Oscars eligibility rules changed in the wake of COVID-19 crisis

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has temporarily changed its Oscars eligibility rules. It has put on hold one of its requirements that a film needs a seven-day theatrical run in a commercial theater in Los Angeles County to qualify for Oscar gold.

However, these films must have been earlier planned for theatrical release and be made available for the Academy Screening Room member-only streaming site within 60 days of release. In a statement, Academy president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said the exceptions were allowed only due to the tragic COVID-19 situation and to support everyone during this time of uncertainty. They announced that this new rule to consider films on streaming service will apply only for a year until theaters re-open.

“The Academy firmly believes there is no greater way to experience the magic of movies than to see them in a theater,” the statement read. 

The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony will take place on February 28, 2021.

The Academy has also combined the sound mixing and sound editing categories into one award. With this, the total number of award categories is down to 23. In a first, all Academy members, who have met minimum viewing requirements, will be allowed to participate in the preliminary round of voting for the international feature film. The board also voted to ban DVD screeners from next year.