Will Oscars focus on film or will Time's Up come to the fore?

The mood – and red carpet – at this year’s Oscars has been the subject of speculation for months. And in the run up to Sunday’s ceremony, it seems the industry and Time’s Up, the movement against sexual harassment that was behind protests at the Golden Globes, the Grammy’s and the Baftas, have been split.

Referring to any potential plan for protest as “the direction”, a representative for Time’s Up would not comment further, but they did confirm to reporters that there are no plans for a formal red-carpet dress code. Director Ava DuVernay said: “We’re trying to build something that’s sustainable, lasting and serious”. Director Shonda Rhimes added: “the movement is bigger and broader than awards shows”. The movement will, however, have a presence at the ceremony.

The Academy, which declined to comment, has said the focus of this year’s 90th anniversary Oscars is the films. However it is thought that any details relating to a coordinated sartorial protest will break in the hours before the ceremony.

The focus is likely to centre on the acceptance speeches, and the 45-second red carpet interviews, although news that Ryan Seacrest, who has been accused of sexual misconduct, has been retained as the host of E!’s red carpet coverage is likely to incite its own micro-protest – not least because the allegations come from Seacrest’s stylist. Jennifer Lawrence has already said she may not talk to Seaccrest, and suggested other actors may follow suit. It’s been said that potential plans are being made via a WhatsApp group. And according to an unnamed insider, the behind-the-scenes teams “may have other ideas about the clothes”.

Source: theguardian