Oscar Producer Will Packer Defends Ceremony Revamp: ‘Nobody Is Going to Be Shortchanged’ (EXCLUSIVE)
variety.comClayton Davis Will Packer, the producer of this year’s Oscars telecast, has responded to the artisans community’s outcry about the decision to pre-record eight craft categories.During an interview with Variety, the Hollywood producer behind box office hits like “Girls Trip” says he is setting out to make a fun and engaging telecast for all viewers, while sharing he has the utmost respect and compassion for all artisans in the industry.
Still, he stands by the decision to pre-tape eight categories and weave them into the live telecast.“I think it was the right decision,” Packer says. “We have to understand that the Academy Awards show as we know it is at an inflection point.
The next coming years, especially this year, are going to be a harbinger for what this show will become.” He adds: “You have to do something else, and you have to think about this as an entertainment property.
The Oscars are no different than any of the other award shows that are having that same challenges.”The Academy announced on Feb.
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