The Academy’s Board of Governors has adopted new theatrical distribution standards for every film qualifying for the best picture category, which will make the next Oscars a little different from prior years. This will apply to the Oscars ceremony in 2025. As part of the modifications, commencing with movies released in 2024, a film must meet additional standards about its theatrical release in addition to a one-week qualifying run in one of the six US markets to be nominated and win in the best picture category.
Oscars have changed eligibility requirements for Best Picture nominees
The following are the complete list of changes:
Extended theatrical run of seven consecutive or non-consecutive days in ten of the top 50 U.S. markets, no later than 45 days after the initial release in 2024. Distributors must submit release plans to the Academy for authentication for late-year films with expansions after January 10, 2025. Late-year film release plans must include an additional theatrical run, as indicated above, to be finished no later than January 24, 2025. Non-US territory releases are eligible for two of the ten markets. Non-US qualifying markets include the top 15 international theatrical markets, as well as the film’s home country. These criteria were developed as a consequence of multiple interactions with distributors of all sizes, as well as research into historical data. The Academy has been outspoken about its opinion that a healthy theatrical atmosphere is critical to Hollywood’s prosperity.
During COVID-19 Oscars halted theatrical run eligibility criteria
These changes were reinstated during the post-pandemic years since the Oscars had briefly suspended these eligibility standards because to COVID-19 restrictions when films were not released in theaters. These modifications will not affect any films competing in the calendar year 2023 and will not take effect until January 1. These modifications only apply to films vying for the best picture award. Other areas of films, such as direction, acting, and technical achievements, will not be required to meet this criterion.
“As we do every year, we have been reviewing and assessing our theatrical eligibility requirements for the Oscars. In support of our mission to celebrate and honor the arts and sciences of moviemaking, it is our hope that this expanded theatrical footprint will increase the visibility of films worldwide and encourage audiences to experience our art form in a theatrical setting. Based on many conversations with industry partners, we feel that this evolution benefits film artists and movie lovers alike,” stated Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang in a joint statement.