The race for the Oscars has officially begun as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences unveiled 207 films eligible for the prestigious Best Picture nomination. Just two days before the voting for the 2025 Oscar nominations kicks off, the contenders open themselves to scrutiny.
With 323 feature films eligible for the Academy Awards this year, only 207 made it past the stringent eligibility criteria set for the Best Picture category. According to the Academy, the general requirement dictates that films should be screened in a commercial theater in one of six major U.S. cities between January 1 and December 31, 2024, running for at least seven consecutive days and clocking over 40 minutes in length.
However, for Best Picture consideration, there’s an additional layer of complexity. Films are required to submit a confidential Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards (RAISE) form. This year, contenders must fulfill two out of four diversity-focused criteria, which involve on-screen representation, diversity among staff and crew, access opportunities in the industry, and diversity within marketing teams.
The stakes have been raised this time around with a mandate for an expanded theatrical run. Eligible films need to secure a seven-day run in ten of the top 50 U.S. markets within 45 days post-release in 2024. The Academy made it clear that eligibility status could still change if any film fails to complete the required theatrical run by January 24, 2025.
Among the frontrunners are films that have already made waves at the Golden Globes, including ‘The Brutalist’ and ‘Emilia Perez.’ Meanwhile, others like ‘Anora,’ ‘A Complete Unknown,’ and ‘The Substance’ are generating buzz for their potential to win the Oscar.
Voting for the Oscar nominations is set to commence on January 8 at 9 a.m. PT and conclude on January 12 at 5 p.m. PT. Enthusiasts and critics alike are eagerly awaiting this year’s nominations, intrigued to see if their favorites have made the cut.
As the countdown to the 2025 Oscars begins, filmmakers and cinephiles are on the edge of their seats. The diverse range of films competing for the Best Picture nomination promises an exciting race. With only a few days left before the nominations are announced, the air is filled with anticipation and speculation.
Source: Yahoo
