K.T Simpson
It’s no doubt that the spread of Coronavirus has changed the world this year, and continues to shape the world of entertainment. In light of that, the 2020 Academy Awards will have some one-off rules never seen before.
After a board meeting at Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, it was decided that films available through streaming services will be eligible for Oscars this year. The only caveat is, that the film would have to have been previously planned as a theatrical release.
Until further notice, and for the 93rd Awards year only, films that had a previously planned theatrical release but are initially made available on a commercial streaming or VOD service may qualify in the Best Picture, general entry and specialty categories for the 93rd Academy Awards under these provisions:
- The film must be made available on the secure Academy Screening Room member-only streaming site within 60 days of the film’s streaming or VOD release;
- The film must meet all other eligibility requirements
On a date to be determined by the Academy, and when theaters reopen in accordance with federal, state and local specified guidelines and criteria, this rules exemption will no longer apply. All films released thereafter will be expected to comply with the standard Academy theatrical qualifying requirements.
So this is good news for films that have been forced to release on streaming services, but is still subject to change when theatres reopen.
The 93rd Academy Awards are currently scheduled for February 27, 2021.
