The Oscars are going back to basics: The 2023 TV broadcast of the annual awards show will feature the presentation of all 23 categories, reinstating the eight that were left out of this year’s live broadcast.
“I can confirm that all categories will be included in the live stream,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer told our sister site. Variety. “We are committed to having a show that celebrates artisans, the arts and sciences, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking. That’s really the Academy’s mission, and I’m hopeful that we can make a show that celebrates all the components of filmmaking in an entertaining and engaging way.
The decision comes after a serious industry backlash surrounding March’s Oscars ceremony, where eight categories – original music, makeup and hair, documentary short, film editing, production design, animated short, short footage and live sound — were relegated to pre-recorded acceptance speeches jammed before and after commercial breaks. That didn’t hurt ratings, though: The ABC broadcast drew 16.6 million total viewers, up 60% from 2021, and was up 73% in the demo, with a rating of 3.8. (That TV show, of course, included the infamous Will Smith/Chris Rock slap incident.)
Jimmy Kimmel is set to host the 2023 Oscars, which will air live on ABC on Sunday, March 12.
Are you happy they’re bringing back all of the Oscar categories for the live show? Hit the comments to share your thoughts.