Oscars

Oscars 2021 has been postponed by two months, from February 28 to April 25.

The organisers of The Academy Awards also announced the eligibility window would be extended until the end of February, as the Covid-19 pandemic halted work on several films due to be released by the end of the year.

This is only the third time the Oscars have been delayed -- in 1938, due to the LA flooding; in 1968 after the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King Js; and in 1981 after the attempted assassination of President Ronald Regan.

The Academy also shared that nominations will be announced on March 15.

In a statement on Friday, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which awards the Oscars, has announced that movies will be required to meet certain "representation and inclusion standards" to be eligible for an award. The new standards will be implemented next year, but the Academy was vague on the details of those news standards.

CEO Dawn Hudson's statement read: "While the Academy has made strides, we know there is much more work to be done in order to ensure equitable opportunities across the board. The need to address this issue is urgent. To that end, we will amend – and continue to examine – our rules and procedures to ensure that all voices are heard and celebrated."

Movies that debuted on a streaming service without a theatrical run will be eligible for the Oscars, but only for the 2021 awards season, announced The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

"Until further notice, and for the 93rd Awards year only, films that had a previously planned theatrical release but are initially made available on commercial streaming or VOD service may qualify in the Best Picture, general entry and specialty categories for the 93rd Academy Awards," the board said in a statement.