If the Golden Globes are anything to go by, videoconferencing and awards ceremonies just really, really don't mix.
In fact, it sort of defeats the entire purpose of awards season in the first place - famous people interacting with one another, and getting progressively drunk together. Anyway, after the fallout from this year's Golden Globes via video problems over Zoom, it looks as though the Oscars isn't going the same route.
Deadline is reporting that the nominees of this year's Oscars have been told that joining via Zoom / Teams (ugh) / Skype won't be an option if they're unable to attend. In a letter sent to all nominees, the producers and director of this year's show explained that they are "going to great lengths to provide a safe and enjoyable evening for all of you in person, as well as for all the millions of film fans around the world, and we feel the virtual thing will diminish those efforts."
The letter also outlined dress attire for the night, declaring that casual clothing like that seen at this year's Golden Globes wasn't going to be tolerated. "We're aiming for a fusion of inspirational and aspirational, which in actual words means formal is totally cool if you want to go there, but casual is really not," the letter read.
So far, it's unclear how many people will be in attendance and how many of the nominees will be there. Already, AMPAS - the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences - have announced that this year's ceremony will take place in two locations - the Dolby Theatre, where it's always hosted, and the Union Station courtyard in Los Angeles.
This year's ceremony is due to take place on April 25th.
