There were a lot of speculations around how the next Academy Awards ceremony would be held amid the Covid pandemic. It is now confirmed the award gala will not go virtual.

"The Oscars in-person telecast will happen," a representative from the Academy told Variety.

However, the Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences has decided to push the annual telecast to April 25, 2021, owing to the pandemic. 

Several sources have shared that by pushing the awards ceremony back, the Academy hopes for cinema halls to regain normalcy, allowing for more films to compete in the annual celebration.

The Academy is now focusing on ensuring that the event is held in a traditional manner. However, it is to be seen how they plan the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, the Malayalam film, Jallikattu, has been selected as the official Indian entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 93rd Academy Awards.

The shortlist for the 2021 Academy Awards will be unveiled on February 9, and nominations will be announced on March 15.