Films won't need to be released in theaters to qualify for an Oscar next year, according to new rules announced Tuesday evening by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Why it matters: Movie studios are required to debut their films in a physical theater in Los Angeles County for at least seven days in order to qualify for the Oscars, but the Academy says it's temporarily changing its rules as most movie theaters remain shuttered across the country due to the coronavirus.
Details: The Academy said in a statement that "when theaters reopen in accordance with federal, state and local specified guidelines and criteria, this rules exemption will no longer apply." That date has yet to be determined.
- In order to qualify, all films must be made available on the secure Academy Screening Room member-only streaming site within 60 days of the film’s streaming or VOD release, and they must still meet all other eligibility requirements.
- Additionally, in order for films to more easily meet theatrical exhibition requirements when theaters reopen, the Academy says it will expand the number of qualifying theaters beyond Los Angeles County to include venues in New York City, the Bay Area, Chicago, Miami and Atlanta.
The big picture: This change could have huge implications for streaming companies like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, which have reluctantly placed their films in theaters solely to qualify for Oscars.
Between the lines: The requirement has caused a lot of tension between the old guard of Hollywood that insists streamers shouldn't be eligible for Oscars, and newer streaming companies that say their small-screen movies are just as...