Double Standard Vaccination, Mask Policy Announced for 2022 Oscars

Even though the 94th Oscars are still more than a month away, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released new mask and vaccination requirements for the event. It appears that whether an attendee will need to be vaccinated or wear a mask will depend upon who s/he is.

According to The New York Times,

The audience of 2,500 invited guests — including all nominees — will be required to show proof of vaccination against the coronavirus and at least two negative P.C.R. tests.

Performers and presenters also must undergo rigorous testing — but those people will not need to show proof of vaccination, a decision that an academy spokeswoman said on Thursday was in keeping with virus safety protocols on some television sets and return-to-work standards set by Los Angeles County.

Mandatory face coverings will also be determined upon where attendees will be seated. The New York Times explains that attendees and nominees sitting in the Orchestra and Parterre sections of the Dolby Theatre will be given more space than usual and will not be required to wear face masks. However, attendees in the Mezzanines will be seated shoulder-to-shoulder, making face masks possible.

The Academy’s decision comes after facing severe backlash over social media for expressing a desire to forego all vaccination requirements.

Meanwhile, everyday theatergoers do not find themselves subject to these situational exceptions.

According to Broadway.org,

“The owners and operators of all 41 Broadway theatres in New York City will continue to require vaccinations for audience members, as well as performers, backstage crew, and theatre staff, for all performances through April 30, 2022. Masks will continue to be required for audiences inside the theatre, except while actively eating or drinking in designated locations.”

Guests as young as five years old need to be vaccinated, and Guests as young as 12 will need to show some proof of ID along with their vaccination card.

The 94th Oscars look promising for Disney and Marvel as Encanto, Cruella, Shang-Chi: Legend of the Ten Rings, Luca, and Raya and the Last Dragon all received nominations. You can read our full coverage of the Mouse House’s nominations by clicking the link below:

Read More: Disney and Marvel Movies Head to the Oscars

“Oscar Sunday” 2022 is set for March 27. Coverage of the 94th Academy Awards from Los Angeles will begin at 8 pm ET on ABC.