#PresentAll23: what is the Oscars 2022 protest, why are people resigning - which awards aren’t being presented

Members of the filmmaking industry may stage protests against the “divisive” decision to pre-record several Oscars categories at this weekend’s awards.

Several of the night’s less headline grabbing awards will be presented in pre-recorded segments, and then edited into the live broadcast.

This has angered many film industry members, who say the move could relay to the public that some categories are more important than others, and keep “invisible art invisible”.

But what is the call to #PresentAll23, and why is it causing such a rift within the filmmaking industry?

Here is everything you need to know about it.

Which awards won’t be presented live?

It was previously reported that eight categories, including documentary short, film editing and makeup/hairstyling, would be pre-recorded ahead of time and edited into the live telecast.

Also reportedly due to be filmed ahead of time are the awards for original score, production design, animated short, live-action short and sound.

That would mean films like Cruella and House of Gucci could miss out on being presented with their only chance of an Oscar live, and - if it were to win - Disney’s Encanto would not be able to collect best original score like - despite hit song ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ being scheduled to be performed live on the night.

Oscars show-runner Will Packer previously said the show would “make sure that everybody has their moment” and would celebrate talented people and what they do.

Packer said organisers value “every last category, every last area”, and there were “misconceptions” about the situation, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The decision was reportedly made under pressure from broadcaster ABC, which had initially demanded that 12 of the 23 categories be moved off the live broadcast, under the possible penalty of not airing the ceremony at all if cuts were not made.

The subsequent agreement to remove eight categories was then reached after negotiations.

What protests are planned?

Karol Urban, president of the Cinema Audio Society (CAS), said the move would “fracture the filmmaking community”.

“It’s hurtful to some nominees in some categories but more than that it’s divisive,” Urban told the PA news agency.

“The Oscars is a magical night and it’s a night when the public really takes a look and notices different aspects of filmmaking that are incredibly impactful but perhaps invisible to the viewer.

“It’s heart-breaking in that aspect and it’s very damaging in that aspect.”

Urban said it was “unsettling” to see the “stratification” of the Academy, an organisation created to celebrate filmmaking “as a whole”.

Speaking out against the decision, more than 70 prominent film professionals — including Best Director-nominated Jane Campion, James Cameron, Denis Villeneuve, and John Williams — issued a letter urging the Academy to reverse the plan saying it would relegate some nominees to "the status of second-class citizens".

Acts of “solidarity” are expected to take place at the ceremony on Sunday (27 March), which may include guild members wearing their pins upside down, and award winners accepting their trophies upside down.

Responding to Packer’s remarks, Urban said: “It’s not their moment… it’s about being in the room with all the different aspects of filmmaking and all of your peers giving you the equal recognition for the contribution that you make that is invisible.

“They have taken it away by making it a pre-shoot and edit and insert, that’s not the same.”

How can I watch the Oscars?

The awards ceremony begins at 8pm in the United States on Sunday 27 March, so UK viewers will need to stock up on coffee if they want to to tune in, with the event starting at 1am UK time in the early hours of Monday 28 March.

Usually, the Academy Awards run for about three hours, however, with any live show – it could fluctuate a little!

The Oscars will be available to watch live on Sky Cinema Oscars in the UK. There is likely to be a highlights reel on Sky Max shortly afterwards.

You will need a SkyTV subscription to be able to watch, which can be signed up to here.

Alternatively, a NOW TV package can be purchased. A Now Sky Cinema Pass will be required to watch the ceremony. Now TV currently offer a seven-day free trial here.

This year’s Oscars live telecast will also feature American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for the first time.

A stream available on the Academy’s YouTube channel, will feature a team of deaf interpreters in order to provide an “enhanced experience” for those in need.

It comes following the success of best picture-nominated Coda, which follows the family of Ruby Rossi, a child of deaf adults.

The film and its cast of predominantly deaf actors have already picked up multiple accolades throughout the 2022 awards season, including three Academy nominations.

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