The Academy is only asking proof of vaccination for nominees and audience members, therefore the COVID-19 safety criteria for the 2022 Oscars will vary depending on whether attendees are presented an award or not.
The New York Times reports that artists and presenters will be thoroughly screened but will not be required to produce proof of immunization.
Because they are considered part of a television production, they are subject to the Return to Work Agreement, which oversees COVID protocols for all film and television shootings and allows productions the option of enforcing vaccine mandates or not.
However, the Academy’s decision to compel the vast majority of the 2,500 people attending the Oscars to produce their vaccine cards is a U-turn from rumors.
Last week it was said that the Academy was considering having no vaccine mandates at all, which sparked outrage among some Academy members.
Audience members will be required to present documentation of at least two negative PCR tests done just prior to the event, in addition to their vaccination record.
In terms of masks, the Academy is considering asking that audience members in the top seating tiers, where spectators are more densely packed and candidates are not seated, wear masks at all times.
The new regulations follow a nationwide trend of state and local governments reducing or eliminating COVID-19 limitations and mask mandates.
While Los Angeles County has been slower to ease such limitations, the county’s Department of Public Health eliminated mask rules for public outdoor settings this week, however the mandates for indoor spaces remain in place.
