The Hollywood Academy has learned from the chaos that erupted during the 2022 Oscar ceremony when an on-stage incident disrupted the evening. The event, watched by millions worldwide, underscored the need for a robust safety and response framework. This year ahead of the 2023 Oscars, organizers are prioritizing proactive planning and tighter control to prevent a repeat of that moment on the stage and in the hall.
With the premiere scheduled for a weekend spanning Sunday to Monday, the organization has issued a clear directive to strengthen preparedness for any unforeseen disruption on the red carpet, inside the Dolby Theatre, and across the ceremony itself. In interviews, the managing director highlighted the lessons from the 94th edition and admitted that the response was not up to the moment. The goal now is to anticipate rather than react, ensuring calm and decisive action if something unexpected occurs during the celebration.
To achieve this, a dedicated crisis response unit will be stationed at the red carpet and the theatre. The plan brings together structured teams and rapid communication channels designed to coordinate a swift, unified intervention whenever necessary. In describing the new approach, the managing director noted that a comprehensive crisis team has never existed in such a form before, and that multiple contingency scenarios will be reviewed to refine the protocols. The overall aim is to act quickly and decisively rather than making ad hoc judgments under pressure.
The 2022 incident drew wide commentary and pushback, with the shield of the statuette momentarily pausing the event and prompting discussions about accountability. The host for the following year, a role that was reassigned to Jimmy Kimmel, faced public interest and expectations about leadership of the ceremony. The changes being introduced reflect a determination to restore confidence and ensure the show runs smoothly for attendees and viewers alike. The organization is emphasizing predictable procedures, trained personnel, and a framework for responsible decision making that reduces the chance of improvisation during critical moments.
Looking ahead, the Hollywood Academy has publicly stated that the goal is to deliver a spectacle that upholds dignity and safety without compromising ceremony norms. Janet Yang, serving as president of the Academy, acknowledged that the previous year’s response fell short and that greater transparency and accountability are now core parts of the preparation. The organization is committed to continuous improvement, aiming to prevent disruptions from overshadowing the celebration and to avoid policy gaps that could harm the show’s reputation. The focus is on clear roles, rapid communication, and rehearsed actions that keep the evening on track, ensuring the Oscars maintain their status as a premier cultural event without unintended interruptions.