It probably doesn’t help that the categories are:
Original Score
Makeup and Hairstyling
Documentary Short
Film Editing
Production Design
Animated Short
Live Action Short
Sound
These are major categories which just makes the whole thing come across as insulting. With that said, I kind of get it. That show is looong. And besides, it’s not like the winners will be erased from history. They’ll still be honored, just not on live television.
Look, I’m a movie person in that I love movies and every little aspect of the movie-making process excites me. However, that’s probably not the case with the casual moviegoer. Are they as invested in production design and film editing as a nerd like me? Probably not. Was the live telecast created for the masses and not just the movie insiders (and nerds) among us? Yup. Was the Academy going to eventually make these cuts for time which they’ve been trying to implement since 2019? Looks like they just did.
So yes, I get that this is rude af to the nominees and their industries. And I couldn’t agree more with the “notable producer” who was quoted anonymously in this particular article.
“It sends a strong message about prioritizing of branches and specific filmmakers within the Academy,” one notable producer said, also speaking anonymously because of fear of professional consequences. “I think there would be other ways where the Academy could still present these awards live and quicken the pace of the show overall. This specific choice feels a bit lacking in creativity.”
Ultimately though, the live telecast is a show and if anyone can understand why the Academy would have to make such brutal cuts, it would be the entertainment industry insiders they’re celebrating.