That was some Oscars show

Twist,” April 26]: For years now the motion picture academy has produced its awards show as a movie or a Broadway extravaganza. When will they learn? The Academy Awards show is a television production, a variety show at best, and should be produced by people who know television.

That’s why Johnny Carson always had Fred de Cordova in the wings. Rhys Thomas Valley Glen

In a year when COVID-19 erased entertainment, and the joy of going to the movies, I wanted the Oscars to scream that they were back.

I wanted movie stars and glamour, not just actors. I wanted sexy outrageous fashions, I wanted a host with a sense of humor. I wanted singing and dancing, to be entertained in between the boring technical awards, I wanted to be reminded “there is no business like show business.”

Instead I got woke Hollywood. This dismal and sad show shot another arrow in the heart of the dream factory.

Alan Segal

San Diego

My wife and I agreed we enjoyed this year’s Oscars better than any other in living memory. Considering we are both in our 80s, that goes back a ways — well, at least as far as our memories allow us.

It had a much more immediate vibe — think Chloe Zhao and Daniel Kaluuya — and friendly vibe (especially Glenn Close).

That no one was “played” off the stage was also a pleasant surprise. I don’t know if that was by design or whether they all were more respectful of the time limits.

I suppose it’s an impossible ask, but we would ask consideration be given to conducting future Oscars in a similar fashion. John Snyder Newbury Park

The accounting firm that tabulates votes for the Oscars — including for lead actor — apparently is able to keep a secret. Robert Lerner Valley Center