Watch CBS News

Academy Again Allows Films Opening On Streaming Services To Qualify For Oscars

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will again amend rules to allow films that premiere on streaming services to qualify for Oscar consideration.

The change in rules began last year when the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered movie theaters across the country.

For the upcoming 94th Oscars, films can qualify for award consideration if they are intended for theatrical release, but are initially made available through commercial streaming, video-on-demand or other forms of broadcast.

Academy officials said the change was being extended due to "theatrical exhibition still impacted by the pandemic this year."

The Oscar eligibility period is March 1, 2021, through Dec. 31.

The Academy also announced that the Best Picture category will be firmly set at 10 nominees, rather than a fluctuating number.

The 94th Oscars will be held on March 27 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Nominations will be announced on Feb. 8.

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.