The Academy has attempted over the years to expand access to different markets for theatrical releases. It used to be a requirement that films had an exhibition in Los Angeles with New York added later and a further four cities being added after that. With this, they’ve further broadened the number of cities where a qualifying run can occur to the top 50 U.S. markets (up from 6) plus the top 15 international markets. They don’t specify which, but I would presume on the international front that will include Toronto, London, Paris, Tokyo, and Beijing will be among them. As for the U.S. it’s too many to fathom. Hopefully, we’ll find out exactly which cities once the full rules for the 97th Oscars are announced.
While that’s good news for foreign entries, reading the details tells us that it will be much more narrowly tailored than before. That is because the film must now be shown theatrically in 10 of the 65 markets (only 2 of which can be international). That means the streamification of Oscar contenders is taking a huge hit. Netflix is the most affected by this change, but AppleTV+ and Disney+ will also have to change their strategies. Since all the craft categories won’t be playing by these rules, it may not matter in some cases, but if you want to compete for Best Picture, you’d better change your ways. That said, we have a full year to hear the complaints those studios will make and we’ll see if it makes it into the new rules next year, but for those of us defending the theatrical release of all motion pictures, this is a huge win.
ACADEMY ANNOUNCES THEATRICAL STANDARDS FOR BEST PICTURE ELIGIBILITY FOR 97TH OSCARS®
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Academy’s Board of Governors has approved new requirements to broaden the public theatrical exhibition criteria for Oscars® eligibility in the Best Picture category starting with the 97th Academy Awards®, for films released in 2024.
Upon completion of an initial qualifying run, currently defined as a one-week theatrical release in one of the six U.S. qualifying cities, a film must meet the following additional theatrical standards for Best Picture eligibility:
Expanded theatrical run of seven days, consecutive or non-consecutive, in 10 of the top 50 U.S. markets, no later than 45 days after the initial release in 2024.
For late-in-the-year films with expansions after January 10, 2025, distributors must submit release plans to the Academy for verification.
Release plans for late-in-the-year films must include a planned expanded theatrical run, as described above, to be completed no later than January 24, 2025.
Non-U.S. territory releases can count towards two of the 10 markets.
Qualifying non-U.S. markets include the top 15 international theatrical markets plus the home territory for the film.
“As we do every year, we have been reviewing and assessing our theatrical eligibility requirements for the Oscars,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang. “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 artform in a theatrical setting. Based on many conversations with industry partners, we feel that this evolution benefits film artists and movie lovers alike.”
Eligibility for achievements in the various discipline categories will not be impacted by this requirement.
For information on awards rules, visit oscars.org/rules.
