Streamed films will be eligible for next year’s Oscars in response to the Covid-19 pandemic closing cinemas across the US, the film academy has said.
In a major departure from existing rules, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said for 2021 movies that do not receive a full cinema release will be able to compete at the Oscars.
That includes films that debut on streaming or video on demand services. However, the body said at a “date to be determined” and when cinemas have reopened following the pandemic, the exemption will no longer apply and any films released after that point will have to comply with the Academy’s usual rules.