Dec 1, 2022

Animation Is Back, Baby! 2023, Short Film Oscar Ceremony Returns to Live Streaming

The upcoming 2023 Academy Awards will once again be broadcast live in all 23 categories, including Best Animated Short Film.

Last year, the Academy decided to remove eight awards from the live telecasts, drawing the ire of industry insiders. In addition to the animated shorts, they were the documentary shorts, film editing, makeup and hair styling, music (original score), production design, live action shorts, and sound.

Now Academy CEO Bill Kramer has admitted to Variety that "all categories will be included in the live broadcast."

He further explained:

We are committed to having programming that celebrates craftsmanship, art, science, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking. This is the Academy's mission, and we are very excited to have a show that celebrates all elements of filmmaking in an entertaining and engaging way."

The Academy Awards have long been the most prestigious and visible awards that animated short filmmakers can hope to win in the United States. And as evidenced by the way the Best Animated Feature Award was handled at the 2022 ceremony, it was a stark reminder that the Academy as a whole has no idea how to handle animation and has no understanding or respect for this art form.

Last year's Best Animated Short Award ultimately went to "Windshield Wiper," directed by Alberto Melgo. His speech, which was recorded before the live broadcast began and later spliced into the broadcast, was not without a bit of mild controversy. Opinions of his speech may have been divided, but Mielgo certainly deserved the chance to speak under the same circumstances as other filmmakers.

For a breakdown of this year's animated short film category, click here.

The 2023 Academy Awards will be held on March 12, 2023 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. In the United States, the awards ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC.