IATSE Calls Out Academy’s ‘Detrimental’ Decision to Reformat Oscars Telecast
variety.comJazz Tangcay Artisans EditorThe International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the largest union representing behind-the-scenes workers in North America, has joined the growing number of critics expressing their disapproval of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ decision to pre-record eight craft categories at the Oscars.The eight categories to be aired retroactively as part of the awards broadcast on March 27 include film editing, make-up and hairstyling, production design, animated short and sound.The statement released by IATSE President Matthew Loeb said, “By the nature of our jobs, behind the scenes, workers get little recognition as is, despite being the backbone of every production.
The Academy Awards has been virtually the only venue where the very best on and off the big screen, above and below the line gather to honor each other’s incredible contributions through their crafts, inspiring millions who tune into the TV Broadcast in the process.
We believe a deviation for some crafts and categories but not others is detrimental to this fundamental purpose. While the Academy made accommodations to include these categories in the broadcast, our position remains that the awards should put all the positions that make pictures possible on equal footing.
If the winners walk away with the same trophy, then the winners deserve the same recognition. I urge the Academy to reconsider.” Last month, it was announced that in efforts to create a more television-friendly broadcast, the Academy would not present every category live on air.
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