2021 Oscars: Academy of Motion Picture Pushed Date To April

This year has witnessed a lot of disruptions in the film industry regarding change of release date and suspension of film production, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has also followed suit and changed the date for the 93rd award ceremony.

The Academy announced the new date for next year's ceremony has been pushed back to a later date, a decision that is anticipated over the coronavirus pandemic. Cinemas have been on lockdown since the outbreak spread across Europe and America since March. Consequentially, films like No Time To Die, Fast & Furious 9, Spiral, and Candyman have rescheduled their release dates. 

Originally, February 28 is the official date for the award night, next year, it will be happening on a different date which has been announced to be April 25 as a result of the impact of the killer bug has had on the industry. Filmmakers who have changed their film release date can yet make still have their films in the list of nominees if they are released between January 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021. 

The Academy Museum will be reopening on April 30 and when speaking to Deadline, its director, Bill Kramer, explained that the decision is difficult but one necessary as health and safety of everyone is top on the priority of the Academy following the global health crisis caused by the killer bug pandemic.

"With the unprecedented and devastating pandemic happening around the world and our commitment first and foremost to the health and safety of our visitors and staff, we have made the difficult decision to wait a few more months to open our doors," said Kramer. 

The change of date is happening for the first time in the industry since 1932-33 and most studios' top executives also see the move as the right one for the Academy. 

He added, "Thankfully, with COVID-19 safety protocols in place, exhibitions continue to be installed. We look forward to April 2020 when Los Angeles and the world will be able to join together as the Academy celebrates the Oscars and the opening of its long-dreamed-of museum."