This year’s Oscars will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for most of the people in the audience at the show — but not for its performers and presenters, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decided Thursday that nominees and guests must show proof of vaccination and two negative PCR tests, as first reported by the New York Times. But while a production like the Oscars has the option of mandating vaccinations for its cast and crew, the Academy will rely on testing alone for presenters and performers, adhering to COVID safety protocols set by L.A. County’s Department of Health.
This is a change from the policy THR first reported on Feb. 9, in which the Academy was not planning to require proof of vaccination for nominees and guests. Face covering requirements will also vary, according to the Times, with some of the 2,500 guests at the Dolby Theatre allowed to go maskless and others seated in tighter spots remaining masked. Nominees and there guests will be seated in portions of the theater not requiring masks.
Other major awards shows leading up to the Oscars are requiring 100 percent of their attendees to be vaccinated, including the SAG Awards (Feb. 27) and the Critics Choice Awards (March 13). Joey Berlin, COO of the Critics Choice Association, previously told THR, “We will be 100 percent vaccinated and require a negative PCR test within 48 hours of the event. I can’t invite people to a show where they’re not going to feel safe.”
The Oscars ceremony will take place March 27.
—Aaron Couch contributed to this story.
Source: Hollywood
