In light of the record low viewership from the preceding year 's ceremony , the Academy sought to make several changes and hire a new producer for the upcoming show . AMPAS announced that unlike previous years where the ceremony typically was held in either late March or early April , the festivities would be held in late February . AMPAS director of communications John Pavlik explained that the purpose of moving the telecast a month earlier was " to bolster the ceremony 's sagging television ratings and protect the Oscar 's status as the nation 's pre-eminent awards event . " Despite several Academy officials denying such reasons , some industry insiders speculated that the earlier Oscar date was also implemented to mitigate the intense campaigning and lobbying during Oscar season put forth by film studios . This marked the first time since the 14th ceremony that the awards were held outside the aforementioned time frame
preceding year 's ceremony
75th Academy Awards
76th Academy Awards