How COVID Redefined the 93rd Oscars: An Oral History

An oral-history of the 93rd Academy Awards shows how COVID-19 forced a yearlong, door-to-door adaptation: eligibility moved to streaming, drive-in hubs emerged around the world, and a filmlike Union Station ceremony was staged with strict safety protocols under Steven Soderbergh and Stacey Sher. The night centered on nominees’ personal stories, included global hubs and remote appearances, and honored Chadwick Boseman during a year of upheaval; it culminated with Anthony Hopkins winning best actor, a controversial ending that paired with record-low viewership to create a surreal, human night.