While we’ve already seen examples of virtual award shows, like the Emmys, it looks like Hollywood’s biggest night is not going to let the Coronavirus concerns get in the way of their gathering. The Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences will hold the 93rd Academy Awards in their traditional fashion, no virtual ceremony. Variety notes an ABC representative has stated “The Oscars in-person telecast will happen.”
The awards will be taking place later in the year than normal, pushed back to April 25, 2021 – coincidentally, scientists are stating a vaccine will likely be available by April of next year. Even so, the vaccine may not be available to the general public until later next year. As to whether or not The Academy plans to pack full the 3400-seat Dolby Theatre remains to be seen, but we’re betting they’ll space things out a bit. It also remains to be seen if the stars will feel comfortable attending that time next year, and it wouldn’t be surprising if many declined the invite this time around. Can you imagine major Hollywood celebrities attending an award ceremony with masks on?
The Oscars are easily the most high profile and important awards in Hollywood, and it’s not surprising that of all the award shows coming up THIS would be the one to try moving ahead in traditional fashion. It also seems like The Academy is taking steps to figure out logistics early rather than wait until the event gets closer. This begs the question of whether or not other shows like The Golden Globes (scheduled for February 28) or the Screen Actors Guild Awards (March 14) will also push for an in person gathering rather than a virtual ceremony. More as it develops.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
