January 2022's Oscars 'postponed' due to rising cases in COVID-19 variant

Oscars Week: Shorts
Oscars Week: Shorts / Rodin Eckenroth/GettyImages

The 12th annual Governors Awards, known more commonly as the Oscars, one of Hollywood's most prestigious movie awards, has been postponed due to a surge of the new cases of the Covid-19 variant, Omicron.

A statement released by a spokesperson of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, on Wednesday, said, "We have made the difficult decision to change our plans in hosting the Governors Awards in person on January 15."

The announcement continued, "Given the uncertainties around the variants, and the impact this could have on our community, we feel this is the best and safest decision for our honorees and guests."

"Rescheduled plans will come at a later date as we continue to prioritize the health and wellbeing of all those involved."

According to reports, Samuel L. Jackson, Liv Ullmann, and Elaine May were slated to receive honorary Oscar awards at the event.