Academy Announces Sweeping Changes for 2025 Oscars: International Features, Animation, and More Affected
Short Summary:
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced new rules for the 2025 Oscars, affecting international films, animation, original scores, and screenwriting. Changes include expanded eligibility criteria, altered submission deadlines, and updated award categories.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has rolled out several significant rule changes for the 2025 Oscars, affecting various categories including international feature films, animation, original score, and screenwriting.
Starting with the 2025 Oscars, animated features submitted as international films will also be eligible for the animated feature film category, provided they meet the criteria for both categories. This update aims to broaden the scope of films competing for accolades in different segments.
Furthermore, the eligibility period for the international feature film category will be from November 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, marking a slight adjustment from previous years.
In the original score category, the number of titles on the shortlist will increase from 15 to 20. Moreover, up to three composers can now receive individual Oscars if their contributions to the score are substantial. Previously, composers were required to submit as a group if there were more than one, defined as a recognized band.
Screenwriters will now need to submit the final shooting script for their films, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the scripting process.
Additionally, the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award have undergone changes in their criteria and presentation format. The former will now be presented as an Oscar statuette, while the definition of humanitarian efforts for the latter has been clarified to highlight contributions to human welfare that bring credit to the film industry.
Technical awards have also been renamed, reflecting their importance and scope within the industry's technological advancements.
For a film to be considered for the Oscars, it must have a qualifying theatrical release between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. Notably, drive-in theaters are no longer a qualifying venue, and the list of qualifying U.S. metropolitan areas has been expanded to include Dallas-Fort Worth.
Campaigners in the best picture category are now required to extend the theatrical release to at least 45 days after the initial qualifying showing. The eligibility for the best picture category remains contingent upon the submission of a confidential Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form, ensuring films meet diversity and inclusion standards.
The 97th annual Academy Awards are scheduled for March 2, 2025, with submission deadlines starting on August 15, 2024, for several categories, including Animated Short Film and Documentary Feature Film, among others. This structured timeline underscores the Academy's commitment to an organized and fair assessment of all entries.
These adjustments reflect the Academy's ongoing efforts to adapt to industry changes and ensure a fair competition among a diverse array of films.