The MTV Movie & TV Awards were previously announced to be without a host. Now, they will also be without a live audience. The award show is scheduled to be broadcast on several TV channels on Sunday. Bruce Gillmer, an executive at Paramount Global, says the decision to pivot away from a live audience has been made. Bruce is the executive producer on the show, so he has had quite a bit of behind the scenes insight. In a statement to TMZ, he explained the decision.
"As we carefully navigate how best to deliver the fan first awards show we envisioned that our team has worked so hard to create," he began. "We're pivoting away from a live event that still enables us to produce a memorable night." Bruce went on to say some comforting words for those who care. He says that the night will still include many of the things fans have come to know and love the MTV Movie & TV Awards for. "[It will be] full of exclusive sneak peaks, irreverent categories our audience has come to expect," he continued, "and countless moments that will both surprise and delight as we honor the best of film and TV over the past year."
Drew Drops Out Of Hosting Duties
Drew Barrymore, the iconic actress and talk show host, was originally set to host the MTV Movie & TV Awards. However, she unexpectedly withdrew from her role as host on May 4th. In an interview with Variety, Barrymore explained why she had decided to step down as host. It was in order to show respect for the writers who were on strike. She stated that she would wait to host the show until a solution had been reached. However, she said that she would be watching the show from home in the meantime. Additionally, Barrymore called for others to join her in boycotting the services of the studios involved in the picketing.
In a surprising move, MTV showed support for Barrymore’s decision to step down. “When this all reared its head, we started to prepare for what could be,” Bruce Gillmer said. “She is not surprisingly, standing in solidarity with the writers, which we have full respect for.” Drew Barrymore will, however, host the awards in 2024. The 2023 event will still be going on, even though there is now no host or audience. What that means for the show as a whole remains to be seen. What do you think of the decision not to have an audience?
[Via]
