This Sunday, The Oscars® will air live on ABC and stream live on Hulu at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Hosted by Conan O’Brien at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, the Academy Awards® will celebrate every aspect of the arts and sciences of moviemaking and feature showstopping performances, heartfelt tributes, and — if history is any indication — a few surprises. In an exclusive Q&A, Rob Mills, Executive Vice President, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment, Walt Disney Television, shares what’s unique about this year’s telecast.
For the first time ever, the Oscars will stream live on Hulu in addition to being broadcast live on ABC. What was the impetus behind that decision?
I think we’ve seen more than ever that we need to meet our audiences where they are. We’ve seen firsthand how Dancing with the Stars has gained more relevancy than it’s had in years by streaming simultaneously on ABC and Disney+. It definitely felt like the time is now to make sure our big event programming is available to all viewers wherever they prefer to watch.
Several of Disney’s nominated films — including A Real Pain, Alien: Romulus, Elton John: Never Too Late, Inside Out 2, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Sugarcane — are currently streaming on Disney+ and/or Hulu. What are the benefits of having these films readily available to stream on Disney platforms before and after the Oscars ceremony?
I think the advantage of having these films available to stream before the ceremony helps give the viewer an added investment in the winner and nominees when they have seen them. The fact that these films can be viewed literally right after the Oscars creates an amazing halo effect across the entire company.
What makes Conan O’Brien the perfect person to host the Oscars?
We are so excited for Conan because in a year that has been so trying for so many people with so much hardship, Conan — as he has done for over 30 years — just wants to make you laugh for three hours and forget your problems. He is also someone who, in addition to being funny, can sing and dance, which we haven’t had from a host in a while.
This year marks Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan’s second time executive producing the ceremony and Hamish Hamilton’s fifth time directing the telecast. What makes them a winning team, and how does their combined experience add value to this year’s Oscars?
I think Raj and Katy, along with Hamish directing, are so incredibly passionate about the show and bring a fresh perspective to the Oscars. I also think they did an incredible job last year but have looked at ways to make the show move faster and be an even better night.
Raj and Katy recently said that this year’s ceremony will “lean into the alchemy of filmmaking” and take audiences behind the scenes. How, exactly, will the show do that?
I think they will help get viewers more invested in filmmaking and by extension the technical awards with various bumpers and clips in and out of breaks as well as with the various presenters in the categories.
The film industry was directly impacted by the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area. How will the show acknowledge that and/or create an opportunity for people to give back?
We have been impressed with the way other award shows have handled the fires. I thought the GRAMMYS® did an exquisite job. I think the theme now that we have gotten a few months past will be one of resilience and hope.
What element of this year’s ceremony most excites you?
The opening performance (which I won’t spoil) and, of course, Conan are the most exciting elements. I also am excited for the unknowns — the winners!