Oscars 2021 Make Historical Change Due to Coronavirus

Yara Sameh

The coronavirus pandemic has hit the entertainment industry hard, which including the 2021 Oscars. The 93rd Oscars telecast is still slated to be held on February 28, 2021, however, it will witness major changes in this difficult time.

The Oscars announced in a lengthy-statement on the Academy Awards website stated that it will allow, for the first time in history, streaming movies that were not a cinematically released to qualify for entry in the Best Picture categories and others, under these conditions:

The film 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.

The film must meet all other eligibility requirements.

The Academy stated that these rules will apply until the date it determines, and when theaters reopen in accordance with federal, state, and local specified guidelines and criteria.

“The Academy firmly believes there is no greater way to experience the magic of movies than to see them in a theater. Our commitment to that is unchanged and unwavering. Nonetheless, the historically tragic COVID-19 pandemic necessitates this temporary exception to our awards eligibility rules,” said Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson.

"The Academy supports our members and colleagues during this time of uncertainty. We recognize the importance of their work being seen and also celebrated, especially now, when audiences appreciate movies more than ever." he added.

It will also expand the number of qualifying theaters beyond Los Angeles County, which will include venues in the City of New York; the Bay Area; Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; and Atlanta, Georgia.

The awards rules committee determined that it is not fair to punish companies and filmmakers who felt or feel the need, for reasons financial or otherwise, to get their work out to the world prior to the resumption of traditional moviegoing.

It was also determined that two sound Oscars, for Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing, will be consolidated into one: Best Sound.

In addition, to be eligible for Best Original Score, at least 60% of the film’s music must be original, while any sequels and franchise films, a score must have a minimum of 80%.

It was also determined for the first time that film submissions will be made available through the Academy Screening Room streaming platform to those members who opt-in. These members of the International Feature Film Preliminary Voting committee must meet a minimum viewing requirement in order to be eligible to vote in the category.

For the complete 93rd Academy Awards rules, visit oscars.org/rules.