The Selection Process and Traditions Behind Oscar Award Presenters

The Annual Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, are a global spectacle that draws millions of viewers. Central to this event are the presenters, who play a crucial role in adding prestige and engaging viewers. This article explores the intricate process and longstanding traditions that go into choosing these distinguished individuals.

How Are Oscar Award Presenters Chosen?

Oscar award presenters are selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the organization responsible for the Academy Awards. The selection process involves several key considerations:

Star Power

The Academy frequently opts for well-known actors, directors, and industry figures to present awards. This not only draws a larger audience but also adds prestige to the event. Well-known names can enhance the entertainment value and make the viewers more engaged.

Relevance

Presenters are often chosen based on their relevance to the categories they are presenting. For instance, an actor from a nominated film may present the award for Best Actor. This ensures that the presenters have a direct connection to the work being recognized and adds authenticity to the event.

Diversity and Representation

AMPAS has increasingly focused on diversity and inclusion. The selection process now aims to represent various demographics and backgrounds, ensuring that the Academy Awards reflect a broad spectrum of the film industry and its audiences.

Past Winners and Nominees

Previous Oscar winners and nominees are often invited to present awards. Their status in the industry adds credibility to the event and helps maintain its prestige. However, there may be instances where a presenter is temporarily banned, as with Will Smith, who is banned for 10 years due to his on-stage incident.

Public Relations

The Academy considers the public image of presenters, aiming to choose individuals who will resonate positively with audiences. This ensures that the event is well-received and garners positive coverage in the media.

Traditions and Practices

The selection process for Oscar presenters is guided by several long-standing traditions, ensuring consistency and a smooth flow during the ceremony.

The Acting Categories

In the acting categories, there is a tradition that is typically followed each year. This tradition involves the previous year’s Best Actor presenting the new Best Actress, and vice versa, for the supporting categories. Although this tradition is usually upheld unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as the presenter being ill, deceased, or, in the case of Will Smith, banned.

Recently, Will Smith was banned for ten years for his on-stage incident. This ban covers the current and the next nine years, rendering him unable to return to the Oscars during this period. This highlights how even respected figures can be held accountable for their behavior.

The MC and Producers

The Board of Governors of the Academy, along with its Chairpersons, hire producers to run the show. These producers, with the approval of the Board, hire the MC (master of ceremonies) and the presenters. A significant number of presenters, regardless of the category, tend to be actors because delivering lines is their forte. It’s less common to see technical people presenting technical awards.

For the Best Picture category, a well-known celebrity who is not up for Best Actor that year is often chosen, such as Tom Hanks or Paul Newman (when he was alive). In the current year, Harrison Ford presented the award. It is also traditional to have a well-known director present Best Director, but this role is often filled by actors as well.

The MC

The MC is typically a renowned comedian. For many years, Bob Hope served as the MC, doing so for numerous ceremonies. Later, Billy Crystal emerged as one of the very best MCs, earning widespread acclaim for his wit and charm on stage.

The choice of the MC is crucial as they set the tone for the entire event, keeping the audience engaged and entertained. Their performance can often determine the success of the show and its reception by both attendees and viewers at home.

Conclusion

Choosing Oscar award presenters is a meticulous and thoughtful process, involving a blend of tradition and innovative thinking. The Academy’s approach ensures that the event remains entertaining, engaging, and reflective of the diverse world of cinema. From well-known celebrities to recognized industry figures, the presenters play a vital role in making the Oscars one of the most-watched events on the planet.