New Oscar rules: Best film eligibility criteria for release plans – Academy’s major changes, see new rules

Los Angeles: The Oscars will now be held in a slightly different way. According to Variety, the Academy’s Board of Governors has approved new theatrical release requirements to be eligible for the Best Picture Oscar starting at the 2025 ceremony. Films would no longer become eligible for a Best Picture Oscar with only one week of theatrical release in an approved city, but would instead require a longer stay in theaters.

A film must meet the following additional fields regarding theatrical release in order to be nominated and win the highly coveted Best Picture statuette.

1. Seven consecutive or non-consecutive days of extended theatrical exposure in 10 of the top 50 US markets, no more than 45 days after initial release in 2024.

2. For year-end films with an extension after January 10, 2025, distributors must submit release plans to the Academy for verification.

3. Year-end release plans of the films must include a planned extended theatrical run, as described above, which must be completed before January 24, 2025.

4. Non-US territory releases can be counted in two of the 10 markets.

5. Eligible non-US markets include the top 15 international theatrical markets and the home territories for the film.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oscars temporarily suspended eligibility rules for theatrical releases due to the shutdown.

These changes will not affect any films competing in the 2023 calendar year and will not take effect until January 1. As with all rules and changes, the Board assesses and meets annually to discuss any practical changes to its eligibility and procedures.

To be clear, this only holds for films that qualify for the Best Picture category. Films without meeting this standard would be eligible in various categories, such as direction, acting and technical achievements. The same rule applies to films and studios that do not meet diversity and inclusion standards in their first year of operation.

In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said, “As we do every year, we are reviewing and evaluating our dramatic eligibility requirements for the Oscars. Celebrating the Arts and Sciences And in support of our mission to honor and respect filmmaking, it is our hope that this expanded theatrical footprint will increase the visibility of films around the world and encourage audiences to experience our art in a theatrical setting. Based on multiple conversations with, we think this development will benefit film artists and film lovers alike.”