Well, to a degree. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has asked presenters at this year’s Oscars to skip the pre-show — and apparently most have agreed.
The request comes after last year’s televised ceremony was watched by a record-low audience, which the Academy thinks can be remedied by presenters taking a secret route to the Kodak Theatre on Feb. 22.
That way, the Academy reasons, viewers will be forced to tune in to see just who will be presenting and what (or who) they’re wearing, reports the L.A. Times.
In short: more inherent mystery to be revealed during the actual telecast.
Which is all well and good for camera-loathing A-listers like Johnny Depp, but for those who throw pre-show-themed viewing parties, it definitely stings a little bit.
And who’s Ryan Seacrest supposed to interview now? Richard Jenkins?!
