Meanwhile, the world of entertainment continues limping along.  You may be wondering what will happen to all those year-end blockbusters?  Many studios continue to bank on bringing these films to the public, and the folks at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences want to help them along.  As you probably know, the Oscars have been pushed from February to April 25th.  In the past, films needed to qualify by screening in a Los Angeles cinema three times a day for at least one week.  However, the Academy’s new rules allow films which are shown in cinemas OR drive-ins in LA, NYC, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami and Atlanta for a week.  In addition, films that had scheduled theatrical releases but were seen on a streaming service due to the pandemic also qualify.

Some members of the Academy are asking that the Oscars not take place at all.  The awards should still be given out.  But due to the pandemic, most believe a live ceremony cannot take place safely.  They also believe that doing a virtual event would tarnish the reputation of the Oscars.  Stay tuned.

Remember the Tonys?  Of course you don’t – Broadway’s biggest night traditionally happens during June (coincidentally, gay pride month).  Meanwhile, we haven’t even had nominations from the truncated season.  That’s all about to change.  The Tony nominations will be announced live at 3PM Eastern on YouTube on October 15th.  Wait a second – that’s this Thursday.  Hopefully it’ll be done by 3PM so you can watch Billy Masters LIVE with Ed Asner!

As to the ceremony itself, God only knows.  Originally, it was supposed to air on CBS.  Here is the latest official statement: “The 74th Annual Tony Awards will take place digitally in fall 2020.”  Well, doesn’t that sound vague and unfulfilling!  It’s not like I haven’t had memorable moments digitally.  Frankly, it depends on the digits.

The latest on Broadway is that theatres will not open any earlier than May 30, 2021 – and the phrase “don’t hold your breath” springs to mind.  What would this mean for the 2021 Tonys, which would typically take place in June?  Perhaps whatever shows can open on one weekend will sweep the awards.  In light of these delays, it’s no surprise that the Hugh Jackman/Sutton Foster revival of The Music Man will now open on February 10, 2022.  And the new musical about Michael Jackson will bow sometime in September 2021.