Oscars Will Be Aired, Even Without Stars

'It's not going to be canceled' by scribe strike, producer says

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 19, 2008 6:35 PM CST

(Newser) – ABC is determined to make the Academy Awards happen, with or without striking writers and boycotting actors, the LA Times reports. “I don’t want to say, ‘Read my lips,’ but it’s not going to be canceled,” said producer Gilbert Cates, fresh from chairing successful Directors Guild negotiations with producers. “There are enough clips in 80 years of Oscar history to make a very entertaining show.”

Don’t expect the WGA to give the Oscar’s a special waiver, as they did for the upcoming SAG awards. Both sides realize what an Oscar cancellation would mean—$80 million in lost ad revenue and a publicity nightmare for the studios. “I pray the actors are there,” said Cates. “The strike could be settled by then. Four weeks is a long way off.”

An artist paints Oscars prop statues at a warehouse in Sagus, Calif., in this October file photo. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) (Associated Press)

A finished Oscar statuette is photographed in the studio at R.S. Owens & Company in Chicago on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008, The two-month walkout by members of the Writers Guild of America has disrupted the... (Associated Press)

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Oscars Will Be Aired, Even Without Stars

'It's not going to be canceled' by scribe strike, producer says

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Oscar Plans Remain Under Strike Cloud

Academy, keenly aware of Golden Globes' fate, is behind schedule

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Shorter schedule leaves this year's patter less edited, scribe says

Guild Honchos Like Deal, Ask Scribes to Vote

Writers could be working Wednesday if they OK accord

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Hollywood • Academy Awards • ABC • Writers Guild of America • Hollywood writers' strike • Oscars

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Oscar Plans Remain Under Strike Cloud

Academy, keenly aware of Golden Globes' fate, is behind schedule

Writers Strike Hobbled Oscars

No prep time meant too many clips, not enough Stewart

There Will Be Bad Banter

Shorter schedule leaves this year's patter less edited, scribe says

Guild Honchos Like Deal, Ask Scribes to Vote

Writers could be working Wednesday if they OK accord

Stars Hopeful About Strike Finale

Nominees at Oscar lunch talk contracts

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