Despite a challenging year for the film industry, the 93rd Academy Awards are finally here—here’s your guide to the event.
The 93rd Academy Awards have arrived, albeit two months later than usual due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on the film industry. Cinemas were closed, shoots halted, and major releases were delayed. However, despite the challenges, the Oscars are going ahead, albeit under unique circumstances.
This year’s nominations are filled with a remarkable range of excellent films, though the sense of a “year of the asterisk” remains. Many blockbuster films and awards contenders were pushed back until cinemas fully reopen, leaving the 2021 lineup feeling a bit incomplete. Furthermore, the absence of commercial success in Hollywood is expected to have a subtle impact, with predictions of a lower-than-usual TV audience.
The Covid-19 pandemic has also reshaped the ceremony itself. For the first time, the show will take place in Los Angeles’ Union Station instead of the usual theatre setting, with all participants limited to nominees and presenters, each allowed one guest. Director Steven Soderbergh, who is part of the production team, has promised a “cinematic” show, though exactly what that entails remains unclear. One thing’s for certain: we’ll have to wait and see how it all unfolds on the night.
