Some of Hollywood's biggest stars are condemning yet another widely-derided Oscars decision.
Brad Pitt, George Clooney and more have signed on to a letter calling for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to give out all the Oscars live, Deadline reports. This letter was published following the Academy's announcement that the awards for cinematography, editing, makeup and hair styling, and live action short films will be given out during commercial breaks at the 2019 Oscars.
"Relegating these essential cinematic crafts to lesser status in this 91stAcademy Awards ceremony is nothing less than an insult to those of us who have devoted our lives and passions to our chosen profession," the open letter says, calling on the Academy to reverse its decision. Among those who have signed on are actors Elizabeth Banks, Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock, Jessica Chastain, Robert De Niro, Ryan Gosling, Woody Harrelson, Scarlett Johansson, and Emma Stone, as well as directors Damien Chazelle, Guillermo del Toro, and Alejandro Iñárritu.
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The open letter has also been signed by several people who are either nominated at the Oscars this year or will be presenting an award, including Alfonso Cuarón, Spike Lee, and Frances McDormand, leaving open the possibility that one of them might chastise the Academy on stage.
The Academy responded to the letter by blaming "inaccurate reporting" for the backlash, saying that the speeches given by the four winners in these categories will still be edited into the show. But the open letter had taken issue with the idea of the speeches possibly being shortened, citing the Oscars' director as saying only the most "emotionally resonant" moments will be shown. With signatures from people like Pitt and Clooney being added on Thursday, clearly, the Academy's explanation hasn't helped much.
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