Oscars Won’t Require Audience To Wear Masks During Live Telecast

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences won’t require attendees to wear masks during the live event on April 25.

Since the ceremony is being treated as a TV/film production, masks are not required for people on camera, an Academy staffer explained. The audience is limited to 170 people and although masks are not required while cameras are rolling, they will be required during commercial breaks. Audience members will be rotated in and out of the ceremony and upon arrival, nominees will receive a personalized itinerary that outlines what times they will be rotated in and out.

According to Variety, attendees must take at least three COVID-19 tests in the days leading up to the ceremony. Unlike past years, the event will have an abbreviated red carpet that will only include three photographers and a limited number of press outlets.

Tune in to the Oscars airing live from Los Angeles on ABC April 25 at 8 p.m.