Unexpected absences. Glenn Close announced he will not attend the 2023 Oscars after testing positive for COVID-19.
His diagnosis was confirmed by a spokesperson Associated Press hours before the red carpet begins on Sunday, March 12. Close, 75, is set to present the Academy Award for Best Picture with Harrison Ford. It was designed to be Air Force one reunion ahead of the 26th anniversary of the blockbuster movie in July.
Glenn Close
Stewart Cook/Shutterstock (Ford will present the award to one of the 10 films nominated for the coveted prize at the Dolby Theater at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles. Nominations included All Quiet on the Western Front, Avatar: The Way of Water, Banshees of Inisherin, Elvis, Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Fabelmans, Tár, Top Gun: Maverick, Triangle of Sadness and Women Speak.
Although red carpets and award shows are back in full swing, the coronavirus pandemic is still affecting big events. Close’s absence comes two months after many stars missed out on the Critics’ Choice Awards after testing positive. Jamie Lee Curtis and Colin Farrell was among the stars to miss the January festivities.
“F—K COVID! Unfortunately, this head cheerleader won’t be joining us for a fun weekend party with friends and colleagues. Live life on life’s terms,” on Everything Everywhere Everything together actress, 64, wrote alongside the picture of three tests with positive results at the time. “I’m glad all these home tests are available so I don’t have to go to the @americanfilminstitute lunch and spread germs.”
Curtis is expected to attend the Oscars and walk the red carpet – which will not be red this year. The 94th annual Academy Awards had a champagne carpet.
Farrell, meanwhile, revealed that there was an important guest with someone at the event – son Henry, 12. “My young fellow will be my plus one. So they both wear the same tuxedo and we hope,” said the Irish citizen, 46, told IndieWire earlier this month.
Despite Close’s absence, many stars will find it difficult to declare a winner. In addition to Ford, other presenters are included Peter Pascal, Kate Hudson, Halle Berry, Cara Delevingne, Mindy Kaling, Eva Longoria, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Andie MacDowell, Elizabeth Olsen, Florence Pugh, Jennifer Connelly, Ariana DeBose, Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Johnson, Michael B. Jordan and Zoe Saldana.
The 95th annual Academy Awards were hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and will air live on ABC Sunday, March 12, at 8 pm ET.