These include best picture, director, and supporting actor for Ariana de Bose. The star of the movie musical won’t be attending Sunday’s ceremony.
Rachel Zegler (20 years old) posted Sunday that she attempted to play Maria and “it doesn’t seem to be happening”. She also stated that she would be rooting for “West Side Story” from her couch.
Zegler shared his thoughts on Instagram, “I hope some miracle happens and I can celebrate the film in person. But hey, that’s how it goes sometimes. I guess.” “Thanks for all of the outrage and shock — I’m also disappointed. That’s okay. We are so proud of our movie.
This post attracted a lot of attention online because many couldn’t understand why the best picture nominee’s lead wouldn’t be invited to the ceremony, or even asked to present an award.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gives each nominee for best picture a set number of tickets. The film studio then distributes the tickets as it sees fit. Individual nominees and presenters get two tickets each. Other spots in the room are given to broadcasters, sponsors, and academy members who may enter a lottery.
Zegler isn’t nominated but, to make matters more frustrating, her next big role will be as Snow White. She is currently filming in London. Many wondered why The Walt Disney Co. (owner of ABC’s Oscars broadcaster ABC) wouldn’t want their new Snow White to be there in some capacity like performing or presenting. Others saw it as an opportunity missed to have a young Latina star at the show. Representatives of Disney and Academy did not respond to requests to comment.
Russ Tamblyn played Riff in 1961’s “West Side Story”, and is a voting member. He tweeted that it was the Academy’s duty to “find Rachel a seat at Oscars ….”. This is what they mean when they say representation matters. Do right by her.”
Alec Baldwin tweeted that Zegler would get him two tickets.
Gloria Calderon Kellett, the showrunner of “One Day at a Time,” tweeted at ABC and Academy: “How about the rare occasion that Latine people have a film nominated for an OSCAR? You invite the lead. This country is 18.5% Latino. ENOUGH!”
Oscars tickets are always a hot commodity. This year, however, they are even less popular than usual due to efforts to keep more space between guests in order to prevent COVID-19 from spreading. Many academy members have never been able to attend.
The outrage only increased as more and more presenters are revealed to have no connections to the movies or the film business. producers announced Monday that DJ Khaled and Tony Hawk would be presenting the awards. The show will air live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET.
