Oscars Eases Rules For 2021; Streaming Films Considered

Even the Oscars are not immune to the coronavirus. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the new ruling that will affect the selection of Oscars for 2021.

The Academy, through the board of governors, has convened and decided on Tuesday to allow films that are available digitally to be considered for the Oscars without a theatrical release. The Academy has eased up on its ruling that a movie should have at least a seven-day commercial cinema run specifically in Los Angeles. There is a considerable prerequisite though for the qualifications to become a nominee - the film should previously have set a calendared release in theaters. The streaming movie is also required to be available for viewing on the Academy Screening Room member-only online site within the prescribed 60 days of the streaming or video-on-demand (VOD) release.

The move was set into place as the current pandemic situation had closed down all cinemas and theaters across the globe that restricted lined-up movies to be shown to the public. The temporary suspension of the guideline will only be applicable for films with a 2020 screening release. It is the first time that streamed movies will be considered for nominations.

In a joint statement from David Rubin, the president of the Academy and Dawn Hudson, CEO, said that the Academy "firmly believes there is no greater way to experience the magic of movies than to see them in a theater." They further stressed that the Academy's commitment to that allegiance is "unchanged and unwavering." However, with an in-depth consideration of the severe disturbance caused by COVID-19, the institution yielded to the call of the times saying it "necessitates this temporary exception to our awards eligibility rules." Further, the Academy showed its robust solidarity to the affected members and colleagues and added that the governing body acknowledges the "importance of their work being seen and also celebrated." With the public audience in mind, the Academy had seen that movies are appreciated now more than ever.

If cinemas are allowed to resume operations, the set ruling for eligibility of seven-day theater run will once again take effect. But to be clear, the films that have been released for online viewing before the re-opening will no longer be required to do a commercial release. Further, the Academy decided there will be locations to be added to qualify once the theaters begin showing movies again. Apart from Los Angeles County, theaters in New York City, Chicago, Miami, the Bay Area, and Atlanta will now be included.

Another deviation from the previous process is that all Academy members will now be asked to participate in the initial round of voting for foreign feature films. They will be required, though, for a minimum viewing number for the ability to vote.

On the sound category, the sound mixing and sound editing categories will now be consolidated under one award - the Best Sound Award. With this move, the total number of Oscars will be 23 from the 24 awards given annually.

Also, it has adjusted the eligibility rules under the original score category. The new requirement must have 60 percent of new music incorporated in the movie. The previous standard for a film's score was set to be "predominantly" original.

The telecast for the 93rd Academy Awards is scheduled on Feb. 27, 2021.