Despite the coronavirus pandemic that has caused havoc in the entertainment industry, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences says it is "determined to present an Oscars like none other, while prioritising the public health and safety of all those who will participate".

"To create the in-person show our global audience wants to see, while adapting to the requirements of the pandemic, the ceremony will broadcast live from multiple locations, including the landmark Dolby Theater," a spokesperson said in a statement.

The Dolby Theater in Hollywood has been the venue for the Oscars show for a number of years.

California on Tuesday surpassed New York as the US state with the most coronavirus deaths and the Los Angeles area has been particularly badly hit.

The academy rescheduled the 2021 Oscar ceremony, the highest awards in the movie industry, from February 28 to April 25 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Other awards shows in recent months have replaced the usual gatherings with pre-recorded appearances or virtual events.

The Grammy Awards in January postponed its ceremony to March just three weeks before the scheduled date.

The delayed Golden Globes ceremony on February 28 will take part in both Los Angeles and New York, with nominees taking part from locations around the world.

Nominations for the 2021 Oscars will be announced on March 15. No host has been announced.

Australian Associated Press