In an exclusive report, it has been revealed that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences intends to recut the 90-minute version of the Oscars broadcast provided to international licensees. This decision comes in response to the outcry over the exclusion of the Best Documentary Feature category and the moving acceptance speech by Ukrainian filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov from the original package.

The broadcaster, Suspilne TV, which holds the rights to air the Oscar show in Ukraine, voiced their disappointment and shock over the omission of the category and Chernov's remarks in the 90-minute version. The network was planning to broadcast the shortened version in primetime but promptly reached out to Disney, the global licensor of the show, after discovering the exclusion.

Lukian Halkin, executive producer of Suspilne Kultura TV channel, expressed deep disappointment at the exclusion, stating that the film 20 Days in Mariupol, which won the Best Documentary Feature category, deserved to be recognized. Halkin emphasized the importance of preserving the historic event and Chernov's powerful speech, which highlighted the unity between Ukraine and the world and called for the truth to prevail.

The omission of the Best Documentary Feature category raised questions about the decision-making process, as last year's 90-minute cut of the Oscars did include the category, featuring a memorable speech denouncing the Kremlin by Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Reacting to the omission, viewers of Suspilne TV expressed their fury and disappointment on social media. The National Council of Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine also protested the decision, urging Disney to create and distribute an updated international version that includes the Best Documentary Feature category.

Deadline has learned that the Academy has agreed to address the issue. An updated version of the broadcast, including the Best Documentary Feature category, will be provided to all global licensees, not only in Ukraine. The decision to exclude certain categories from the 90-minute version was made by the Academy and show producers after the nomination announcements but before the live show.

While it is believed that the omission was driven by timing rather than politics, it raises concerns regarding the international appeal of the Oscars. The Best Documentary Feature category encompasses films with global themes, making it of interest to international audiences. Furthermore, 20 Days in Mariupol, which shed light on the horrors of war and the impact of the Russian invasion, was considered a strong contender for the award.

It is important to note that global licensees have the option to broadcast the full version of the Oscars show. However, they are not allowed to make unilateral changes to the 90-minute cutdown version supplied by the Academy. To cater to the demands of their viewers, Suspilne TV made the decision to re-air the full version of the show in Ukraine.

The Academy Awards serve as a platform to honor outstanding achievements in filmmaking, and the inclusion of all categories, especially those of significant global importance, is crucial. The recognition of exceptional documentaries like 20 Days in Mariupol not only highlights the art of storytelling but also emphasizes the importance of bearing witness to historical events.

As of now, there has been no official response from Mstyslav Chernov regarding the Academy's initial choice to omit the Best Documentary Feature from the broadcast. However, in his accepted Oscar speech, Chernov expressed his deep sorrow and the urgency to ensure that the truth prevails and the sacrifices made by the people of Mariupol are never forgotten.

In a world grappling with various challenges, the power of cinema to shape memories and contribute to the historical record should not be underestimated. With the planned restoration of the omitted category in the international version, the Academy aims to preserve the integrity of the Oscars and honor the voices of those who use film as a medium for truth and remembrance.