(UTV | COLOMBO) – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced Wednesday that despite more cinemas opening up across the U.S., the more relaxed pandemic condition Oscar eligibility rules instituted last year will continue on this year.
That means films can continue to qualify for the Oscars this year even if they don’t receive a theatrical release in 2021 (eg. films that debut on streaming simultaneously or entirely) but have one planned. The deadline for eligibility will also revert to the standard December 31st date.
Films can qualify if they pay to be showcased in the Academy Screening Room, a secure viewing portal available to Oscar voters. Films that qualify via theatrical release can still do so in any one of six cities: Los Angeles County, New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Miami and Atlanta.
That runs counter to a decision on Tuesday by the Directors Guild of America which went back to its pre-pandemic requirement that films be released theatrically to qualify for DGA Awards.
AMPAS adds that for the 95th Academy Awards, to be handed out in 2023 and cover the films of 2022, it will revert to stricter qualifying requirements.
Other rule changes for the 94th Academy Awards include Best Picture nominees expanding to a flat ten nominees, and the mailing of physical media and screenplays is now prohibited – only digital materials are permitted.
Music has also been overhauled with a film’s original score now only having to compromise at least 35% of the total music in a film as opposed to 60%.
In the Best Original Song category, no more than five songs from any one film can be submitted.