Film Academy Sets New Oscar Rules Including Limiting Song Submissions, Clarifying Campaign Guidelines

variety.com:

Pat Saperstein Deputy EditorThe Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced several changes in Oscar rules and campaigning requirements, as well as a return to the calendar year for submissions.

While digital screeners will still be available, “The Academy encourages the screening of eligible films in a theatrical setting for its members,” the organization emphasized.The Academy is also underlining the importance of theatrical distribution, emphasizing that “Films that, in any version, receive their first public exhibition or distribution in any manner other than as a theatrical motion picture release will not be eligible for Academy Awards in any category.”Changes include:The eligibility period for Academy Awards consideration is returning to the full calendar year after the pandemic forced changes in the calendar.

A feature film must have a qualifying theatrical release date between Jan. 1, 2022 and Dec. 31, 2022. Films must be released in theaters to be eligible, the Academy said. “The Academy Screening Room will no longer be a method of qualification, as theaters have reopened; the six qualifying U.S.

metropolitan areas continue to be Los Angeles County; the City of New York; the Bay Area; Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; and Atlanta, Georgia, and apply to General Entry categories as well as the Documentary and Short Film categories,” the Academy explained.Academy Screening Room access will continue to be made available for all eligible releases, with digital links to materials permitted under certain circumstances.As far as campaigning, the Academy set forth a detailed list of the ways film companies can and cannot appeal to Academy members to watch and consider their films.