Film Academy Makes New Oscars’ Rules For Best Film Eligibility

The Board of Governors of the Academy, which oversees the Oscars, has announced revised theatrical release criteria for films to qualify for the Best Picture category, which will be effective from the 2025 ceremony.

The new regulations state that movies will no longer be eligible for the prestigious award based solely on a one-week theatrical release in an approved city. Instead, a longer duration of exhibition in theaters will be required to meet the revised eligibility criteria.

Under the updated rules, a film must have an expanded theatrical run of at least seven days, consecutive or non-consecutive, in 10 of the top 50 US markets, no later than 45 days after the initial release in 2024.

For films released later in the year, distributors must submit release plans to the Academy, and an expanded theatrical run must be completed no later than January 24, 2025.

Additionally, non-US territory releases can count towards two of the 10 required markets, and the qualifying non-US markets include the top 15 international theatrical markets plus the film’s home territory.

These changes come after the temporary suspension of eligibility rules for theatrical releases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s important to note that the revised requirements will not impact films vying for the Best Picture award in the 2023 calendar year. The modifications will only be in effect starting from January 1, 2025.

The Academy regularly evaluates and discusses eligibility criteria and procedures to ensure they remain practical and up-to-date.

The goal of these changes is to increase the visibility of films worldwide and encourage audiences to experience movies in a theatrical setting.

It is worth mentioning that these rules only apply to films qualifying for the Best Picture category.

Films will still be eligible in various other categories, such as directing, acting, and technical achievements, without meeting the revised theatrical release standards.

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In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang expressed their hope that the expanded theatrical footprint will benefit film artists and movie lovers alike.

They emphasized the Academy’s mission to celebrate and honor the arts and sciences of film-making and acknowledged the input and feedback received from industry partners during the decision-making process.