Relegating these essential cinematic crafts to lesser status in this 91 st Academy Awards ceremony is nothing less than an insult to those of us who have devoted our lives and passions to our chosen profession,” the letter said. 

Variety reports that the awards ceremony will now run over three hours in total. The Academy was previously hoping to have the show be 180 minutes.

The 91st Academy Awards, which will be hostless this year, will take place on Feb. 24 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.