Oscars movie nominations: Rules for the most prestigious cinema awards that will shock you
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) enforces a rigid framework that determines which movies make the cut for the coveted nominations. As the 97th Academy Awards approach, the stringent guidelines continue to spark heated debates, especially with the rise of streaming platforms.
The Theatrical Mandate
One of the most surprising eligibility rules is the Academy’s unwavering commitment to the theatrical experience. To be considered for nomination, movies must have a minimum seven-day theatrical run in one of six designated U.S. metro areas: Los Angeles County, New York City, the Bay Area, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, or Atlanta. During this period, the film must screen at least three times daily with one show between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. — a clear nod to the Academy's reverence for the traditional movie-going experience.
OTT Platforms — The Silent Contenders
Despite the growing dominance of streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime, the Academy remains firm in its stance: Films that debut solely on OTT platforms without a theatrical release are not eligible for any Oscar category. However, if a film streams online after its theatrical qualifying run, it still remains in the running. This rule has sparked controversy in recent years, with filmmakers arguing that the definition of cinema itself is evolving in the digital age.
Festival Loopholes
Not all films must adhere strictly to theatrical releases. Documentary and international feature films have a unique loophole — if they win a qualifying
Read on economictimes.indiatimes.com
