The prize-giving Academy has to make significant changes with theatres shuttered and productions halted

LOS ANGELES • Next year’s Oscars could be postponed due to the disruption caused by the coronavirus in Hollywood, trade publication Variety reported on Tuesday.

The movie industry’s biggest night is currently scheduled for Feb 28. But with theatres shuttered, blockbusters delayed and productions halted, the prize-giving Academy has already been forced to make significant rules changes.

No formal proposals or detailed discussions have yet taken place over moving the event, or potential new dates, the report said.

Last month, the Academy — seen as the apex body of the Hollywood film industry — eased eligibility rules, allowing movies that skip the big screen this year to contend for Oscars.

At the time, the body also warned that “additional adjustments to Academy rules, eligibility requirements and scheduling may be required”.

“As previously announced, the 93rd Oscars telecast is scheduled to air on Sunday, Feb 28, 2021, on ABC. Any updated information about the show will be shared at a later time,” it said in the statement last month.

Currently, films must be released by Dec 31 to be considered for the following year’s Oscars, which usually take place in February or March.

The Oscars are the grand finale of a movie award season starting in earnest with the Golden Globes in early January.

Other movie award shows have yet to announce delays to their ceremonies, though many have also loosened eligibility rules. Both the Directors Guild of America and Producers Guild of America said on Tuesday that streaming titles would be permitted this year.

Television’s Primetime Emmys ceremony is currently still scheduled to take place in September. The earlier and lower-profile Daytime Emmys has already been replaced with a virtual event. — AFP