On Tuesday, the organisers of the Oscars said that films released only on streaming platforms or video on demand would be eligible for Academy Awards next year as movie theatres remain closed.
This is a statement by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences:
The change is temporary and will only apply to the 2021 Oscars and will be reversed when cinemas open across the United States.
Did you know?
Previously, a movie was screened in a movie theater in Los Angeles for at least seven days in order to be eligible for Oscar consideration.
What has happened to cinemas in the United States?
In mid-March, movie theaters across the United States shut their doors, resulting in the postponement of major film releases. The three main movie theater chains – AMC, Regal and Cinemark – said they do not expect to reopen until late June or July.
Academy President David Rubin and Chief Executive Dawn Hudson said:
“The Academy firmly believes there is no greater way to experience the magic of movies than to see them in a theater. Our commitment to that is unchanged and unwavering. Nonetheless, the historically tragic COVID-19 pandemic necessitates this temporary exception to our awards eligibility rules.”