The Oscar Academy tightens the requirements for films that can be considered for the gala’s finest prize – best film.
This is what matters now.
The Oscar Academy believes in cinemas. Therefore, the requirements are tightened on how much and how long the films must have been in cinemas if they are to be considered for the coveted statuette for best film.
Films will, as before, have to spend at least one week in theaters in one of six major American cities. But from next year onwards, the films also need to play an extra week in at least ten of the fifty largest markets in the US, within a month and a half of the premiere.
The sharpening is probably aimed at streaming giants
“We hope this extended theatrical imprint will increase the visibility of films around the world and encourage audiences to experience our art form in a theatrical environment,” CEO Bill Kramer and Chairman Janet Yang wrote in a joint statement, adding:
“Based on many conversations with industry partners, we feel that this development benefits both filmmakers and film lovers”.
The tightening is probably aimed at streaming giants like Netflix, Apple and Amazon, but can according to The Los Angeles Time s rather strike against smaller independent filmmakers, for whom the requirements can be costly.
However, the rules only apply to best film, other categories are not affected.