The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has announced amended regulations and campaign standards for the 97th Academy Awards, which will be held on March 2 of next year. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Academy has altered the eligibility standards for films in order to support traditional movie theatres. Films must now screen for at least one week in specified metropolitan regions, such as Los Angeles County, New York City, the Bay Area, Chicago, Atlanta, and a new addition, Dallas-Fort Worth. Furthermore, films must meet higher theatrical standards in numerous US regions and other territories.
An intriguing aspect is the confluence of the animated feature and international feature categories. Foreign-produced animated feature films can now be eligible for both categories, provided they match the qualifying standards.
Composers stand to benefit from the changes as well.According to The Hollywood Reporter, the best original score category will now have a shortlist of 20 titles rather than 15, and up to three composers may be awarded separate statuettes for their contributions to a score.
Writers looking for Oscar recognition must now produce a final shooting script, which may have an influence on films that rely heavily on improvisation.
Special accolades offered at the Governors accolades presentation are also being modified. The Irving G Thalberg Memorial Award will now be an Oscar statuette rather than a bust, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award will be revised to recognise humanitarian activities that promote human welfare and alleviate disparities.
Furthermore, two honours given at the Scientific and Technical honours have been renamed to better recognise technological accomplishments.
Key submission deadlines have been established, emphasising the necessity of timely entries in a variety of categories such as animated short films, documentary features, and international feature films.
The Academy has recently amended campaign promotional laws, establishing guidelines for marketing Oscar-eligible films and performances to its members.
These modifications demonstrate the Academy’s dedication to adjusting to the changing landscape of the film business while preserving the Oscars’ integrity and reputation. As Hollywood prepares for the 97th Academy Awards, excitement is high for an event that promises to recognise greatness and innovation in filmmaking.
