In other words, everything will come down to health and safety considerations, so plans remain fluid, with numerous contingencies being planned for.

Moreover, the Academy has not yet even confirmed producers for the telecast, who will obviously play a central role in any and all decisions pertaining to the format of the show, especially whether to conduct the ceremony virtually or in-person at the 3400-seat Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, which has been the home of the Oscars since 2002.

The likeliest outcome has long been and remains some combination of the two, as was the case with the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards back on September 20. For that event, host Jimmy Kimmel and a series of presenters, such as Jennifer Aniston, made socially-distanced appearances at the Staples Center, without an in-person audience, while nominees appeared virtually.