Sandra Bullock, Emma Stone and Jon Hamm also added their names to an open letter signed by directors Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee and Alfonso Cuaron demanding the decision be reversed. But the open letter, signed by more than 50 directors, actors and filmmakers, accused the academy of "relegating these essential crafts to lesser status" and insulting the professionals who work in the four areas. The academy on Wednesday defended the changes, blaming "inaccurate reporting and social media posts" that it said had "understandably upset many Academy members." Some news reports suggested that the winners of the four Oscars would not be included at all on the Oscars telecast. "In the history of CINEMA, masterpieces have existed without sound, without colour, without a story, without actors and without music.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 14, 2019 20:37 UTC