The new rules introduced by the Academy for Best Picture nominations at the Oscars have drawn significant attention due to their potential impact on independent films and streaming releases. The new requirement states that in order to qualify for Best Picture, a movie must be screened in theatres in at least 10 cities in the United States, including Los Angeles, New York, the Bay Area, Chicago, Miami, and Atlanta, for at least one week1.
This move by the Academy appears to be a response to the growing trend of streaming platforms releasing films in theatres for a short period of time, often just long enough to qualify for awards consideration. As an example, the Netflix film “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” was released in theatres for a week, which under the new rule would no longer be sufficient for it to qualify for Best Picture. If Netflix wants their movies to be considered for the Best Picture award, they would need to expand their theatrical releases to more cities.
This rule change is also expected to impact independent films that are traditionally released in a limited number of theaters. For instance, the Best Actress-nominated film “To Leslie” only played in six theaters in 2022, which would no longer be adequate under the new rules.
The Academy’s new rules, although aimed at preserving the importance of theatrical releases, could potentially limit the variety of films considered for Best Picture, as they may disadvantage indie films and those distributed on streaming platforms.
The Oscars
The Academy Awards, colloquially known as the Oscars, represent a grand spectacle in the world of cinema, a celebration of artistic and technical merit in the film industry. Instituted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Oscars hold an iconic status. The golden statuette, an art deco depiction of a knight holding a crusader’s sword standing on a reel of film, has become a symbol of the highest achievement in film.
The inception of the Oscars dates back to 1929, and since then, it has evolved into an elaborate ceremony, broadcasted internationally and seen by millions. Over the decades, the awards have witnessed numerous memorable moments – from unexpected winners to moving speeches, from political statements to humorous skits. The Oscars encapsulate a year in film, showcasing the finest works and acknowledging the individual efforts that culminate in cinematic excellence.
However, the Oscars are not without controversy. From criticisms about lack of diversity and representation to debates over the qualification criteria for nominations, the Academy Awards have often been at the center of cultural conversations. The recent change in rules for Best Picture nominations, for instance, has stirred up discussions on how it might limit independent films and streaming releases, highlighting the dynamic relationship between the Oscars and the evolving film industry.
The Oscars are more than just an awards ceremony. They have a cultural impact that extends beyond the world of cinema. The red carpet fashion trends, the political statements made during acceptance speeches, the commentary on social issues – all of these elements contribute to a broader cultural discourse. The Oscars have the power to influence public opinion and can spotlight critical issues, from diversity in Hollywood to global humanitarian crises.
Equally, the Oscars are a reflection of societal shifts. As the film industry changes and evolves, so too do the Oscars. The recognition of streaming platforms, the inclusion of international films in the Best Picture category, and the increasing diversity among nominees are indicative of a broader societal change being reflected in the world of cinema.
The Academy Awards continue to be a significant event in the global film industry, honoring excellence and innovation in filmmaking. Despite the criticisms and controversies, the Oscars remain a vital institution in the cinematic world. As we look forward to the next awards ceremony, we anticipate not just a celebration of film, but also an insight into the cultural, societal, and industrial shifts that will define the future of cinema.
Oscar Highlights
| Year | Highlight |
|---|---|
| 1929 | First Academy Awards ceremony takes place. |
| 1940 | Hattie McDaniel becomes the first African American to win an Oscar for her role in “Gone with the Wind”. |
| 1969 | “Midnight Cowboy” becomes the only X-rated film to win Best Picture. |
| 1973 | Marlon Brando refuses his Best Actor award for “The Godfather” in protest of Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans. |
| 1992 | “Silence of the Lambs” becomes the third film in history to win the “Big Five” (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay). |
| 2002 | Halle Berry becomes the first (and as of 2021, the only) African American woman to win Best Actress. |
| 2009 | “Slumdog Millionaire” wins 8 awards, becoming the most awarded film of the year. |
| 2010 | “The Hurt Locker” director Kathryn Bigelow becomes the first woman to win Best Director. |
| 2016 | The #OscarsSoWhite campaign highlights the lack of diversity in nominations. |
| 2020 | “Parasite” becomes the first non-English language film to win Best Picture. |
| 2021 | Chloe Zhao becomes the first woman of color and second woman to win Best Director for “Nomadland”. |
| 2023 | New rules affect the qualification for Best Picture, limiting independent films and streaming releases. |
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