Hollywood bosses have had to postpone one of the most iconic nights in the film calendar after the industry suffered a huge blow due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Oscars for 2021 has officially been pushed back almost two months after the film industry came to a sudden halt in March this year.
Originally, the event was set to go ahead on February 28 but it has now been confirmed that the ceremony will take place on April 25.
This is the first time in 40 years that the event has been rescheduled.
David Rubin, President of the Academy and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson released a joint statement confirming the news.
Bosses have now confirmed that the Oscars will go-ahead two months later than planned (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
They said: “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.”
The pair went on to say: “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 penalised for something beyond anyone’s control.”
Bong Joon Ho took home several gongs for his film Parasite (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
By pushing the dates back it means that nominations will now be announced on March 15 and the submission deadline for entry categories will not close on January 15.
Confirming the news via a tweet, The Academy announced: “It’s true! Next year’s #Oscars will happen on April 25, 2021.
Here’s what else you need to know:
The prestigious event will now go ahead in April 2021 (Image: REUTERS)
– The eligibility period for the Oscars will be extended to February 28, 2021
– Nominations will be announced on March 15, 2021
– @AcademyMuseum will open on April 30, 2021″
ABC who broadcast the glittering event has not yet revealed how the new date may impact the broadcasting.
The Oscars were last postponed in 1981 for 24 hours due to an assassination attempt on the then US President, Ronald Regan.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
