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93rd Academy Awards
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93rd Academy Awards
Official poster promoting the 93rd Academy Awards in 2021.
Official poster
DateApril 25, 2021
SiteUnion Station
Los Angeles, California, U.S.[a]
Preshow hosts
Produced by
Directed byGlenn Weiss
Highlights
Best PictureNomadland
Most awardsNomadland (3)
Most nominationsMank (10)
TV in the United States
NetworkABC
Duration3 hours, 19 minutes[5]
Ratings

The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), honored films released from January 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021, at Union Station in Los Angeles.[a] The ceremony was held on April 25, 2021, rather than its usual late-February date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[8] During the ceremony, the AMPAS presented Academy Awards (commonly referred to as Oscars) in 23 categories. The ceremony, televised in the United States by ABC, was produced by Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher, and Steven Soderbergh, and was directed by Glenn Weiss.[9][10] For the third consecutive year, the ceremony had no official host.[11] In related events, the Academy Scientific and Technical Awards were presented by host Nia DaCosta on February 13, 2021, in a virtual ceremony.[12]

Nomadland won three awards at the main ceremony, including Best Picture.[13] Other winners included The Father, Judas and the Black Messiah, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Mank, Soul and Sound of Metal with two awards each, and Another Round, Colette, If Anything Happens I Love You, Minari, My Octopus Teacher, Promising Young Woman, Tenet, and Two Distant Strangers with one. The telecast received mostly negative reviews, and it garnered 10.4 million viewers, making it the least-watched Oscar broadcast since viewership records began for the 46th ceremony in 1974.[6][14][15]

Winners and nominees

[edit]

The nominees for the 93rd Academy Awards were announced on March 15, 2021, by actress Priyanka Chopra and singer Nick Jonas during a live global stream originating from London.[16] Mank led all nominees with ten nominations. The winners were announced during the awards ceremony on April 25.[17] Chinese filmmaker Chloé Zhao became the first woman of color to win Best Director and the second woman overall after Kathryn Bigelow, who won at the 2010 ceremony for directing The Hurt Locker.[18] In addition, the nomination for Emerald Fennell in the same category meant that this also marked the first time two women directors had both been nominated for the Oscar for Best Director in the same year.[19]

At age 83, Best Actor winner Anthony Hopkins was the oldest performer ever to win a competitive acting Oscar.[20] Best Actress winner Frances McDormand became the seventh person to win a third acting Oscar, the third to win three leading performance Oscars, and the second to win Best Actress three times.[21] As a producer of Nomadland, she also was the first person in history to win Oscars for both acting and producing for the same film.[22]

Best Supporting Actress winner Yuh-jung Youn became the first Korean performer and second Asian woman to win an acting Oscar after Miyoshi Umeki, who won the same category for her role in 1957's Sayonara.[23] With his nominations in Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Song for One Night in Miami..., Leslie Odom Jr. was the fourth consecutive person to earn acting and songwriting nominations for the same film.[b]

Awards

[edit]
Chloé Zhao in 2015.
Chloé Zhao, Best Picture co-winner and Best Director winner
Frances McDormand in 2015.
Frances McDormand, Best Picture co-winner and Best Actress winner
Anthony Hopkins in 2010.
Anthony Hopkins, Best Actor winner
Daniel Kaluuya in 2017.
Daniel Kaluuya, Best Supporting Actor winner
Youn Yuh-jung in 2016.
Yuh-jung Youn, Best Supporting Actress winner
Emerald Fennell in 2013.
Emerald Fennell, Best Original Screenplay winner
Christopher Hampton in 2016.
Christopher Hampton, Best Adapted Screenplay co-winner
Florian Zeller in 2009.
Florian Zeller, Best Adapted Screenplay co-winner
Jon Batiste in 2018.
Jon Batiste, Best Original Score co-winner

Winners are listed first, highlighted in boldface, and indicated with a double dagger (‡).[25]

Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Awards

[edit]
  • Tyler Perry – for his active engagement with philanthropy and charitable endeavors in recent years, including efforts to address homelessness and economic difficulties faced by members of the African-American community.[26]

Film awards and nominations

[edit]
Films with multiple nominations
Nominations Film
10 Mank
6 The Father
Judas and the Black Messiah
Minari
Nomadland
Sound of Metal
The Trial of the Chicago 7
5 Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Promising Young Woman
4 News of the World
3 One Night in Miami...
Soul
2 Another Round
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
Collective
Emma
Hillbilly Elegy
Mulan
Pinocchio
Tenet
Films with multiple wins
Awards Film
3 Nomadland
2 The Father
Judas and the Black Messiah
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Mank
Soul
Sound of Metal

Presenters and performers

[edit]

The following individuals, listed in order of appearance, presented awards or performed musical numbers.[27][28]

Presenters

[edit]
Presenters
Name(s) Role
Regina King Presented the awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay
Laura Dern Presented the awards for Best International Feature Film and Best Supporting Actor
Don Cheadle Presented the awards for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Costume Design
Bryan Cranston Presented the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to the Motion Picture & Television Fund
Presented the award for Best Director
Riz Ahmed Presented the awards for Best Sound and Best Live Action Short Film
Reese Witherspoon Presented the awards for Best Animated Short Film and Best Animated Feature Film
Presented the awards for Best Documentary Short Subject and Best Documentary Feature
Steven Yeun Presented the award for Best Visual Effects
Brad Pitt Presented the award for Best Supporting Actress
Halle Berry Presented the awards for Best Production Design and Best Cinematography
Harrison Ford Presented the award for Best Film Editing
Viola Davis Presented the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to Tyler Perry
Zendaya Presented the awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song
Angela Bassett Presented the "In Memoriam" tribute
Rita Moreno Presented the award for Best Picture
Renée Zellweger Presented the award for Best Actress
Joaquin Phoenix Presented the award for Best Actor

Performers

[edit]
Performers
Name Role Work
Molly Sandén Performer "Husavik" from Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Laura Pausini and Diane Warren Performers "Io sì (Seen)" from The Life Ahead
Celeste Performer "Hear My Voice" from The Trial of the Chicago 7
Leslie Odom Jr. Performer "Speak Now" from One Night in Miami...
H.E.R. Performer "Fight for You" from Judas and the Black Messiah

Ceremony

[edit]
The original ticket lobby of Los Angeles Union Station, where the ceremony was held

In April 2017, the Academy scheduled the 93rd ceremony for February 28, 2021.[29] However, due to the impacts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic on both cinema and television, the AMPAS Board of Governors later decided to move the date for the 2021 gala by two months to April 25.[30] The annual Academy Governors Awards and corresponding nominees luncheon were canceled due to COVID-19 safety concerns.[31] This marked the first time since the 60th ceremony held in 1988 that the awards were held in April.[32] It also was the first time since the 53rd ceremony in 1981 that the ceremony was postponed from its original date.[33]

In December 2020, the Academy hired television producer Jesse Collins, film producer Stacey Sher, and Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh to oversee production of the telecast. "The upcoming Oscars is the perfect occasion for innovation and for re-envisioning the possibilities for the awards show. This is a dream team who will respond directly to these times. The Academy is excited to work with them to deliver an event that reflects the worldwide love of movies and how they connect us and entertain us when we need them the most," remarked Academy president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson.[34]

The tagline for the ceremony, "Bring Your Movie Love", was intended to reflect "our global appreciation for the power of film to foster connection, to educate, and to inspire us to tell our own stories."[35] In tandem with the theme, the Academy hired seven artists to create custom posters for the event inspired by the question, "What do movies mean to you?"[36] Another aspect of the telecast's production was to produce the ceremony as if it were a film, including promoting the presenters as a "cast",[37][38] being filmed at the traditional cinematic frame rate of 24 frames per-second as opposed to 30, and using a cinematic aspect ratio rather than the standard 16:9 aspect ratio used by most television programming.[39]

As a result of concerns stemming from the pandemic, AMPAS announced that the main ceremony would be held for the first time at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles with portions of the festivities taking place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the ceremony's usual venue.[40] To satisfy health and safety protocols, the Academy limited the number of people attending the gala to primarily nominees and presenters.[38][41] Attendees were asked to submit travel plans to Oscar organizers prior to arriving in Los Angeles and undergo multiple COVID-19 tests and isolation ten days prior to the event.[42] Guests were also asked to wear face masks whenever the broadcast paused for commercial breaks.[43] In consideration of overseas nominees unable to attend the ceremony, producers set up satellite "hubs" such as at BFI Southbank in London where they could participate in the gala.[44][45] Additionally, the five Best Original Song nominees were performed in previously recorded segments that were shown during the red carpet pre-show. Four of the songs were performed atop the Dolby Family Terrace of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures; "Husavik" from Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga was performed on location in the song's namesake town in Iceland.[3]

The Roots musician and The Tonight Show bandleader Questlove served as musical director for the ceremony.[46] He, along with Oscars red carpet pre-show host Ariana DeBose and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, presented trailers for the upcoming films Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), West Side Story, and In the Heights, respectively, during the ceremony.[47][48] Architect David Rockwell served as production designer for the show.[49] In a press conference between the production team and reporters, Rockwell stated that the main lobby inside Union Station would be repurposed as the main setting for the awards presentation while adjacent outdoor areas would serve as patios for attendees to congregate before and after the ceremony.[50] He also cited the Millennium Biltmore Hotel and The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the latter of which was the venue of the inaugural Oscars ceremony, as inspirations for the design and staging of the festivities.[51] Actors Colman Domingo and Andrew Rannells hosted Oscars: After Dark, a program airing immediately after the ceremony interviewing winners and nominees.[52]

The ceremony offered accommodations for those who are deaf or visually impaired; it was the first Academy Awards to be broadcast with audio description for the visually impaired (carried via second audio program on the ABC telecast), which (along with its closed captioning) was sponsored by Google. A sign language interpreter was available in the media room. Deaf actress Marlee Matlin served as one of the award presenters, with her long-time partner Jack Jason interpreting her American Sign Language to spoken English.[53][54][55]

Eligibility and other rule changes

[edit]

Due to the ceremony date change, the Academy changed the eligibility deadline for feature films from December 31, 2020, to February 28, 2021. AMPAS president Rubin and CEO Hudson explained the decision to extend the eligibility period saying, "For over a century, movies have played an important role in comforting, inspiring, and entertaining us during the darkest of times. They certainly have this year. Our hope, in extending the eligibility period and our Awards date, is to provide the flexibility filmmakers need to finish and release their films without being penalized for something beyond anyone's control."[56]

The Academy also revised its release and distribution requirements by allowing for films that were released via video on demand or streaming to be eligible for the awards on the condition that said films were originally scheduled to have a theatrical release and were subsequently uploaded to AMPAS's online screening service within 60 days of their public release. AMPAS also amended its theatrical exhibition qualifying rules to allow films debuting in theaters located in New York City, Chicago, the San Francisco Bay Area, Atlanta, and Miami to qualify for the awards in addition to venues in Los Angeles.[57] Moreover, a week of nightly screenings at a drive-in theater within the aforementioned cities also rendered films eligible for consideration.[58]

Furthermore, the Academy made changes to specific award categories. The Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing categories were re-combined into a single Best Sound category (which had existed from the 3rd Awards in 1930 through the 75th Awards in 2003) due to concerns from the Sound branch that the two categories had developed too much overlap in scope.[59] The rules for Best Original Score were changed to require that a film's score include a minimum of 60% original music, with franchise films and sequels being required to have a minimum of 80% new music.[60] Finally, preliminary voting for Best International Feature Film was also opened to all voting members of the Academy for the first time.[61]

Best Actor announcement ending

[edit]
Chadwick Boseman in 2017.
Many viewers and television critics believed Chadwick Boseman's impending win for Best Actor was a reason that producers saved the category as the last to be presented at the ceremony.

In a break with tradition, the lead acting categories were presented last after the awarding of Best Picture, with Best Actor coming last.[62] This led many viewers to believe that the ceremony's producers were anticipating Chadwick Boseman posthumously winning Best Actor, which could have been accompanied by a tribute to the actor; Boseman had been considered a strong frontrunner for the award.[63][64] When presenter Joaquin Phoenix announced that Anthony Hopkins was the winner of the category, Phoenix said that the Academy accepted the award on behalf of the latter, who was not present, and the ceremony came to an abrupt end.[64] It was later reported that Hopkins, who did not want to travel from his home in Wales, offered to appear via Zoom, but the producers declined his request.[64]

The day after the ceremony, he released an acceptance speech on Instagram, in which he thanked the Academy, said that he "really did not expect" to win, and paid tribute to Boseman.[63] The selection of Hopkins over Boseman was controversial among viewers,[65][66] though Boseman's brother reported the family did not have any hard feelings toward the Academy.[67]

In a subsequent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Soderbergh said that switching the traditional order of awards was planned before the nominations were announced, claiming "actors' speeches tend to be more dramatic than producers' speeches". He said that the possibility of Boseman's widow accepting the award "would have been such a shattering moment" and "there would be nowhere to go after that". Soderbergh also defended the decision to not allow acceptance speeches via Zoom.[68]

Critical reviews

[edit]

Many media outlets received the broadcast negatively.[14][15] On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 24% of 34 critics' reviews are positive. The website's consensus reads: "The 93rd Oscars definitely delivered something different, but after a strong opening moment with Regina King, the changes to this year's ceremony cemented the importance of certain structural traditions -- and how damaging hedging your bets on the Academy's votes can be."[69] Television critic Mike Hale of The New York Times wrote, "Sunday's broadcast on ABC was more like a cross between the Golden Globes and the closing-night banquet of a long, exhausting convention." He also commented, "The trade-off — whether because of the smaller crowd, the social distancing, or the sound quality in the cavernous space — was what felt like a dead room, both acoustically and emotionally. There were powerful and moving speeches, but they didn't seem to be generating much excitement, and when the people in the room aren't excited, it's hard to get excited at home."[70] Rolling Stone columnist Rob Sheffield noted, "The most flamboyantly unplanned and half-assed Oscar Night in recent history was a grind from beginning to end." He also criticized the production of the "In Memoriam" segment saying that the montage was edited at an inappropriately fast pace.[71] Kelly Lawler of USA Today commented, "While it was certainly challenging to stage the show safely, last month's Grammys proved that it is possible to make something entertaining and engaging amid the pandemic. Unfortunately, the Oscars producers seemingly missed that show. The Oscars were a train wreck at the train station, an excruciatingly long, boring telecast that lacked the verve of so many movies we love."[72]

Others gave a more favorable review of the show. Time columnist Judy Berman wrote that the ceremony "was more entertaining than the average pre-COVID Oscars. It started out especially strong." She also added, "Every part of this year's ceremony felt more intimate and less stuffy than just about any awards show I can remember. For once, the art and community of film seemed to take precedence over the business of film."[73] Associated Press reporter Lindsey Bahr commented, "The 93rd Academy Awards wasn't exactly a movie, but it was a show made for people who love learning about movies. And it stubbornly, defiantly wasn't trying to be anything else."[74] Darren Franich of Entertainment Weekly gave an average review of the telecast, but singled out the winners and presenters for providing memorable moments throughout the show.[75]

Ratings and reception

[edit]

The American telecast on ABC drew in an average of 10.4 million people over its length, which was a 56% decrease from the previous year's ceremony.[76] The show also earned lower Nielsen ratings compared to the previous ceremony with 5.9% of households watching the ceremony.[7] In addition, it garnered a lower rating among viewers between ages 18–49 with a 2.1 rating among viewers in that demographic.[77] It earned the lowest viewership for an Academy Award telecast since figures were compiled beginning with the 46th ceremony in 1974.[78]

In July 2021, the ceremony presentation received eight nominations for the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards.[79] Two months later, the ceremony won for Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special (Alana Billingsley, Joe Celli, Jason Howard, and David Rockwell).[80]

Censorship in China and Hong Kong

[edit]

The ceremony was subject to various forms of censorship in China and its territories. Due to scrutiny over Nomadland director Chloé Zhao—a Chinese-American citizen who reportedly made comments critical of China in a 2013 interview with Filmmaker magazine—the ceremony telecast was pulled by its local rightsholders in the mainland, and all discussions of the ceremony were censored from Chinese social media and news outlets.[81][82]

In addition, Hong Kong broadcaster TVB announced that the ceremony would not be shown live in the region for the first time since 1969. A TVB spokesperson told AFP that this was a "commercial decision". It was speculated that the decision was in retaliation for the nomination of Do Not Split, a documentary on Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests in 2019, for Best Documentary Short Subject.[83]

"In Memoriam"

[edit]

The annual "In Memoriam" segment was presented by Angela Bassett.[84][85] The montage featured the song "As" by singer Stevie Wonder.[86]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

93rd Academy Awards

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 93rd Academy Awards, formally known as the 93rd Annual Academy Awards, were a ceremony presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence in cinematic achievements for films released in 2020, held on April 25, 2021, at Union Station in , . Disrupted by the , the event was postponed from its traditional February date to April, broadcast live from multiple locations with a reduced in-person audience, no host, and no masks required for nominees, marking a departure from standard protocols to accommodate health restrictions while maintaining the show's scale. Nomadland dominated the awards, securing Best Picture, Best Director for —the second woman and first woman of color to win in that category—and Best Actress for , underscoring the film's critical acclaim for its portrayal of nomadic American life amid economic hardship. In acting categories, won Best Actor for The Father at age 83, becoming the oldest recipient and unexpectedly defeating posthumous nominee for , a result that defied widespread media anticipation of a sympathy win for Boseman following his death from cancer, sparking immediate backlash and confusion as producers had reordered categories assuming Boseman's victory. Daniel Kaluuya earned Best Supporting Actor for Judas and the Black Messiah, while Youn Yuh-jung made history as the first Korean performer to win Best Supporting Actress for Minari, highlighting breakthroughs in international representation amid the Academy's ongoing efforts to diversify nominees. The ceremony's innovations, including surprise musical performances and a focus on films resilient to pandemic production challenges, reflected broader industry adaptations, though viewership dipped to historic lows, prompting debates on the Oscars' relevance in a streaming-dominated era.

Background and Context

Influence of the

The , which led to widespread theater closures beginning in March 2020, severely disrupted the 2020 release schedule, with major studios delaying tentpole productions or opting for direct-to-streaming or video-on-demand distributions to reach audiences amid lockdowns. This contraction in theatrical releases reduced the traditional pool of awards contenders, prompting the to adapt its processes to account for the industry's "uncharted territory." In response, the Academy's Board of Governors announced on June 15, 2020, a two-month postponement of the ceremony from February 28 to April 25, 2021, to provide additional time for postponed releases and vaccinations to mitigate health risks. Related pre-ceremony events were also canceled for safety, including the 12th annual —where honorary Oscars are presented—and the nominees luncheon, marking the first such cancellations in their respective histories. Safety protocols for the rescheduled event emphasized rigorous testing and distancing, with all approximately 170 attendees required to undergo multiple PCR tests, including on-site processing via a dedicated lab for rapid results, and to adhere to no-Zoom presentation rules favoring in-person or pre-taped segments. While masks were not mandated during speeches, the outdoor venue at Los Angeles Union Station facilitated social distancing, and producers integrated health consultations to balance live elements with pandemic constraints.

Eligibility Rules and Modifications

In response to the , the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences modified eligibility rules for the 93rd Academy Awards to accommodate disruptions in theatrical distribution. The conventional requirement for feature films to complete a seven-consecutive-day commercial run in a County theater, including at least three daily screenings with one between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., was temporarily waived. Films intending a theatrical release but diverted to streaming or video-on-demand due to closures qualified if uploaded to the Academy's secure Screening Room for members within 60 days of digital availability, while meeting other criteria such as minimum runtime exceeding 40 minutes and public exhibition in approved formats. This exemption applied solely to the 93rd ceremony and lapsed upon full reopening of theaters. Qualifying theatrical venues expanded beyond Los Angeles County to include , the , , , and once theaters resumed operations. In October 2020, drive-in theaters were added as eligible sites, requiring seven consecutive days with one daily screening in one of the six cities, a reduced threshold from indoor theaters' three screenings per day. The overall eligibility window for releases extended from January 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021, surpassing the standard December 31 endpoint to account for delayed productions. Technical categories saw consolidation, with Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing merged into a single Best Sound award, permitting up to six statuettes shared among relevant crew roles. For festivals curtailed by the , online screenings via or password-protected platforms preserved eligibility if confirmed the film's scheduled participation. These adjustments prioritized access for voters amid widespread challenges without altering core standards like paid admission and advertising norms for qualifying runs.

Implementation of Diversity and Inclusion Standards

In June 2020, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the "Academy Aperture 2025" initiative, aimed at advancing equity and inclusion through measures such as diversifying membership, establishing an Office of Representation, Inclusion and Equity, and forming a to develop formal representation standards for Oscars eligibility by July 31, 2020. These efforts followed years of criticism over underrepresentation in nominations, particularly after the #OscarsSoWhite campaign in 2015 and 2016, which highlighted low numbers of non-white nominees despite the U.S. population's demographics. The task force finalized the Representation and Inclusion Standards on September 8, 2020, specifying that Best Picture-eligible films must meet at least two of four criteria: (A) on-screen representation, including at least one lead or significant supporting actor from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group, a main storyline focused on such groups, or 30% of non-submitted actors from at least two underrepresented groups; (B) creative leadership positions (e.g., director, writer, producer) held by individuals from underrepresented groups; (C) provision of paid apprenticeships or significant staff roles to underrepresented groups; and (D) targeted audience development and marketing initiatives for underrepresented communities. Underrepresented groups were defined to include racial/ethnic minorities (Asian, /Latinx, /African American, Middle Eastern/North African, Native Hawaiian/, or Indigenous/Native American), as well as those identifying as women, LGBTQ+, or disabled. However, these standards did not apply as mandatory eligibility requirements to films considered for the 93rd Academy Awards, which covered releases primarily from 2020. The Academy explicitly stated that eligibility for the 93rd Oscars would remain unaffected, with submission of a confidential inclusion form required only starting with the 94th (2022) and full enforcement of the standards deferred until the 96th Oscars in 2024 to allow industry adjustment. This phased approach was intended to encourage voluntary adoption during the interim, amid ongoing membership reforms that had already increased the proportion of women and people of color in the Academy's voting branches from 11% in 2016 to over 20% by 2020. Despite the absence of binding rules, the 93rd nominees reflected some progress, with films like Judas and the Black Messiah and Minari earning Best Picture nods for their focus on racial and ethnic narratives, though critics noted persistent gaps in overall representation.

Nominations Process

Announcement and Selection Criteria

The nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards were announced on March 15, 2021, in a live presentation starting at 5:19 a.m. PT (8:19 a.m. ET), hosted by actor-producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas and singer-songwriter-actor from . The event covered all 23 categories in a two-part format, streamed on the Academy's official channels and broadcast partners, revealing nominees such as Nomadland for Best Picture and for Best Actor. Nominees in each category were selected through ballots cast by active members of the of Motion Picture and Sciences' relevant branches, with voting periods typically spanning one to two weeks in and early 2021. For most categories, branch members—comprising professionals in fields like , directing, or —ranked eligible entries in order of preference, up to five or ten selections depending on the category, using a preferential voting system tabulated via re-weighted range voting to determine the final five nominees. In categories like Best Picture, all members voted from a pool of eligible films, while specialized branches handled craft awards such as or sound editing; executive committees resolved ties or disputes, ensuring no more than five nominees per category. Minimum viewing requirements applied for preliminary rounds in some categories, verified by the to confirm voter familiarity with entries. This branch-specific process, unchanged in core mechanics from prior years despite pandemic adaptations to remote voting, prioritized expertise within disciplines over general membership input.

Breakdown of Nominees by Category

Mank received the most nominations of any film with ten, including Best Picture, Best Director for David Fincher, and Best Actor for Gary Oldman. Six films each earned six nominations: Judas and the Black Messiah, Minari, Nomadland, Sound of Metal, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and The Father. Promising Young Woman followed with five nominations. In the Best Picture category, eight films competed: The Father, Judas and the Black Messiah, Mank, Minari, Nomadland, Promising Young Woman, Sound of Metal, and The Trial of the Chicago 7. The Best Director nominees consisted of five individuals: Emerald Fennell for Promising Young Woman, David Fincher for Mank, Chloé Zhao for Nomadland, Lee Isaac Chung for Minari, and Thomas Vinterberg for Another Round; this marked the first instance of two women receiving nods in the category. The Best Actor category featured five nominees: Riz Ahmed for Sound of Metal, Chadwick Boseman for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (his sole posthumous nomination following his death on August 28, 2020), Anthony Hopkins for The Father, Gary Oldman for Mank, and Steven Yeun for Minari. Best Actress nominees were Andra Day for The United States vs. Billie Holiday, Viola Davis for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Frances McDormand for Nomadland, Carey Mulligan for Promising Young Woman, and Vanessa Kirby for Pieces of a Woman. For Best Supporting Actor, the nominees included Sacha Baron Cohen for The Trial of the Chicago 7, Daniel Kaluuya for Judas and the Black Messiah, Leslie Odom Jr. for One Night in Miami..., Paul Raci for Sound of Metal, and LaKeith Stanfield for Judas and the Black Messiah. Best Supporting Actress nominees were Maria Bakalova for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Glenn Close for Hillbilly Elegy (her eighth nomination overall), Olivia Colman for The Father, Judi Dench for Belle, and Youn Yuh-jung for Minari. Original Screenplay nominees were Another Round, Da 5 Bloods, Minari, Promising Young Woman, and Sound of Metal. Adapted Screenplay contenders included Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Judas and the Black Messiah, Nomadland, One Night in Miami..., and The Trial of the Chicago 7. Animated Feature Film nominations went to Onward, Over the Moon, Soul, Wolfwalkers, and The Willoughbys. International Feature Film nominees comprised (Denmark), Better Days (Hong Kong), (Romania), The Man Who Sold His Skin (Tunisia), and Quo Vadis, Aida? (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Documentary Feature candidates were , , , , and Time. Technical categories, such as , , and Production Design, largely aligned with the leading films, with Mank securing multiple nods in areas like and Production Design.

Notable Omissions and Diversity Statistics

The nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards represented a record for diversity in the acting categories, with nine of the 20 nominees identifying as people of color, surpassing previous highs such as the six in 2016. This included two nominees of color in Best Actor (Chadwick Boseman for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Riz Ahmed for Sound of Metal), one in Best Actress (Viola Davis for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom), three in Best Supporting Actor (Daniel Kaluuya for Judas and the Black Messiah, Lakeith Stanfield for Judas and the Black Messiah, and Leslie Odom Jr. for One Night in Miami), and one in Best Supporting Actress (Youn Yuh-jung for Minari). Additionally, the directing category achieved a milestone with two women nominated—Chloé Zhao for Nomadland (the first woman of color ever nominated in the category) and Emerald Fennell for Promising Young Woman—marking only the second time multiple women received nods in this historically male-dominated field. Women overall received 76 nominations across all categories, the highest total to date, though this figure included multiple nods for individuals like Zhao (four nominations). Despite these advances, which observers attributed partly to increased representation in leading roles across 2020's top films (39.7% people of color per UCLA's Hollywood Diversity Report), several high-profile omissions drew criticism for perpetuating gaps in recognition for underrepresented filmmakers and performances. Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods, a critically acclaimed Netflix war drama featuring strong ensemble work from Delroy Lindo and strong reviews for its direction, received zero nominations despite precursor wins and expectations for technical or acting nods. Similarly, Steven Yeun's lead performance in Minari was overlooked in Best Actor, with the Academy favoring a supporting nod for Youn Yuh-jung instead, a decision campaigners framed as undervaluing Asian American leads. Director Regina King was snubbed for One Night in Miami, despite its strong precursor support and focus on Black historical figures, highlighting ongoing underrepresentation of Black women in the directing category (none nominated). Other notable exclusions included Emerald Fennell's directing nod for (though she was recognized for screenplay), Jared Leto's supporting turn in Small Axe: Mangrove, and entire films like Eliza Hittman's and Charlie Kaufman's , which earned critical praise but no nominations amid debates over the Academy's preference for mainstream releases over indie works. These snubs, while subjective, fueled discussions on whether diversity gains masked persistent biases toward established voter preferences, as the Academy's membership—expanded for inclusivity post-2015 #OscarsSoWhite—still skewed older and whiter per demographic analyses.

Ceremony Execution

Venue Setup and Hybrid Format

The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony took place primarily at Los Angeles' Union Station on April 25, 2021, departing from the traditional Dolby Theatre venue to accommodate COVID-19 safety requirements through its spacious indoor-outdoor layout and 63-foot ceilings, which facilitated social distancing and ventilation. Designed by the Rockwell Group, the indoor setup in the Ticket Concourse featured a central stage backed by a massive blue velvet curtain, with semi-circular tiered seating in custom woodgrain and brass banquet booths arranged amphitheater-style for an intimate "room within a room" effect, enhanced by natural sunlight streaming through historic windows. Silver display screens embedded in railings provided live video feeds, while the hybrid format incorporated cabaret-style indoor seating for nominees at individual tables alongside outdoor elements, including a red carpet and pre/post-show filming on the North Patio equipped with raised teak platforms, flower- and lantern-wrapped trees, and Roche Bobois loungers in blue tones; monitors across the patio relayed the ceremony to external guests. Broadcast from multiple locations including Union Station and the Dolby Theatre, the event avoided virtual Zoom presentations in favor of in-person attendance or controlled remote contributions, with an audience capped at approximately 170 inside for social distancing. COVID-19 protocols treated the venue as an active film set, requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated and undergo multiple rapid tests—including up to three per person—with an on-site safety team enforcing up-to-the-minute results; masks were removed during camera rolls but mandated otherwise, enabling a predominantly maskless ceremony amid controlled gatherings.

Presenters, Performers, and Broadcast Structure

The 93rd Academy Awards were broadcast live on ABC on April 25, 2021, originating primarily from Union Station in Los Angeles, with supplementary elements from the Dolby Theatre. The production adopted a hostless format, directed by Glenn Weiss and produced by Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher, and Steven Soderbergh, emphasizing a streamlined, cinematic structure to accommodate pandemic safety protocols while maintaining an in-person feel across multiple venues. This hybrid approach limited the audience to approximately 170 guests at Union Station, focusing on nominee arrivals, award presentations, and key speeches without traditional red carpet fanfare or extensive clip packages. Presenters comprised a diverse array of past Oscar winners and nominees, including , , Bong Joon-ho, , , , , , , , , , , , , and . Specific assignments included presenting Best Supporting Actress and handling Best , contributing to the ceremony's intimate, peer-to-peer dynamic. Musical performers highlighted the Best Original Song nominees: Celeste performed "Hear My Voice" from The Trial of the Chicago 7, delivered "Fight For You" from , sang "Speak Now" from One Night in Miami..., interpreted "Io sì (Seen)" from , and presented "Husavik (My Hometown)" from Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. These renditions, accompanied by for select score elements, underscored the category's emphasis without additional non-nominated acts.

Key On-Stage Moments and Announcements

's acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor for became one of the evening's viral highlights, as he recounted his parents' meeting in and their decision to have him in , inadvertently joking about their intimacy in a way that visibly shocked his family members watching via video link from the . He then pivoted to an emotional tribute to , stating, "God, we love you. Rest in power," despite Boseman's posthumous nomination in the category for and the expectation among many observers that Boseman would win. This unscripted moment underscored the night's themes of personal storytelling and industry mourning, amplified by the ceremony's hybrid format allowing remote connections. Youn Yuh-jung's win for Best Supporting Actress in Minari marked the first Oscar for a Korean performer, delivered with humor as she admitted nervousness about meeting presenter Brad Pitt and thanked her sons while reflecting on life's uncertainties. Her lighthearted remarks, including a nod to not preparing a speech, contrasted the formal tone and highlighted cross-cultural appreciation. Similarly, Emerald Fennell's acceptance for Best Original Screenplay for Promising Young Woman included a candid anecdote about drafting an Oscar speech at age 20 while watching Saved by the Bell, blending whimsy with gratitude to her collaborators. The ceremony concluded abruptly with Anthony Hopkins' surprise victory for Best Actor in The Father, making him the oldest recipient at 83 years old; he accepted via pre-recorded video from , offering a brief "" and wishing safety to all, forgoing an extended speech. This upset over the favored posthumous nod to Boseman led to no traditional closing musical number or Best Picture reprise, as producers opted to end immediately after the announcement presented by . Earlier, participated in a lighthearted Oscar trivia segment, performing an impromptu dance to E.U.'s "" when her 1988 nomination guess was confirmed, providing a spontaneous burst of energy amid the restrained pandemic-era production. Tyler Perry's receipt of the featured a poignant onstage address rejecting hate and advocating for empathy across divides, stating, "I refuse to hate someone because of the color of their skin," in a call for societal healing.

Awards Presented

Feature Film and Acting Categories

Nomadland won the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 93rd Academy Awards, recognizing its portrayal of nomadic life in the American West. The film, produced by , , Mollye Asher, Dan Janvey, and , prevailed over eight other nominees amid a field dominated by independent dramas and biopics released during the .
NomineeFilm
Another Round-
The Father-
Judas and the Black Messiah-
Mank-
Minari-
Nomadland (Winner)-
Promising Young Woman-
Sound of Metal-
The Trial of the Chicago 7-
In the acting categories, Anthony Hopkins received the Best Actor award for his role as a dementia-afflicted father in The Father, marking his second Oscar after 1992's The Silence of the Lambs and making him, at age 83, the oldest winner in the category's history. His victory was an upset, as many anticipated a posthumous win for Chadwick Boseman in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Boseman having died of colon cancer in August 2020 at age 43.
NomineeFilm
Riz AhmedSound of Metal
Chadwick BosemanMa Rainey's Black Bottom
Anthony Hopkins (Winner)The Father
Gary OldmanMank
Steven YeunMinari
Frances McDormand won Best Actress for Nomadland, her third competitive acting Oscar following Fargo (1997) and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2018), tying her with Meryl Streep for the most wins by a performer. She portrayed a widow embracing van-dwelling after personal loss, drawing from real-life nomads.
NomineeFilm
The United States vs. Billie Holiday
(Winner)
claimed Best Supporting Actor for depicting activist in , a performance praised for its intensity in recounting the FBI's infiltration and of Hampton in 1969.
NomineeFilm
Sacha Baron CohenThe Trial of the Chicago 7
Daniel Kaluuya (Winner)Judas and the Black Messiah
Leslie Odom Jr.One Night in Miami
Paul RaciSound of Metal
LaKeith StanfieldJudas and the Black Messiah
Youn Yuh-jung won Best Supporting Actress for Minari, portraying a spirited grandmother aiding a Korean-American family's farm struggles in 1980s Arkansas; she became the first Korean performer to win an acting Oscar.
NomineeFilm
Maria BakalovaBorat Subsequent Moviefilm
Glenn CloseHillbilly Elegy
Olivia ColmanThe Father
Amanda SeyfriedMank
Youn Yuh-jung (Winner)Minari

Technical and Craft Awards

The 93rd Academy Awards recognized achievements in technical and craft categories for films released in 2020, with awards presented across disciplines such as cinematography, editing, sound design, visual effects, production design, costume design, makeup and hairstyling, original score, animated features, documentary features, and international features. These categories highlighted technical excellence amid the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed the ceremony to April 25, 2021, and influenced production techniques in nominated films. Several films dominated multiple craft awards, underscoring their meticulous attention to period authenticity and innovative sound work. Mank secured wins in production design and cinematography, reflecting its recreation of 1930s Hollywood through detailed sets and black-and-white lensing. Sound of Metal prevailed in both film editing and sound, capturing the protagonist's descent into deafness via immersive audio layering and precise cuts that mirrored auditory loss. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom took honors in costume design and makeup and hairstyling, emphasizing transformative prosthetics and era-specific attire for its 1920s jazz milieu.
CategoryWinnerFilm
Animated Feature FilmPete Docter and Dana MurraySoul
Documentary FeaturePippa Ehrlich and James ReedMy Octopus Teacher
International Feature FilmThomas Vinterberg (Another Round, Denmark)Another Round
CinematographyErik MesserschmidtMank
Film EditingMikkel E.G. NielsenSound of Metal
Production DesignDonald Graham Burt (production designer); Jan Pascale (set decorator)Mank
Costume DesignAnn RothMa Rainey's Black Bottom
Makeup and HairstylingMia Neal, Jamika Wilson, Adrin NorbertMa Rainey's Black Bottom
Original ScoreTrent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Jon BatisteSoul
SoundNicolas Becker, Malcolm Nicolay, Jaime Baksht, Michelle Coutino, Gera MendozaSound of Metal
Visual EffectsAndrew Jackson, David Lee, Andrew Lockley, Scott FisherTenet
Visual effects for Tenet were lauded for practical and digital integration in high-stakes action sequences involving temporal inversion, while Soul's original score blended jazz improvisation with orchestral elements to evoke existential themes. documented real underwater interactions without scripted staging, earning its documentary prize through raw observational footage. Another Round represented Denmark's selection, focusing on social experimentation with alcohol in a dramedy format. These outcomes were determined by branch-specific voting within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, prioritizing demonstrated technical proficiency over narrative elements.

Special and Honorary Recognitions

The 93rd Academy Awards, held on April 25, 2021, included the presentation of two Humanitarian Awards during the televised ceremony, an unusual integration prompted by the cancellation of the separate due to the . This award, named after the Danish-American actor and humanitarian , recognizes individuals or entities in the motion picture industry whose efforts have brought distinction to the field through outstanding humanitarian contributions. Tyler Perry received the first award for his philanthropy and advocacy in , particularly in Georgia, where he has supported underprivileged communities amid the crisis and movements for racial equity. Perry, known for creating —a 330-acre facility with 12 sound stages opened in 2019 that generated local employment—emphasized empathy drawn from his own experiences of hardship. Introduced by , Perry accepted the award to a and delivered a speech recounting an act of kindness toward a homeless woman, while calling on recipients of hate to reject it across racial, LGBTQ, law enforcement, and other divides, dedicating the honor to those fostering healing and change. The second award went to the (MPTF), marking the first instance of the honor being given to an organization rather than a person, after the amended its rules specifically for the 2021 ceremony. The MPTF was commended for delivering aid to approximately 9,000 industry workers in 2020, including financial assistance, housing, and healthcare amid pandemic-related shutdowns. Established over 100 years ago to support motion picture personnel, the fund's expanded services during the crisis exemplified sustained humanitarian commitment to the sector's vulnerable members. Actor presented the award to MPTF President and CEO Bob Beitcher. No additional honorary or special recognitions, such as Academy Honorary Awards or the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, were conferred at the 93rd ceremony; subsequent honorees like Samuel L. Jackson and Danny Glover received theirs at the delayed 12th Governors Awards in 2022.

Reception and Analysis

Critical Evaluations of Production Quality

The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, produced by Steven Soderbergh, Jesse Collins, and Stacey Sher, featured innovative production elements adapted to pandemic constraints, including a primary venue at Los Angeles Union Station with supplementary segments from the Dolby Theatre. The event adopted a cinematic approach, filming in 24 frames per second to evoke a film-like quality rather than traditional broadcast standards, as directed by Soderbergh's vision of treating the telecast as a "movie set." This hybrid format aimed for intimacy with limited in-person attendance and integrated virtual elements, resulting in a visually striking set design praised for its elegance and potential as a model for future hybrid events. Technical execution received commendations for seamlessness, with David Korins' sets achieving a polished aesthetic despite logistical challenges like and multi-location filming. Audio and lighting were handled proficiently, avoiding major glitches, and the broadcast maintained high visual fidelity throughout the three-hour runtime. However, critics noted inconsistencies in performance delivery, where high production values occasionally faltered due to on-stage mishaps, such as stars missing cues or visible crew activity, undermining the intended polish. Structural decisions drew mixed evaluations; the absence of clip packages for categories like and production design was criticized for diminishing craft recognition, while the choice to announce Best Picture before acting awards led to a perceived anticlimactic close. Venue layout issues, including awkward sightlines forcing nominees to strain for views of screens, further highlighted execution shortcomings in . Overall, while the production's technical prowess was affirmed, its experimental gambles yielded uneven results, with reviewers like those at describing outcomes as "wildly mixed" due to deviations from convention that prioritized innovation over cohesion.

Viewership Metrics and Audience Feedback

The 93rd Academy Awards, broadcast on April 25, 2021, attracted an average audience of 9.85 million viewers on ABC, establishing a record low for the ceremony since Nielsen began tracking in the . This figure reflected a 58% decline from the 23.6 million viewers of the 92nd ceremony in , which had already been impacted by the early stages of the . In the key 18-49 demographic, the telecast earned a 1.9 rating, down 64% from the prior year, underscoring diminished appeal among younger adults. Initial fast-national estimates held steady at 9.85 million, with no significant upward adjustment in final Nielsen data reported across major outlets, confirming the broadcast's status as the least-viewed Oscars to date. Factors contributing to the decline included the ceremony's delayed timing amid ongoing restrictions, reduced live-audience energy due to the hybrid format at Union Station, and heightened competition from streaming services offering on-demand awards content. Audience and critical feedback highlighted a divide between appreciation for stylistic innovations and frustration with execution. Critics commended the cinematic staging and absence of a traditional host as a approach that evoked a film-like quality, yet lambasted the abrupt pacing, underwhelming musical numbers, and lack of a unifying emotional peak, particularly in the final awards segment. Public responses, including on and forums, echoed this ambivalence: many praised poignant speeches and visual spectacle, such as the train-station set design, but expressed disappointment over subdued energy and segments perceived as disjointed or overly experimental. Some reviewers positioned the event as the strongest awards broadcast of the pandemic era despite flaws, attributing mixed reception to adaptations necessitated by health protocols rather than inherent production failures. Overall, the low engagement metrics aligned with perceptions of a that prioritized artistic reinvention over broad , alienating casual viewers while intriguing cinephiles.

Cultural and Industry Impact

The 93rd Academy Awards marked several milestones in representation, with Chloé Zhao becoming the second woman and first woman of color to win Best Director for Nomadland, highlighting breakthroughs for Asian filmmakers in a historically male-dominated category. Youn Yuh-jung's Supporting Actress win for Minari made her the first Korean performer to receive an acting Oscar, contributing to a ceremony with increased nominations for actors of color amid industry-wide diversity initiatives. These outcomes aligned with broader efforts post-2015 #OscarsSoWhite, though critics noted that such wins often reflected critical acclaim for performances rather than quota-driven selections, as evidenced by Zhao's film earning widespread praise for its naturalistic style prior to awards. Nomadland's sweep of three major awards, including Best Picture, underscored the viability of independent cinema during the pandemic, with its $5.5 million worldwide gross representing the lowest for a Best Picture winner in over 50 years yet affirming artistic merit over commercial scale. The film's portrayal of economic nomadism resonated culturally as an for 2020's isolation and uncertainty, boosting visibility for low-budget, character-driven narratives from outfits like . This outcome encouraged filmmakers to prioritize intimate storytelling, influencing subsequent indie projects that favored streaming releases over theatrical runs disrupted by restrictions. On the industry side, the ceremony's hybrid format and streaming eligibility rules—temporarily expanded to include non-theatrical releases—accelerated debates on awards criteria, prioritizing artistic achievement amid theater closures but raising concerns about diluting the Oscars' prestige tied to success. Viewership hit a record low of 9.85 million, a 58% decline from 2020, signaling waning cultural centrality for the event and prompting Hollywood executives to question its role in driving ticket sales or talent viability. Chadwick Boseman's posthumous Supporting Actor nomination for generated emotional discourse but ultimately lost to , reinforcing that Academy voters favored perceived superior performances over sentiment, though it amplified discussions on career legacies cut short by illness.

Controversies and Criticisms

Pre-Ceremony Spoilers and Leaks

No major pre-ceremony spoilers or leaks of the 93rd Academy Awards winners were reported, with voting results remaining confidential until the live broadcast on April 25, 2021. The Academy's ballot process, overseen by PricewaterhouseCoopers auditors who securely tally votes without revealing outcomes to organizers or participants in advance, prevented any unauthorized disclosures. This outcome aligned with the rarity of such incidents in modern Oscar history, where stringent digital and physical security measures have minimized risks since early 20th-century printing errors, such as the 1942 premature publication of winners by the Los Angeles Times. Public discourse prior to the ceremony focused instead on predictions from industry analysts and guild awards, with sites like Gold Derby forecasting strong contention for Nomadland in Best Picture and in Best Actor, but these were informed speculations rather than leaked information. No credible reports emerged of hacked ballots, insider tips, or ballot exposures akin to those occasionally revealed post-voting in later years, such as the 95th Oscars. The absence of leaks contributed to the suspense of the event, though the hybrid format amid restrictions drew separate scrutiny for logistical challenges unrelated to result integrity.

International Censorship and Edits

The Chinese government ordered outlets to cancel live broadcasts of the 93rd Academy Awards on April 25, 2021, marking the first such in over two decades, primarily in response to the nomination of the short documentary Do Not Split in the Best Documentary Short Subject category. Do Not Split, directed by Anders Hammer, chronicles the 2019 pro-democracy protests and critiques Beijing's imposition of laws, which Chinese authorities viewed as politically sensitive and supportive of . This decision extended to editing out or suppressing coverage of the event across mainland China's tightly controlled media landscape, where censors routinely excise content challenging the Chinese Communist Party's narrative on and . In Hong Kong, broadcaster TVB, which had aired the Oscars annually since 1969, announced on March 30, 2021, that it would not transmit the ceremony, citing unspecified "commercial reasons" amid declining viewership. This omission occurred against the backdrop of Beijing's 2020 national security law, which curtailed press freedoms and prompted self-censorship among local media to avoid penalties, effectively aligning Hong Kong's coverage with mainland restrictions. As a result, Chloé Zhao's historic wins for Nomadland—Best Director and Best Picture, making her the first woman of color and second woman overall to direct a Best Picture winner—received limited domestic acknowledgment in China, with social media platforms like Weibo suppressing related discussions and state outlets downplaying or omitting her acceptance speeches. Zhao's prior 2013 interview critiquing China's rapid development as fostering "lies" had already drawn scrutiny, compounding the censorship tied to the Hong Kong film. Attempts to circumvent these restrictions, such as private viewing parties in using VPNs to the event, encountered technical disruptions, including sudden VPN failures attributed to interference during the broadcast window. The bans inadvertently amplified global attention to Do Not Split, boosting its visibility on international platforms despite its exclusion from Oscar contention due to eligibility disputes over its 2020 premiere. No comparable widespread or edits were reported in other countries, though the incident highlighted broader tensions between Hollywood's global reach and authoritarian regimes' content controls, with the proceeding without altering the ceremony itself.

Format Failures and Execution Shortcomings

The 93rd Academy Awards adopted an experimental format under producer Steven Soderbergh, including a hostless structure, relocation to Los Angeles Union Station, and altered award presentation order, intended to refresh the ceremony amid COVID-19 restrictions. This approach, however, drew significant criticism for execution flaws, with reviewers deeming it a "failed experiment" and "shaky miscalculation" that lacked cohesion and energy. Pacing issues plagued the event, resulting in a sluggish runtime exceeding three hours that critics labeled as the "most boring ever," exacerbated by drab pandemic-era protocols limiting audience interaction and creating a subdued atmosphere. Technical shortcomings emerged in live segments, such as visible members and stars missing cues during performances, undermining the high production values. The absence of a through-line further highlighted structural weaknesses, as transitions felt disjointed and segments dragged without traditional hosting to maintain . A key format misstep involved reordering the category to close the show, building false anticipation for a posthumous win by before awarding , which provoked viewer confusion and anger over the perceived manipulative sequencing. Critics argued such innovations, including nominee-led award presentations, failed to deliver payoff and instead amplified the ceremony's disjointed feel.

Ideological Debates on Merit vs.

The category at the 93rd Academy Awards sparked significant debate over whether selections prioritized artistic merit or factors like racial identity and posthumous sentimentality. won for his portrayal of a man with in The Father, defeating 's posthumous nomination for . Boseman, who died of colon cancer on August 28, 2020, at age 43, was widely anticipated to win as an emotional tribute, with producers rearranging the ceremony to conclude with the category for dramatic impact. Critics of , including commentators in conservative media, praised Hopkins' victory—his second Oscar after 1991's The Silence of the Lambs—as evidence of the Academy upholding merit over "" pressures to award based on Boseman's race, the context of his film, or his tragic death. , at 83 the oldest winner in the category's history, delivered a performance lauded for its raw depiction of cognitive decline, grounded in empirical observations of the condition rather than symbolic representation. Boseman's supporters, including fans and some entertainment outlets, expressed outrage at the outcome, viewing it as a snub that denied a "fitting" homage amid the ceremony's emphasis on diversity and themes. The ceremony featured multiple wins by non-white artists, such as for Judas and the Black Messiah and for Minari, alongside Chloé Zhao's historic Best Director for Nomadland as the first woman of color and second woman overall. Detractors argued this pattern reflected Hollywood's increasing prioritization of representational quotas over pure craftsmanship, contributing to record-low viewership of 9.85 million, down 56% from 2020, potentially signaling audience fatigue with politicized awards. Boseman's family, however, congratulated , emphasizing respect for the winner's achievement. Broader ideological tensions emerged in critiques of the Oscars' shift toward , with outlets questioning if awards were becoming a platform for identity-driven narratives rather than evaluations of technical excellence and . Preceding the 93rd , the Academy's announcement of future inclusion standards—requiring films to meet diversity benchmarks for Best Picture eligibility starting in 2024—fueled accusations of undermining , though these did not apply retroactively. Polls indicated public skepticism, with 58% of Americans opposing such requirements and doubting they would enhance quality. later honored Boseman in a video acceptance speech, acknowledging his passing while accepting the award on merit. This episode underscored causal divides: empirical performance assessments versus symbolic gestures, with ' win cited as resisting external pressures for predetermined outcomes based on demographics.

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  150. https://nypost.com/2021/04/26/anthony-hopkins-pays-tribute-to-chadwick-boseman-in-speech/
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