Statement Regarding the Recent Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Decision

The Society of Composers & Lyricists deeply regrets the Motion Picture Academy’s decision to exclude score composers and seven other categories of creative artists from the live presentation and acceptance of their honors during the Academy Awards broadcast. This is the first time such diminution has occurred since the Oscars® ceremony had its initial television transmission in 1953.

The SCL certainly understands the Academy’s desire to streamline the event, but this is the wrong way to do it. Music’s contribution to a film is invaluable and indispensable, as are the other crafts affected by this decision and deserve to be treated accordingly.

We urge the Academy to reconsider this approach, and we stand ready to work with them to find a more balanced solution.