The Oscars introduces new rules for Best Picture eligibility; find out how it will affect contenders

The competition to bag the Oscar for Best Picture just got tougher. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced new rules for movies vying for the top prize. Starting with the 97th Academy Awards in 2025, best picture hopefuls will have to spend more time in theatres to qualify for the top prize.

Besides the current one-week ‘qualifying run’ in one of six US cities - New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco or Miami, the best picture contenders would now be required to play the film for an additional seven days in 10 of the top 50 US markets. Additionally, there are several other new rules about when the movie must play in theatres.

The Oscars had temporarily suspended these eligibility rules owing to COVID-19 restrictions when films were not being released in theatres. These changes do not affect any film contending in the 2023 calendar year and don't go into effect until January 1.

These changes only affect films that are looking to qualify for the best picture category. Films in other categories like direction, acting, and technical achievements will not have to meet this criterion.

In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said: ‘As we do every year, we have been reviewing and assessing our theatrical eligibility requirements for the Oscars.

In support of our mission to celebrate and honour the arts and sciences of moviemaking, it is our hope that this expanded theatrical footprint will increase the visibility of films worldwide and encourage audiences to experience our art form in a theatrical setting.

Based on many conversations with industry partners, we feel that this evolution benefits film artists and movie lovers alike.’

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