The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a series of changes in the rules and regulations for next year's film awards, the 97th Academy Awards, which will be held on March 2, 2025. These changes affect everything from the eligibility criteria for films to the special honors presented during the ceremony.
One of the most significant updates is the adjustment in the theatrical release criteria for eligible films. From now on, films will only be able to qualify by being screened for at least one week in a physical cinema in selected metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles, New York, the Bay Area, Chicago, Atlanta, and the new addition of Dallas-Fort Worth.
Big changes are coming to the Oscars
This measure marks the end of drive-ins' eligibility as a qualifying medium for the Academy Awards. Additionally, additional standards have been established for films seeking to be considered for Best Picture. Films must meet criteria such as expanded theatrical releases in major U.S. markets.
Another important change affects the categories of Best International Film and Best Animated Film. Now, animated films submitted by a foreign country will also be eligible for the Best Animated Film category, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements established for both categories.
Regarding individual awards, the Best Original Soundtrack category will now release a shortlist of 20 titles instead of 15, and up to three composers may be eligible to receive individual statuettes if it is proven that they all contributed fully to the soundtrack.
The Academy changes the rules of the game to open up the world of the Oscars even more
In addition, writers who wish to be considered for the Best Adapted Screenplay or Best Original Screenplay awards must provide a final shooting script for evaluation. As for special honors, the Academy's Governor Awards will undergo some changes in the awards presented during the ceremony.
The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award will have new presentations and approaches. These changes reflect the Academy's commitment to keeping up with the evolution of the film industry and ensuring equity and inclusion in its awards.