A satellite ceremony for this year’s Academy Awards could be held at London’s BFI Southbank cinema, according to reports.
The Oscars is set to take place on Sunday 25 April, having been pushed back by months due to the ongoing pandemic.
Travel restrictions mean that nominees from outside the US won’t be attending this year’s event in person, with the Academy confirming that alternative arrangements will be made for nominees to appear via video link from another venue.
Variety reported that multiple sources have confirmed that the Oscars producers are in “late-stage discussions” with the British Film Institute for the use of its Southbank venue.
Last month, the Academy was criticised for stating that acceptance speeches broadcast over Zoom would not be permitted this year, with producers subsequently clarifying that filming hubs would be established in London and Paris for international nominees.
Among the British artists in contention for awards at this year’s ceremony are Carey Mulligan, Emerald Fennell, Daniel Kaluuya, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Kirby and Sacha Baron Cohen.
Ongoing lockdown restrictions would mean that the UK satellite ceremony will face some logistical difficulties, with Variety suggesting that special dispensation from the government will be needed to conduct the event indoors.
Organisers are, however, reportedly attempting to plan the event in a manner that complies with existing national lockdown rules.
In Paris, the ceremony will be hosted in Canal Plus’s studio, with nominees banned from bringing guests or consuming food or drink on the premises.
