In keeping with the world's adaptation to life under quarantine, The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has voted to allow movies that forgo a theatrical run to be eligible for the release dates pushed out of 2020 entirely. Because of this, many have wondered what an Oscars ceremony that was limited to only a handful of qualifying films would look like given the Academy's established rules about qualification.
In years previous, movies that were produced by streaming companies like Netflix or Amazon had to make sure their more awards inclined films screened in theaters before they made their way online. That's why some fans were able to catch movies like one of many controversies the Oscars have suffered over the years.
But now it seems that the Academy has no other choice but to evolve. In a statement posted on the official Oscars website, the Academy revealed that for this year only, movies that debut on streaming services or were VOD releases will be considered alongside their theatrical brethren. Check out the statement below:
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.
The Academy went on to say that the rule will cease to apply when movie theaters reopen at a time when it's safe for them to do so. Movies released after theaters reopen will need to comply with the original rule - wherein films need to have an exclusive theatrical screening run for at least seven days - will apply once again.
This is uncharted territory for the Oscars and although this is a major step towards normalizing this year's ceremony, the extent of the virus's impact remains unclear. Many movies have already opted to delay rather than move straight to streaming but most of those have been blockbusters that never would have been considered for major awards anyway. If the quarantine drags on into the fall, or even into the summer, it will be interesting to see how this news impacts decisions to stream or delay for streaming movies that would have ordinarily been overlooked a chance to gain a much deserved nomination.
Source: The Oscars
