A group of actors, directors, and other filmmakers have signed an open letter to the Academy and the show’s producers, protesting the decision to relegate some Oscar categories to the commercial break. “Relegating these essential cinematic crafts to lesser status in this 91st Academy Awards ceremony is nothing less than an insult to those of us who have devoted our lives and passions to our chosen profession,” the letter reads, in part. According to The Hollywood Reporter, signees include George Clooney and Brad Pitt, Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Elizabeth Banks, Peter Dinklage, and Kerry Washington. Presumably the stars are hoping to pull a Lady Gaga and shame the Academy into giving every filmmaker their due shine. Which begs the question: How many directors will need to sign on to equal the influence of Ally Maine?
