MUMBAI: Will Oscars be postponed due to the Covid2019 pandemic? The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, considered the apex body of the Hollywood film industry, may postpone the 93rd edition of Oscars, according to entertainment website Variety.

As of now, the ABC telecast is set for 28 February, 2021. But it can be delayed further in view of the Covid2019 pandemic.

Though there have not been any “definitive plans’ yet on this as of now, a change in date is likely, reports Variety, quoting multiple sources.

Another source, however, revealed to the website that the date as of now remains unchanged.

The usual rules have it that films should be released for seven days in theatres in Los Angeles county to qualify for Oscars. However, in the changed scenario where theatres remain shuttered due to the pandemic, digitally released films will also be qualified for Oscars.

It is too early to know how the 2021 Oscar telecast could change in the wake of the Covid2019 pandemic, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president David Rubin told Variety.

“It’s impossible to know what the landscape will be. We know we want to celebrate film but we do not know exactly what form it will take. I think everyone is sympathetic to the filmmakers’ plight and we’re here to support our members and the film community. It makes sense when we don’t really know what’s to come in terms of the availability of theatrical exhibition. We need to make allowances for this year only and during this time when theatres are not open so great film work can be seen and celebrated,” Rubin said.

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