Oscars Producer Will Packer Addresses Controversial Telecast Changes, Fan Favorite Award
variety.comJazz Tangcay Artisans EditorWill Packer, the producer of this year’s Oscars telecast, said the annual celebration of movies is working to create a more streamlined and television-friendly experience.
It’s one that will embrace social media, with Packer telling journalists on Thursday that allowing fans to vote on their favorite movie of the year on Twitter will help democratize the experience.
As part of that effort a special award, dubbed the Oscars fan favorite prize, will be handed out on Sunday.“It just helps to augment what is already a show that’s all about elevating the best of community building,” said Packer. “It creates a two-way dialogue and is more inclusive because the Oscars always felt so stuffy and so one-percenter.” But some of Packer’s moves have been controversial.
Among the changes to the telecast is a decision to present eight categories, including awards for sound, documentary short, and editing, before the live event begins airing.
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