The Oscars 2021 has been postponed: what we know so far

WORDS Mia Steiber PHOTOGRAPHY theacademy on Instagram PUBLISHED Tue, 16 Jun 2020 - 4:07 pm

It's official. The 93rd Oscars will be postponed.

This is not an unexpected outcome, especially with so many major film releases for 2020 pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic outbreak. Just some of the blockbuster films that have been delayed include No Time To Die the latest James Bond flick, A Quiet Place 2, Mulan, Black Widow and Wonder Woman 1984.

It's the first time in 40 years the Academy Awards will be rescheduled. The event was originally set for February 28, but will now take place on April 25.

The announcement comes direct from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences - who also announced it would extend the eligibility window for films. Eligibility normally corresponds to the calendar year, but the cut off has now been moved until February 28 2021.

"For over a century, movies have played an important role in comforting, inspiring, and entertaining us during the darkest of times. They certainly have this year. Our hope, in extending the eligibility period and our Awards date, is to provide the flexibility filmmakers need to finish and release their films without being penalised for something beyond anyone's control," said Academy President David Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson in shared statement.

Likewise, we know that the British Academy Film Awards will be postponed too. Generally, the BAFTAS are held two weeks prior to the Academy Awards - which puts the new ceremony date at April 11 2021. Although this is not yet officially confirmed.

The news comes after the Academy announced new inclusivity measures. In addition to all governors receiving mandatory unconscious bias training, there are plans to develop inclusion standards for Oscars eligibility.

“While the Academy has made strides, we know there is much more work to be done in order to ensure equitable opportunities across the board, [...] The need to address this issue is urgent. To that end, we will amend—and continue to examine—our rules and procedures to ensure that all voices are heard and celebrated," Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said.

Looks like a lot will be changing ahead of the new ceremony in April 2021.