Oscars eligibility has been a major question
since stay at home and social distancing orders
led to both the cancellation of major film
festivals and the closure of movie theaters.
Previously, a film would have to have a
minimum seven-day theatrical run in a Los
Angeles County commercial theater in order
to be considered for film’s highest honor. Now
films that had a previously planned theatrical
release but are made available on a home
video on demand service may qualify for best
picture and other categories.
“We’re dealing with the unfolding reality of
an unanticipated, unprecedented global
health crisis and trying to be responsive
to what’s going on in the world and at the
same time support our filmmakers who are
in a circumstance beyond their control,” film
academy president David Rubin told The
Associated Press Tuesday.
Dawn Hudson, the CEO of the film academy,
said that they have been in “constant
conversation with all parts of our community
from studios to filmmakers to theater owners”
to make decisions that support all.
Earlier this month, the film academy donated
$6 million to help motion picture employees
and their families during this crisis.
“Our primary message is take care of
yourselves,” Hudson added. “We’ll be flexible
on our rules this year because we understand
how unprecedented and devastating this is.”
The academy’s board noted, however,
that when theaters reopen, the rules
exemption will no longer apply. Many expect
cinemas nationwide to reopen by June or July.