Roundtable Discussion:
Elizabeth Stoddard,
Jon Partridge,
Cinapse,
Austin Film Critics Association,
94th Academy Awards Predictions and Discussion
Change is coming to the 94th Academy Awards. But is it change for the better? In a controversial bid to both reduce the running time of and to boost TV ratings for Sunday, March 27’s Oscars ceremony, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will pre-tape the announcing of the winners of eight categories: animated short, documentary short, live-action short, film editing, makeup and hairstyling, original score, production design, and sound. In addition, the Academy will introduce the Oscars Fan Favorite award, a potentially ballot-stuffing measure that seems like an excuse to honor theatrical and streaming blockbusters that are not worthy of Best Picture consideration. Other obvious attempts to halt dwindling ratings include a live performance of Encanto’s “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”—which is not even nominated for Best Original Song—and naming extreme sports stars Tony Hawk, Shawn White, and Kelly Slater as presenters. And, after two host-less Oscars, the Academy has recruited Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes, and Regina Hall to preside over this year’s proceedings. While there is much speculation whether Best Picture frontrunner The Power of The Dog can hold off dark-horse CODA, it is highly likely that this is the year a streaming service—Netflix or Apple TV+—takes home the Academy’s top prize. Other expected highlights include a 50th anniversary celebration of The Godfather and a James Bond tribute. Light Camera Austin's Robert Sims hosts this Oscars roundtable discussion with two fellow members of the Austin Film Critics Association: Elizabeth Stoddard and Jon Partridge, both of the website Cinapse. Stoddard also serves as president of the Austin Film Critics Association; Partridge serves as vice president. In addition to debating the Academy’s shakeup of year’s Oscars, the roundtable discussion features the panelists offering their predictions, preferences, and snubs for the categories of Best Picture, Best Directing, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best International Film, and Best Animated Film. Aired: April 22, 2021. Web sites: https://www.oscars.org https://abc.go.com/shows/oscars https://cinapse.co https://butwhythopodcast.com |
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