Oscars: audio description brings film to life for blind people, it deserves an award too

Awards season is in full swing but as the Oscars approach there is one group of cinema professionals who will not be preparing to take their place on the red carpet: audio describers.

For blind cinema goers, audio description is a crucial part of any film. It is just as important as acting, cinematography and score. Yet many sighted movie fans have no idea that audio description even exists – and it is not a skill that is awarded at the BAFTAs, Oscars or any other of the countless film institute ceremonies around the world.