The 95th Academy Awards are looking to make a significant change in the wake of last year's controversy. Of course, Will Smith and Chris Rock dominated headlines last year with The Slap. However, the Oscars were in hot water for a completely different reason following the 2022 awards ceremony. Eight categories did not receive any time on the live telecast last year, including original score, makeup and hairstyling, documentary short, film editing, production design, animated short, live action short, and sound.
However, all 23 categories will make their way to the live broadcast this year, according to Variety and Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. "I can confirm that all categories will be included in the live telecast," Kramer explained. The CEO was recently appointed in June after Dawn Hudson served in the position for 11 years. "We are thrilled to be in a position to execute that," Kramer said regarding the restoration of unaired categories. In addition, the CEO released a statement reflecting on the goals of the Academy in the future.
"We are committed to having a show that celebrates the artisans, the arts and sciences and the collaborative nature of movie making. This is very much what the mission of the Academy is, and I am very hopeful that we can do a show that celebrates all components of movie making in an entertaining and engaging way."
Kramer was asked to share what else fans can expect from the 95th annual awards ceremony, and the CEO is already looking forward to the 100th. "All I will say right now is that our anniversary, the 95th Oscars, is extremely important to us. I think it sets a really interesting rhythm for our 100th," he said. "You see this in the museum, I think we are able to celebrate our legacy while bringing the Academy into the future and the show will reflect that."
Jimmy Kimmel is set to host the ceremony, with the 95th Academy Awards airing live on ABC on March 12, 2023.
The 94th Academy Awards Were Heavily Critiqued
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The decision to exclude eight categories from the live telecast of the Oscars in 2022 was not well received. Following last year's ceremony, a letter from members of the Academy, including prominent names such as James Cameron, Kathleen Kennedy, Guillermo del Toro, and John Williams, was sent asking the Academy to reverse its decision.
The Los Angeles Times captured a few segments from the statement, voicing their displeasure with the decision. "Critical artistic crafts like music scoring, film editing, production design, makeup, hairstyling and sound will always deserve the same respect and recognition as crafts like acting, directing, and visual effects," the letter read.
Other notable Hollywood icons who opposed the change include Steven Spielberg, Denis Villeneuve, and Jane Champion. Luckily, it appears their voices were heard, as audiences will see the 95th Oscars in full on March 12, 2023.